Panton Secures R5 Rally Championship Victory for Charity

Jamaica's Jeff Panton clinched the 2023 R5 Rally Championship, making a strategic move to secure the title. In the final round, the BRC Winter Rally, he finished third, allowing Mark Maloney to win his first R5 race after a fierce battle with Rob Swann.

Panton's triumph earned his nominated charity, Food for the Poor/The HUB People-Helping-People, a $5,000 donation from First Citizens, the title sponsor. The Barbados Motoring Federation (BMF) also contributed $1,000 and $500 to charities chosen by the runners-up.

Panton and his co-driver, Mike Fennell Jnr, secured three wins in the six rounds of the championship. The competition was shortened due to the cancellation of two rounds because of Tropical Storm Tammy. Mark Maloney won four rounds and partnered with his brother Stuart for a victory in the final round.

Panton explained, "We were leading the R5 championship and decided to focus on the overall championship. We didn't go for the win but maintained our position."

The race was filled with excitement and drama as nine R5s battled across different stages, with Gregg initially leading. However, Gregg's fortunes took a turn after lunch when he suffered a puncture, allowing Mark Maloney to take the lead and eventually win the race.

Panton's strategy paid off, securing him the championship title.