RALLY driver Barry Pittaway is indebted to the man who owed him money.

It was the impetus the Richmond motorsport enthusiast needed to get into a sport he is now taking by storm.

"Someone owed me some money and all he had was an old rally car, a Chevette," said Barry, who has run his own garage at Melsonby for the past four years.

That was just three years ago and since then the 29-year-old has exhibited a natural talent for the sport which has put him in second place in Group A of the BTRDA Rally Series, ahead of many who drive for a living.

He and his Richmond navigator David Kirby, 33, have high hopes for the season in the most popular rally series in the country, which this year has attracted 330 registered competitors.

"We have only done four rallies so far and we are second in class," he said. "Some have done six and there are four more to go, so hopefully that will leapfrog us up the table.

"Some of these boys we are up against test every weekend, others teach at rally schools and are driving every day of the week. So considering we do it part time we are doing all right."

Barry was expected to go into the family business - his father is well known Darlington butcher Dirk Pittaway - but he was always interested in cars and motorbikes and trained as a mechanic.

"I wish I could have started rallying earlier, I could have been a contender," said Barry. "But I would still like the chance to drive for a works team - anyone would."

Barry and David are among the few in the series to compete with a two wheel drive car, though they have their eyes on an all wheel drive Subaru for next season.

Their F2 Nissan Sunny Gti, which when new would have cost close to £250,000 to build, boasts a 240bhp engine and a sequential gearbox said to save two seconds a mile.

The car is worked on when Barry is not spannering for his customers and is very competitive in the dry.

But rallying is far from cheap to take part in and the car is kept on track with the help of sponsors. Anyone wanting to swell the ranks can contact Barry on (01325) 718292.