Josh Veale needed to win the Gloucester sporting trial, and did, to stand any chance of snatching the British championship. However, second place proved enough for his father, Ian, to win the championship for the first time, in his self assembled Sherpa, dating back to before Josh was born, with middle son in the passenger seat.

The Veale’s and Darren Underwood led after the first round being pointless. Underwood was first to blink, then a poor third round of six sections saw Josh Veale take the lead, following two brilliant climbs that no other competitor managed. Lunchtime saw the retirement of outgoing champion Simon Kingsley with engine concerns. Josh hung on to take his second win of the year, from Ian, with John Fack returning to the podium three points further back.

Andy Wilks had a quiet, consistent day finishing fourth ahead of Jerome Fack who slipped-up for a four on the first round, who tied with George Watson. Early leader Darren Undewood slipped back to seventh overall but still managed to win the live axle class, and championship on a tiebreak, after a season long battle with Bob Packham who finished in ninth overall.

Richard Sharp finished eighth after a poor second round dropped him to tenth. Newcomer and rookie of the year John Firth continued to excel with a fabulous tenth place overall, from Ian Blease-Dudley. John Cole won the independent blue class in twelfth.

Ian Veale was delighted to finally win the British championship, having arrived at the final event in 1994 in a three way battle, in a car he bought in kit form in 1986 prior to the three boys arrival.

Gloucester Sporting Trial: Midlands Trials Car Club 

22 starters –Frocester, Stroud 

1. Josh Veale / Tristan Veale, Sherpa, 8 points
2. Ian Veale / Sandy Veale, Sherpa, 14
3. John Fack / Paul Leyser, MSR, 17
4. Andy Wilks / Mark Smith, Crossle, 21
5. Jerome Fack / Brian Becker, MSR, 25
6. George Watson / Victoria Watson, Hamilton, 25
7. Darren Underwood / Sue Underwood, Sherpa, 30
8. Richard Sharp / Joe Sharp, Cartwright, 33
9. Bob Packham / Mark Talon, Kincraft, 38
10. John Firth / Ann Boyes, SRB, 45