2004 Kwik Fit Pirelli British Rally Champion, David Higgins did everything required from him to ensure he achieved his goal on the final round of the series, The Tempest Rally. Championship leader for most of the season, Higgins had just one aim over the weekend, to stay ahead of his nearest rival in the series on this last event. A cool and calculated drive ensured he emerged from the final stage of the championship as the British Champion.The Trefeglwys driver along with regular co-driver Daniel Barritt in their SGP Motorsport Hyundai Accent World Rally Car had taken an early lead in the championship standings after the opening test on Friday evening. The pair finishing the first leg on Friday with an eleven second lead for the championship. Although the pair were in second place behind David's brother Mark and would have revelled in some sibling rivalry under normal circumstances, David deciding to take a more precautionary route to the title."It would have been easy to get involved in a battle with my brother, but he was not a risk to my title chances so he could stay in front of us in the rally. We were basically doing the bare minimum to stay leading BRC contender and taking no risks." During the early morning re-start, Higgins continued his steady pace unaware that the championship battle was down to just under six seconds separating the two championship rivals. Once Higgins was aware of the gap he made amends on the very next test."We struggled a little with tyre choice on Saturday morning and were not sure where our rivals were. While we were still in front, when we actually saw how little a gap we had, we made a little push on the next stage to increase our gap to over fifteen seconds, not a major gap but as long as we were smooth we would be okay."The Mitsubishi World Rally Championship Team Test driver eventually crossed the finish line with no dramas and more importantly a lead of eight seconds in the championship and second to his brother."The family has had an extremely rewarding weekend, with my brother winning the rally, me coming home second and taking the championship. While our younger cousin Andrew Leece won a round of the Ka series to win the championship too."While Higgins is relishing his championship win, he is also looking at next year and what prospects lie in front of him."I would truly love to defend my title in 2005, but the reality of it will be if I have not secured the budget by the start of the season, it wont happen. I had considered running a Production Car in the series next year as the costs are a lot less and felt we could have been in contention with that too, but the recent rule changes for the championship have ended that plan. We are also discussing possibilities to run a car in Production World Rally Championship and with our connections with Mitsubishi, that would be the obvious choice."While the Welsh based Manx man in jubilant mood, he is well aware that it has not been a one man show."I have to thank Chris Wood, Craig Thorley and of course Daniel, all have sat with me this year in the series and kept me in the title fight. We would not have been in the running without a great team behind us with SGP Motorsport, with many thanks to Steve Petch for all his support. Also all our corporate partners for the year, who have ensured we have been able to start all the events in the series."