Weston ends Bogie's winning runposted in SRC16 | 04 | 2011

SCOTS RALLY CHAMP David Bogie saw his eight-event winning streak ended when he was denied victory in the Aberdeen-based Granite City Rally; but he missed out on victory by just one-second.

The 23-year-old from Dumfries, bidding for his third successive Scottish Rally Championship and whose winning streak goes back to last year's Granite in April, was pipped by former champ Dave Weston.

The veteran Aberdonian, who won the championship in 2006 and was driving his Ford Focus World Rally Car, entered the final 4.6-mile stage at Fetteresso leading Bogie's lesser-powered Mitsubishi Evo IX by one second.

Such was the closeness of their battle all day that both drivers clocked exactly the same time, 4mins 43secs, over the stage, confirming Weston as the winner.

"That was a real battle with young David," Weston (pictured) admitted today when he returned to rally HQ. "We were nip-and-tuck all day, but it was a great battle and it's fantastic to win."

Bogie meanwhile, who still leads the championship after three of the eight rounds, was satisfied with his performance at the end of the event which lived up to its gruelling reputation with 32 cars forced to retire.

"That was a hell of a day," Bogie, who also leads the British Rally Championship, said, "but it was fun. I knew Dave would be a serious threat today because I know how much he loves to win his home rally.

"Of course I'm disappointed; it doesn't matter how close it is, but no one wants to come second. But winning runs always have to come to an end sometime, and the most important thing is I've increased my lead in the championship.

"Third place was taken by another 23-year-old, David Wilson. The Alness driver, piloting his Mitsubishi, was 1min 20secs behind the winner.

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Jim McGill

Photo: LindsayPhotoSport