FROM THE MOTORSPORT VISION WEBSITE

"West Kingsdown racer Rod Birley scored an historic 500th career victory in the Dunlop Motorsport News Saloon Car Championship at Brands Hatch today (Saturday), following a nail-biting battle with Darren Bly's Nissan Skyline.

After clinching pole position earlier today, Birley's Ford Escort Cosworth led off the startline with the Escort of Nick Williamson in pursuit. However, Williamson spun off at Clark curve at the end of the opening lap, leaving Birley with an early lead of nearly four seconds over his nearest rival.  Birley was not able to relax though, as his Ford Escort soon came under intense pressure from the Nissan Skyline of Darren Bly.  The battle intensified further when the safety car was deployed on lap four after Nikolas Barton's Ford Fiesta rolled several times after making contact with another car at Clearways. This closed up the field for the remaining few minutes of the race.
At the restart, Birley made a break after lapping the Mini of Michael Edgell, which put an obstacle between himself and Bly.  However, Bly continued to push Birley, and by the last lap he had closed the gap to just four tenths of a second.  Bly made a final lunge at Birley in the run up to Druids, but the 2009 series champion was able to keep his rival at bay - outdragging the Nissan Skyline to the line by just 0.166s to claim an historic 500th career victory at his home circuit.

"That was probably one of the most nerve wracking races of my life! said Birley. Although I have the championship in the bag, getting a 500th win is a once in a lifetime achievement. The pressure was really on, as Im unbeaten at Brands Hatch; this is my thirteenth win out of thirteen races here."

"It's great to win my 500th race at my home circuit, Brands Hatch is one of the best tracks in the world," he added. "I'm actually back here in two weeks time racing in the BARC Intermarque League!"

To mark his impressive achievement, MotorSport Vision presented Rod with a special commemorative trophy marking his 500th victory.  Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of MotorSport Vision, added: "Many congratulations to Rod on his fantastic achievement. To win 500 races at any level really is superb, and its particularly special that Rod has been able to celebrate this milestone at Brands Hatch, his home circuit."

"As well as a successful racing driver, Rod works extremely hard to promote club motorsport in the south east. He's a very determined man, so I wouldnt be at all surprised if were celebrating his 600th race victory here in the near future!"

Dunlop Motorsport News Saloon Car Championship, Brands Hatch, result:
1. Rod Birley (Ford Escort WRC), 15:04.221
2. Darren Bly (Nissan Skyline), +0.166s
3. Nick Williamson (Ford Escort), +4.991s
4. Malcolm Wise (Ford Escort), +14.127s
5. Stratton Mackay (Subaru Impreza WRX), +17.678s
6. Cris Hayes (SEAT Cupra), +21.607s
7. Andy Thompson (SEAT Leon), +24.956s
8. Ray Barrow (Ford Escort), +24.987s