A CHEPSTOW based rallying team have claimed victory in the Sol Rally in Barbados for their performance in the ’Historic’ category.

Weir Rallying are celebrating their ’Historic Class’ win after returning from the Sol Rally, Barbados with their mark 2 Ford Escort. Not only did they win their class, but came 15th overall.

Rob Weir, team principal said: "We’re thrilled with the result, finishing beyond our wildest expectations. After a great start, it just got better and better as the stages progressed. The vehicle ran faultlessly, returning with not even a scratch to the paintwork."

The car was driven by Alex Allingham, who joined Weir Rallying in August last year and comes from an accomplished background after previously winning the Welsh Gravel Championship in 2010, 11 and 14.

Alongside Alex was co-driver Ross Weir of Chepstow-based company HJ Weir Engineering, with Rob Weir as the team principal.

The event started with the king of the hill round and, while disappointed with the initial allocated seeded position, the team made up fantastic time, placing them in first ’Overall Historic’ and 25th place in the rankings overall.

Friday night saw the start of the night stages which ran through Bushy Park and featured thousands of spectators who had gathered to support the event and see the race in action.

Saturday saw ten stages centred around the north and middle of the island, where roads were closed to make way for the event.

Sunday continued with fantastic action with a further ten stages focusing on the south east region, culminating with stage 23 as a ’Super Special Stage’ which took place at Vaucluse Raceway. Thousands of locals supported the event where the stadium was swamped with onlookers.

Rob Weir said: "I want to thank Alex, Ross and the support team behind the scenes that make things possible, together with a special thanks to the event organisers and locals who made us feel so welcome, their support means so much to Weir Rallying."

The Barbados Rally has grown into the Caribbean’s biggest annual motor sport and a keystone of the island’s sports-tourism calendar. Sol Rally Barbados and the king of the hill events are organised by the Barbados Rally Club, which celebrated its 62nd anniversary this year.