SAM Bilham made it four wins out of four in the DMACK Fiesta ST Trophy by triumphing in the Carlisle Stages Rally – despite a less than perfect build-up.

Victory in the British Trials and Rally Drivers' Association (BTRDA) Rally Series has brought the hotly contested single-make championship title within the grasp of the Bingley youngster.

The 2300 Club John Easson Award winner and co-driver Cameron Fair are just one podium result away from taking the Fiesta honours, despite three rounds of the series not having taken place.

In his second season behind the wheel of the Fiesta ST, Bilham led the championship for much of last year, only losing out on the closing events to take the runner-up spot overall.

This time around he has been on top in all four rounds so far, meaning that he heads to the Nicky Grist Stages Rally in Wales next month as firm favourite for the win.

Based in the Kershope and East Kielder forests, the Carlisle Stages runs across notorious stages in the Scottish Borders and is renowned for catching out even the most experienced of drivers.

Yet Bilham's chief problems came during an eventful lead-up to the weekend, threatening his title assault.

A delay in parts for the transmission forced him to work through the week to ensure the Calvert Construction and Reis Motorsport Insurance-backed Fiesta would be ready for the event.

His aim was for a solid points haul. However, the timesheets told a different story.

Despite pre-event aspirations of merely being on the podium, he was in charge from start to finish in the treacherous conditions.

Taking the lead on the opening stage, he brought the Fiesta home with the fastest time on every one of the five stages, making it back in 19th overall.

"It's been a pretty nervous week, if I'm honest, and to come away with five fastest times and win number four is a very pleasant surprise," said Bilham.

"We came here for points and thought we would have to just play it safe – but after stage one, everything felt really good and we just kept that pace throughout.

"It seems to have worked and I'm really pleased to be heading to the Nicky Grist with the chance of clinching the title. It's been a dream season so far and we just have to keep that momentum up on the next one."

Bilham's victory also means he holds first place in the BTRDA Class N3, as well as being third in the Production Cup and Silver Star categories.

* Sam Bilham is supported by 2300 Club John Easson Award, Calvert Construction, Reis Motorsport Insurance, The Garage at Stanley Mills, Northern Life Magazine and Gareth Hooper Motorsport Services.