The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Trial series concluded with its final round at Dhoon Quarry, bringing an end to a busy season for organiser the Isle of Man Four Wheel Drive Club.

Alongside the four-round Trial series, the club has hosted visits to the Island by fellow off-road enthusiasts from Wales and Yorkshire.

The last event in the Steam Packet Company-sponsored Trial series saw competitors battle it out over eight challenging sections, with Bob Boyde in his medium wheelbase Land Rover 90 emerging as victor. Bernard Moore’s Suzuki Jimny was the highest short wheelbase finisher, second overall, and the shared Range Rover of Antony Aspel was first long wheelbase vehicle home, in fourth place.

The overall winners in each class over the season will be announced at the club’s awards ceremony in November, with prizes donated by the Steam Packet Company being presented.

Formed in 1989, the club holds regular competitions in the Isle of Man, as well as some members travelling off-Island to compete. Its events also attract drivers from the UK to test themselves against the Manx terrain in organised contests.

Richard Crane, from the Isle of Man Four Wheel Drive Club, said a group of 12 from Wales visited in the spring to enjoy some greenlaning and take part in an event, and the club also hosted two visits by a group of off-roaders from Yorkshire who joined in competitions.

He added: ‘The Trial series has been well-supported once again and has seen some great competition. The continued sponsorship from the Steam Packet Company allows us to grow the Trial series, which is the backbone of our calendar and contributes to the club’s reputation for running well-organised events, helping to attract visitors from the UK.

‘We try to ensure entry fees for our events are kept to a minimum so we can bring competitors to the Isle of Man and share our wonderful Island with them. Some of our visitors this year have been before and the group from Yorkshire came twice during the same season, which shows just how much they enjoyed their visits. We have also been contacted by other clubs in the UK interested in visiting next year.

‘I’d like to thank the Steam Packet Company for its ongoing support and I am looking forward to another great Trial series in 2017.’

The club prides itself on running well-organised events and encouraging responsible off-roading which respects the environment. It was instrumental in the creation of the Green Lane Users’ Group (GLUG) and members are involved in inspecting and carrying out maintenance and repairs to the Island’s extensive network of legal green lanes.

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We’re delighted the Trial series has had another successful and competitive year, and that more visitors from the UK have been hosted by the Isle of Man Four Wheel Drive Club during 2016. The fact the club’s properly organised and popular events are bringing people to the Island is a benefit to the local community, and something we are happy to support.’

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