SAM Bilham was set for a podium finish in the Trackrod Rally Yorkshire, only to go off on the penultimate stage.

The Bingley teenager was second in the Rally First category at the REIS-Ravenol BTRDA (British Trial and Rally Drivers’ Association) Championship qualifier before his mishap, which dropped him to fifth.

It all added up to a tough day for the MSA RSF Young Driver of the Year as the 18-year-old had been second for much of the day prior to the ramp finish at Pickering Showground.

Originally planning to use his newly-acquired Allfab EMS Ltd-backed Ford Fiesta ST, a last- minute switch to his familiar Nissan Micra, due to a mechanical issue, meant that Bilham could not use the event to familiarise himself with the car he will drive in the Wales Rally GB nest month.

However, the Micra did enable the teenager to vie for victory in the hotly-contested Rally First series, something which has eluded him during his sporadic outings this year.

Co-driven by Joe Cruttenden, the duo stamped their intentions firmly on the leaderboard during the opening two-stage loop, returning to the Pickering-based service area in an impressive second place.

A confidence-boosting run throughout the afternoon loop saw the newly-formed pairing head out for the final two stages seemingly secure runners-up.

But an uncharacteristic off into the undergrowth on the penultimate test meant they dropped to third and, with damage sustained to the front end, they limped through the stage in the hope of making it to the finish in the final podium position. However, the impact had caused unseen issues with the front suspension, and the front wheel became insecure during the final stage, slowing the Micra to a crawl, losing all hope of a decent result for Bilham in his home rally.

He said: “It was frustrating not to be using the Allfab EMS Fiesta but we wanted to be sure everything was perfect before it made its debut.

“It’s lucky we had the Micra ready to go, and I really enjoyed the first four stages.

"The car felt good and it’s the first time this year we have been on this pace, which is encouraging, but the off into the scenery really ended our charge and I had to concentrate on getting back to the finish.

"We only just managed that too but overall it was a good event for us and it’s good to know I still have the pace which has eluded me so far this year.

"I have to concentrate on November now and learning the new car. There will be a lot to take in over the next few weeks.”