Callum Black and co-driver Jack Morton took victory on the opening round of the 2021 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship, the Nicky Grist Stages, winning the Interclub Rally section of the event and finishing an incredible seventh overall in their Ford Fiesta R5.

In his first rally outing for almost two years, and his first in an R5 car for three and a half years, Callum, the 2017 Pirelli Welsh National Rally champion, drove brilliantly to score maximum points on the 44 stage mile event, held on the classic mid-Wales forest stages of Llyn Login, Monument, Halfway and Crychan.

Despite a handling problem in the morning, caused by a broken anti-roll bar, and a spin on SS2, the 586 Sports team driver finished 21 seconds ahead of Ian Bainbridge/Will Atkins, who were delighted with the set-up changes they'd made to their Å koda Fabia R5 during lockdown. Ian was a lot faster in the afternoon, when all four stages were repeated - a full 20 seconds faster through Crychan the second time in fact.

Third place went to George Lepley/Tom Woodburn in their AMS-tuned Mitsubishi Evo X. After a very good start, they found the afternoon loop was much more challenging, but did well to stay in touch with the R5 cars. They were also top Welsh Junior crew home - Lepley staking first claim to the top end-of-season prize of a test in a PCRS Rallysport-prepared Hyundai i20 R5, courtesy of OnThePaceNote.

It's the same Junior prize that Tom Llewellin won in 2019, and the former Welsh Junior champion appeared this time in a Mitsubishi Mirage. Together with co-driver Ross Whittock, he made a fantastic four-wheel drive competition debut, and never put a foot wrong as he got valuable miles under his belt on his way to fourth.

Scotland's Garry Pearson/Niall Burns picked up points for fifth in their Mitsubishi Evo IX. Richard Hill and Elgan Davies were paired together for the first time in their Mitsubishi Evo IX, and the new driver/co-driver partnership worked so well that they caught the car ahead of them on SS4. Their speed continued in the afternoon, coming home sixth, while Gareth Mimnagh/Barry McCarney had a good run to an untroubled seventh place in their Mitsubishi Evo VI - and topped the RAVENOL UK Welsh Challenge category.

2019 Pirelli Welsh National Rally champions Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear had a nightmare of an opening loop, with an engine misfire on SS1 and 2 and a broken driveshaft on SS3 and 4 in their Mitsubishi Evo IX. Despite this, they showed their class with a brilliant recovery in the afternoon, which rewarded them with 11th at the finish.

Also struggling was the 2019 championship runner-up Russ Thompson, who snapped a pair of driveshafts on his Mitsubishi Evo IX upon landing after a jump on SS2. Having missed two stages, he completed the afternoon's loop of stages - both for testing and to get seat time with new co-driver Peredur Davies.

Andy Davies/Ian Beamond were having a good run before a TCA broke on their Subaru Impreza.

Bob Morgan's first rally for three years was hampered a little with his super-smart and self-prepared Å koda Fabia struggling to launch off the start lines. Co-driven by Adrian Williams, the Winner Garage boss was to retire in the afternoon with brake problems.

Wug Utting was sporting a new hip, having had a replacement operation only a month ago. He and co-driver Bob Stokoe were on fine form in their Subaru Impreza STi N12, completing the event without drama. It was also a good debut for Martyn and Dawn England, who, after many years in their Ford Fiesta R5+, had purchased a Mitsubishi Evo X just four days before the event. And they got to the finish without an issue.

It was also great to see Nik Elsmore return to the sport, having only contested three rallies in the last 12 years! On his first event since the 2015 Wyedean Stages Rally, he and co-driver Craig Drew were quickly back up to speed in a Mitsubishi Evo IX, getting used to a sequential gearbox and route notes after a long time away. Elsmore joked that, "it's a good opportunity to blow plenty of cobwebs away, although the event doesn't have much faith in us, seeding us at ninety-one." And he was correct, for he was a second per mile quicker through the stages in the afternoon and came home ninth registered Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship contender.

David Crossen won the Restruct-sponsored Two-Wheel Drive category, the Irishman finishing eighth with Aileen Kelly on the notes in an Escort Mk2.

Paul Barrett/Gordon Noble were almost a minute behind in their Escort Mk2 - but were nonetheless overjoyed to win the hotly contested Historic class.

Frank Kelly, co-driven by his daughter Lauren, had a tyre come off the rim on SS2 - but their afternoon was a lot better as they came home third 2WD in their famous Baby Blue Escort Mk2. Owen McMackin/Lee Taylor and Ashley Davies/Sam Fordham finished fourth and fifth in the 2WD section in their Escort Mk2s.

Having very kindly donated 500 packets of fabulously moreish Brace's Welsh Cakes for all the volunteer marshals, Jonathan Brace had a good start to the event - despite picking up a puncture in SS2. Sadly for him and co-driver Paul Spooner, his immaculate Escort Mk2's engine cut out a mile into the final stage and refused to restart.

Ben Friend/Cliff Simmons also had high hopes of a good result, but their run ended after their Escort Mk2 broke its differential on landing after a crossroads junction.

Paul Street/Ian Jones finished second in the Historic section in their RS1800 Mk2. 2000 Pirelli Welsh National Rally champions Pete Littler/Andy Marchbank and Michael Mcdaid/Daniel Petrie came home third and fourth in a pair of Escort Mk2s, while Tom Coughtrie/Ian Fraser were fifth Historic home in their Mitsubishi Galant VR4.

Gary Smith/Clive Jones won the private RS1600 Mk1 battle, beating Andrew Stokes/Jonny 'Tad' Evans and David Kirby/Martin Corbett. They might have been seeded in the 200s, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more competitive group of drivers - and that battle is set to rage all season.

Also enjoying themselves were Julian Birley/Steve White. They won the RallySport championship 40 years ago in a Talbot Sunbeam Ti, and have returned this year in a 1600cc Sunbeam - having rebuilt the engine, gearbox and rear axle during lockdown. Their preparation efforts paid off, as they recorded a trouble-free W6 class win.

Ioan Lloyd/Sion Williams enjoyed a fantastic run in their Peugeot 208 R2, a spin on SS2 not getting in the way of a well-earned W4 class victory. Jonathan Jones/Alan Walker were second in their Fiesta R2, while Charlie Todd/Glyn Thomas completed the top three Welsh Juniors in their Fiesta R2T. Jonathan Lee Jones/Lewis Griffiths gently rolled their Fiesta R2T in Halfway, but sadly a holed radiator meant that they could go no further.

James Dunkley/Dan Sayce won the W2 class in their Vauxhall Corsa. Steve Black/Paul Morris (Suzuki Swift S1400) beat David and Toby Brick (Vauxhall Nova) to the W3 class trophy.

Robi Wood/Osian Davies (Escort Mk2) won the new Road Rally (W5) class, with Ricky Crone/Daniel James (Escort) finishing second and Graham Thatcher/Tim Samuels (Peugeot 206) completing the top three.

David Edwards/Paul Dolby (Escort Mk2) beat Neal James/Kevin Jones (Escort) to the W7 award, while Dan and Cyril Jones (Vauxhall Nova) won W10. On their first forestry rally and their first event outside Ireland, Jason Black/Karl Egan won the W11 class in their rear-wheel drive Toyota Starlet.

"It's been three and a half years since I last drove an R5 car and almost two years since I've done a rally, so it's been a very enjoyable event and I'm delighted with the result," said Callum Black.

"It was good to just be back in a rally car - and I was surprised to be right up there and leading the very strong Welsh National Rally Championship section after stage one. Between stage one and two, I noticed that the anti-roll bar had snapped, so I had to disconnect it on the road section. The stability was compromised and the car was trying to get away from me on the faster sections after that, so stages two, three and four were a bit of a challenge.

"The team fixed the car at midday service and after giving it a good go on the first two stages in the afternoon, we decided to bring the car home safely and get through the last two stages without any heroics and take home maximum championship points. I'm very happy with the result and I'm already looking forward to the next event."

While the Nicky Grist Stages was a non-spectator event, fans could watch live streaming with Howard Davies and Eifion Jones interviewing crews from strategic points along the route. Sideways Media was there to film the action, and it is producing a 30 minute programme dedicated to the Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship, which will be uploaded onto social media channels as early as possible.

After a 518-day enforced break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, it truly was a fantastic opening round to the 2021 Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship.

The series continues on Saturday 4 September with the Eventsigns Woodpecker Stages.

Further details on the 2021 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship, together with registration information, can be found online at: wnrc.wamc.org.uk

Picture captions
Top: Callum Black/Jack Morton (Ford Fiesta R5) - 1st overall, Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship, 2021 Nicky Grist Stages.
Bottom: Ian Bainbridge/Will Atkins (Å koda Fabia R5) - 2nd overall, Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship, 2021 Nicky Grist Stages.
Top Middle: George Lepley/Tom Woodburn (Mitsubishi Evo X) - 3rd overall and 1st Junior, Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship, 2021 Nicky Grist Stages.
Middle : David Crossen/Aileen Kelly (Ford Escort Mk2) - 1st Two-Wheel Drive, Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship, 2021 Nicky Grist Stages

Please credit 'Chris Huish, RallySport Media' if reproduced.

Press release: 5 November 2021 

Garry Pearson, pictured, and Callum Black will go head-to-head in the battle for the Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship title as the 2021 series reaches an exciting climax on the Rallynuts Stages Rally (Saturday 13 November).

Having scored maximum points on the previous two rounds, the Eventsigns Woodpecker Rally and Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally, Garry takes a six-point lead into the final round.

With a score to drop towards the final points tally, if Garry and co-driver Niall Burns win again it will give the Asset Alliance Å koda Fabia R5 crew a perfect three maximum score result and their first Welsh title.

If Callum wins and Garry finishes second, they would be tied on points - with Garry winning the tiebreak.

Whilst Callum is currently third in the overall drivers' standings, the 2017 Pirelli Welsh champion could win the title again - but he must finish first or second.

Co-driven by Jack Morton, Callum was the early leader of the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship after taking victory on the opening Nicky Grist Stages. He kept his title hopes alive with a second-place finish in his Pallas Connections-backed Ford Fiesta R5 on the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally, but his retirement on the Woodpecker could come back to haunt him, especially in a tiebreak situation.

Neither driver has rallied in Myherin, Sweet Lamb and Hafren forests for several years. Callum was last there on the 2017 Wales Rally GB, while Garry hasn't seen them since the 2014 WRGB.

George Lepley, pictured, arrives at the Rallynuts Stages lying second in the overall drivers' standings. But with a second and two thirds the WD-40 Mitsubishi Evo X driver can only add five points to his current total (when taking the lowest score to drop into account) and is therefore unable to win the overall title. Together with Tom Woodburn, George is more than capable of winning the event, especially as the fast and flowing mid-Wales stages will suit his car, and he has already claimed the Pirelli Welsh Junior title and the magnificent prize of a test in a PCRS Rallysport-prepared Hyundai i20 R5, courtesy of OnThePaceNote.co.uk

Work commitments prevented Ian Bainbridge, pictured, from contested the last round, but he and co-driver Will Atkins are looking forward to returning to the Welsh forests in their Gypsum Group Å koda Fabia R5. The 2018 Rallynuts Stages was Ian's first forest rally, where he was seeded at number 90 in a Subaru Impreza. His rapid rise through the rallying ranks, particularly since he acquired the Fabia, means that another good result could secure him the Pirelli Welsh runners-up spot.

It's certainly not been the season Matthew Hirst (Delta Salvage Mitsubishi Evo IX) and Russ Thompson (Dunnow Plant Mitsubishi Evo IX) had been hoping for, so the respective 2019 Pirelli Welsh driver champion and runner-up will be aiming to end 2021 on a high. Matthew has been co-driven by Declan Dear all season, while Russ will have Tom Murphy alongside him this time, his third co-driver of the season.

The 2018 Pirelli Welsh driver champion Dylan Davies hit a rock and lost a wheel on the Cambrian Rally and, together with Mark Glennerster on the route notes, will be hoping for better luck this time in his Subaru Impreza.

Perry Gardener/Jack Bowen, who had a fantastic run to fourth on the Woodpecker, return in their Ford Fiesta R5, as do Wug Utting/Bob Stokoe (Subaru Impreza STi N12b), Nik Elsmore/Craig Drew (CDS Taxis Mitsubishi Evo IX) and Martyn and Dawn England (SW Motorsport Mitsubishi Evo X).

Richard Hill/Patrick Cooper (RH Motors Mitsubishi), Saleh Hijazi/Stephen Landen (The Pallet Company Subaru Impreza STi), Keith Jones/Jonny 'Tad' Evans (Grooms Garage Subaru Impreza), Martyn Andrews/Steve Greenhill (Opie Oils Subaru Impreza) and Fraser Martin/Dylan Bargate (Slideways Motorsport Mitsubishi Evo 6) will all be aiming to finish the season in style, whilst after a good debut in their new car Bob Morgan/Adrian Williams will be another crew to watch in their Winner Garage Å koda Fabia R5.

David Tomlin, who retired his Axon Ford Fiesta R5 with clutch problems on the Cambrian, will be co-driven by Ian Beamond as his regular navigator Keith Ashley is otherwise engaged as Rallynuts Stages Clerk of the Course and Chief Safety Officer.

There is a good battle for the RAVENOL UK Welsh Challenge, with several drivers still in contention for the title.

Owen McMackin, pictured, (co-driven by Lee Taylor) currently leads the points standings in his McMackin Plant Hire Escort Mk2, although Ashley Davies (co-driven by Sam Fordham) in his G&B Finch/Burton Power Escort Mk2 and David Crossen (co-driven by Aileen Kelly) in his Crossen Engineering Escort Mk2 could still win the title.

Maxx Bradshaw/Liam Whiteley have travelled from the Isle of Man for every round of this year's Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship and after finishing fourth in the Challenge category on the Cambrian the Manx men will be hoping to end the season with a podium finish in their Renvo8/DB Autos & Sons Mitsubishi Evo III.

There is also a close fight for the Restruct-sponsored Two-Wheel Drive title.

Owen McMackin leads that category as well, with Ashley Davies,pictured, and David Crossen, pictured below, also able to win. In fact, the latter could win the title with a perfect score of 90 points, having won the class on the Nicky Grist and the Woodpecker.

Having given his immaculate Wales Motorsport-built Restruct Escort Mk2 its debut on the Woodpecker, Two-Wheel Drive class sponsor Ron Morgan will contest the Rallynuts with Marc Clatworthy once again in the co-driver's seat.

Retirement on the Cambrian Rally means that Ioan Lloyd is unable to win the Two-Wheel Drive title, although the fact that he's been challenging for that trophy in his West Wales Rally Spares Peugeot 208 R2 highlights what a talented youngster he is. Co-driven by Sion Williams, the teenager's priority was always the class W3 title, although he is in a race against time to repair his car after hitting a rocky outcrop and breaking a strut last time out.

Paul Street/Ian Jones,pictured, lead the highly competitive Pirelli Welsh Historic Cup after a win, a second and a fourth-place finish in their Escort RS1800 Mk2. They can only be beaten to the title by Paul Barrett (Escort Mk2).

Ben Friend/Cliff Simmons finished second in class on the Woodpecker and will be looking to end the season with a Pirelli Welsh Historic Cup win in their Allglass Escort Mk2, although winning the title is beyond them.

Jonathan Brace/Paul Spooner (Brace's Bakery Escort Mk2),pictured, Charles Hopkinson/Alan Jones (Black Antler Design Escort RS1800 Mk2), Neal James/Kevin Jones (Mosley Rolling Road/Cwm Engineering Escort Mk2) and Michael McDaid/Declan Casey (McDaid Pharmacy Escort RS1800 Mk2) will also be hoping to end their Pirelli Welsh Historic Cup season with a good result.

Robi Wood/Osian Davies must win the Pirelli Welsh Road Rally class in their NIBS/SWG Escort Mk2 to have any chance of winning the title. Leaders Ricky Crone/Daniel James (Escort Mk2),pictured, have one hand on the trophy, after two wins and a second this season and don't even have to finish if Robi doesn't win the class to be crowned champions.

Graham Thatcher/Tim Samuel (Pembridge Vehicle Management Peugeot 206GTi),pictured, and Mark Lennox/Rhodri Evens (Lennox Engineering Escort Mk2) have both enjoyed a good season and excelled in the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship's newest class.

Adrian and Matthew Walk will be aiming to secure the W2 title in their PartBOX Ford Ka, having already won the class twice this year.

Steve Black is already the class W3 champion and, co-driven by Paul Morris, the 586 Sports team driver will be out for a bit of giant-killing fun in his rapid Suzuki Swift 1400.

To highlight the vast array of cars that are welcomed into the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship's inclusive class structure, other registered competitors contesting the Rallynuts Stages include Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas (Subaru Impreza), James Dunkley/Dan Sayce (JD Auto Services Vauxhall Corsa), Richard Jordan/James Smith (MG ZR), Conor Tolson/Dylan Thomas (Powerhouse Turbo Garage Ford Fiesta R2), Kevin Metcalfe/Ian Jones (BMW E30), Rob Wilson/Martin Haggett (Ravenol Ford Fiesta R2), Harry Hunt/Steve McPhee (Ford Escort), Robert Bradley/Kevin Booth (Browns Furniture Ford Escort Mk2), Andrew Fox/Jaime-Lee Fox (Fitzgerald Plant Services BMW 325), Paul Lomas/Mark Leader (Plant Speed Ford Escort), Bob Morris/Dil John (Subaru Impreza), Simon Dalton/Jamie Vaughan (Subaru Impreza STi N12b), Steve Hollis/Tim Currie (Volkswagen Golf R), Tom Naylor/Tom Bishop (Ford Fiesta ST), Alan Desbois/Peter Littlefield (RWD Peugeot 306) and Simon and Alex Stanbury in their MG ZR.

Experienced motorsport broadcaster Sideways Media will be at the Rallynuts Stages to capture all the action for a multi-film edited highlights package, dedicated to registered Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship contenders in every class and broadcast on the Championship's Facebook and YouTube channels in the week after the event. In addition, Howard Davies and Eifion Jones will position themselves at passage controls and at the finish where the two former esteemed co-drivers will broadcast live driver interviews and give expert analysis online.

Postponed from its original date in April, this year's Rallynuts Stages Rally on Saturday 13 November will be the 47th running of the event. Voted the best Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship round in 2018 and '19, the Midland Manor Motor Club organised event will follow its now traditional format with six stages and 44 stage miles in Myherin, Sweet Lamb and Hafren forests. Rally HQ, the start, midday service and finish will be at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.

Spectators are welcome at specific stage locations (but not the service area) and more information can be found on the event's website: rallynutsrally.co.uk.

Further details on the 2021 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship can be found online at: wnrc.wamc.org.uk.

Words Paul Evans
Images Paul Mitchell & Chris Huish. 

Press release: 14 November 2021

Garry Pearson is the 2021 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally champion after a stunning fightback on the final two stages of the Rallynuts Stages Rally (Saturday 13 November) saw him clinch the title by the smallest of margins and winning on a tiebreak.

Co-driven by Niall Burns, Garry lost 17 seconds on the opening stage through Myherin when the power steering failed on his Pirelli-shod Asset Alliance Å koda Fabia R5. A nut on the top of the reserve reservoir had come loose which had also caused the windscreen to mist up.

Down in fifth overall and fourth Pirelli Welsh contender, Garry set the fastest time in Sweet Lamb and Hafren to take the Pirelli Welsh lead by the time crews reached mid-day service at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, two seconds ahead of Callum Black and 18 seconds ahead of Ian Bainbridge.

The title looked his, until a right rear puncture halfway through the repeat of Myherin cost Garry almost a minute.

Now 45 seconds behind Callum and 27 seconds behind Ian, Garry needed to finish second to win the Welsh title and with just 13.47 stage miles remaining he launched an incredible fightback.

Garry set the fastest time on SS5 (Sweet Lamb 2) taking 17 seconds out of Ian to set up a thrilling final run through Hafren 2.

In a title or nothing final stage charge, Garry was then 12 seconds faster than Ian to overtake him on the event leaderboard and take second place Pirelli Welsh Championship points by just two seconds - which with Callum taking a maximum score was what Garry needed to be crowned 2021 champion.

It was also cause for celebration for the 2018 Pirelli Welsh driver champion Dylan Davies, who owns, prepares and runs Garry's 2021 title winning Fabia R5.

"It's been one of my most challenging days of my rallying career, from the power steering problem in the morning, driving half of stage four on a puncture and then a fightback on the last two stages in the afternoon," said Garry.

"I took it one event at a time and it's the best year I've ever had in rallying. I'm speechless.

"Credit to Dylan Davies Rallying because they've prepared a good car for us all season. And thanks to Asset Alliance, Pirelli, George Anderson Builders and all the people in the team for pulling together and getting us here."

Callum, pictured,  needed to score maximum points on the Rallynuts to have a chance of winning the Pirelli Welsh drivers' title for a second time, and 2017 champion did that in spectacular style and also finished second overall on the event.

Co-driven by Tom Woodford, a wrong tyre choice in the morning cost Callum time, particularly on SS2 when the Pallas Connections Ford Fiesta R5 understeered badly through Sweet Lamb. It may have cost Callum the overall rally win, but with Garry picking up the Pirelli Welsh points he needed the rally result didn't cost Callum the Welsh title.

Ian, pictured, drove very well, although the work commitments that restricted his pre-rally preparations ultimately prevented him from setting the stage times that he knew he could. Co-driven by Will Atkins, Ian still finished on the Pirelli Welsh podium in his right-hand drive Gypsum Group Å koda Fabia R5, which was just reward for his gritty performance, particularly through Myherin and Sweet Lamb which he thoroughly enjoyed. The result also sees him finish third in the overall drivers' standings.

Perry Gardener/Jack Bowen finished fourth Pirelli Welsh crew on the Eventsigns Woodpecker Rally, which is where they also finished this time on only their second event in a Ford Fiesta R5.

Russ Thompson (co-driven by Tom Murphy) left his best until the last round and finally enjoyed a trouble-free event (save for an issue with a fuel pump on a road section) in his Dunnow Plant Mitsubishi Evo IX to come home fifth.

He was followed home by Matthew Hirst, pictured below, who also finished a difficult season on a high when he and co-driver Declan Dear enjoyed a clean run, albeit surviving a near roll on the penultimate stage, to the finish in their Delta Salvage Mitsubishi Evo IX.

Matthew finishes fifth in the overall drivers' standings, just behind Welsh Junior George Lepley who didn't start the Rallynuts.

Dylan Davies just missed out on a top 10 Rallynuts finish in a Subaru Impreza he'd only bought the day before the event. In an extraordinary performance, he and Mark Glennerster finished 11th overall in a car that he'd not even had the time to put the characteristic Dylan Davies Rallying team yellow and black coloured decals on!

Bob Morgan is still getting used to his new Winner Garage Å koda Fabia R5 - so much so that when the windscreen wipers came on in Sweet Lamb he couldn't find the switch to turn them off. Despite the distraction, he and co-driver Adrian Williams had a great run and finished 18th overall.

Nik Elsmore finished one place behind in his CDS Taxis Mitsubishi Evo IX. It's been many years since he'd rallied on such slippery stages and the part worn tyres that he was using didn't help him find the required grip. Nevertheless, he and co-driver Rob Flagg enjoyed a good run and a top 20 finish.

Maxx Bradshaw/Liam Whiteley were pleased with their pace and admitted they couldn't have gone any faster over the afternoon stages to record a good finish in their Renvo8/DB Autos & Sons Mitsubishi Evo III.

Martyn and Dawn England lost time with a puncture in the morning but recovered well to score a good result in only their second rally in their SW Motorsport Mitsubishi Evo X,

Wug Utting/Bob Stokoe lost a considerable amount of time on the morning loop with a puncture in Sweet Lamb and another in Hafren, but brought their Subaru Impreza STi N12b home for a strong finish

Despite retiring after multiple punctures on SS2, Owen McMackin, pictured, clinched the RAVENOL UK Welsh Challenge title, thanks to Ashley Davies (co-driven by Sam Fordham) retiring his G&B Finch/Burton Power Escort Mk2 after the penultimate stage.

David Crossen's chances of winning the title took a dive when he hit a rock, punctured a tyre and bent the steering on his Crossen Engineering Escort Mk2 on SS1. Co-driven by Aileen Kelly, his title hopes finally came to an end when a throttle cable problem saw him take a stage maximum on SS4 and he skipped the last two stages.

Owen also wins the Restruct-sponsored Two-Wheel Drive title, which gives his navigator Lee Taylor the co-drivers' class trophy.

Paul Street/Ian Jones are confirmed as Pirelli Welsh Historic Cup champions after a great season in their Escort RS1800 Mk2.

Nick Elliott/Dave Price won the category on the day in their Escort Mk2, beating Ben Friend/Cliff Simmons, pictured, who had put gravel suspension on their asphalt Allglass Escort for the event - hence appearing in a white Mk2, rather than their more familiar red Ford.

Michael McDaid enjoyed a good run on his first appearance in the classic mid-Wales forests, with he and co-driver Declan Casey taking a Pirelli Welsh Historic Cup podium in their McDaid Pharmacy Escort RS1800 Mk2 to finish third in the class at the end of the season.

Jonathan Brace/Paul Spooner also ended the season on a high in their Brace's Bakery Escort Mk2, while Charles Hopkinson/Alan Jones (Black Antler Design Escort RS1800 Mk2), Neal James/Kevin Jones (Mosley Rolling Road/Cwm Engineering Escort Mk2) and Ron Morgan/Marc Clatworthy (Restruct Escort Mk2) all survived the tricky and often changeable road conditions to score good results.

Ricky Crone/Daniel James (Escort Mk2) are the Pirelli Welsh Road Rally class champions after taking maximum points on the Rallynuts Stages. They had understeer problems on the first loop in their Escort Mk2 but survived to finish the season with a perfect score of 90 points.

Robi Wood/Osian Davies retired their NIBS/SWG Escort Mk2 mid-way through the afternoon, thus ending their title aspirations.

Mark Lennox/Rhodri Evens had a gear linkage problem on the opening stage in their Tec-Nic Motorsport/Lennox Engineering Escort Mk2, but fortunately the problem cured itself. They weren't quite out of the woods, as a problem with the limited slip differential in the afternoon was cause for concern, although they battled on to finish second in class and secure third in the final Pirelli Welsh Road Rally standings.

Graham Thatcher/Tim Samuel hit a compression on SS1 which caused gear selection problems thereafter and despite starting the afternoon loop they retired their Pembridge Vehicle Management Peugeot 206GTi.

 Ioan Lloyd/Sion Williams, pictured,  focused on getting a finish and in doing so clinched the W4 title in their West Wales Rally Spares Peugeot 208 R2. In a truly wonderful season the talented teenager also finished fifth in the Welsh Challenge drivers' standings and fourth in the Two-Wheel Drive points table.

Conor Tolson/Dylan Thomas finished runners-up in class W4 after a strong season and a good first visit to Myherin, Sweet Lamb and Hafren forests in their Powerhouse Turbo Garage Ford Fiesta R2.

A perfect score of 90 points also secured Adrian and Matthew Walk the class W2 title in their PartBOX Ford Ka.

It also wasn't the easiest condition for a Corsa, but James Dunkley/Dan Sayce did extremely well to finish second in class in their JD Auto Services Vauxhall, despite having to ease off on the final stage when the sumpguard came loose.

 Steve Black put his sensible head on and was also driving for a finish. Co-driven by Paul Morris, the 586 Sports team driver's tactics were rewarded with the class W3 title in his Suzuki Swift 1400.

Elsewhere Simon Dalton/Ryan Griffiths had a good run in their Blendline Subaru Impreza STi N12b, having hit a rock on the inside of a corner on SS3 and narrowly avoided being flung off the road.

Andrew Fox/Jaime-Lee Fox had a worrying noise coming from underneath their Fitzgerald Plant Services BMW 325 as they suspected a dislodged propshaft guard, but they survived to reach the finish.

In only his second event after coming out of a six year rally retirement Chris Gittins reached the finish in his 2.8-litre BMW Compact, ably guided by Daniel Jones.

Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas were happy to finish after they hit a hole a mile from the end of the final stage which bent a wheel in their Green Power Subaru Impreza.

Meanwhile Keith Jones/Jonny 'Tad' Evans (Grooms Garage Subaru Impreza), Harry Hunt/Steve McPhee (Ford Escort) and Rob Wilson/Martin Haggett (Ravenol Ford Fiesta R2) were equally delighted to cross the finish line of what had been a very demanding event.

David Tomlin/Ian Beamond broke a wheel on the opening stage and then a tyre came off the rim on SS2. Their afternoon wasn't much better either and they were forced to retire when the power steering on their Axon Ford Fiesta R5 failed on SS4.

Paul Lomas/Mark Leader (Plant Speed Ford Escort) and Alan Desbois/Peter Littlefield (Peugeot 306 RWD) both retired on the morning loop, while despite hitting a rock on SS2 and stopping to change a puncture David Jones/Gwyn Price retired their Tanners Arms BMW E30 in the afternoon.

Further details on the  Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship can be found online at: wnrc.wamc.org.uk.

2021 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship

Provisional points after Round 4:

Overall driver

1. Garry Pearson.......87pts
2. Callum Black.......87pts
3. Ian Bainbridge.......77pts
4. George Lepley.......77pts
5. Matthew Hirst.......63pts
6. Owen McMackin.......52pts
7. Perry Garender.......48pts
8. Ashley Davies.......48pts
9. Russ Thompson.......47.5pts
10. Richard Hill.......45pts

Overall co-driver

1. Niall Burns.......90pts
2. Will Atkins.......84pts
3. Declan Dear.......74pts
4. Jack Bowen.......71pts
5. Lee Taylor.......66pts
6. Ian Jones.......54pts
7. Liam Whiteley.......53pts
8. Adrian Williams.......48pts
9. Cliff Simmons.......48pts
10. Sion Williams.......44pts

Class winners:

Pirelli Welsh Junior

Driver: George Lepley

Co-driver: Will Atkins

RAVENOL UK Welsh Challenge

Driver: Owen McMackin

Co-driver: Jack Bowen

Restruct Two-Wheel Drive

Driver: Owen McMackin

Co-driver: Lee Taylor

Pirelli Welsh Historic Cup

Driver: Paul Street

Co-driver: Ian Jones

W2 (2WD, 1001cc to 1400cc 8v naturally aspirated)

Driver: Adrian Walk

Co-driver: Matt Walk

W3 (2WD, 1001cc to 1400cc 16v naturally aspirated)

Driver: Steve Black

Co-driver: Caron Tomlinson

W4 (2WD, all R2 homologated cars / FIA 1000cc turbo and 1600cc)

Driver: Ioan Lloyd

Co-driver: Sion Williams

W5 (2WD, Road Rally cars)

Driver: Ricky Crone

Co-driver: Daniel James

W6 (2WD, Historic Cat  including up to 1600cc category 2, 3 and 4a)

Driver: Julian Birley and Chris Hellings (tied)

W7 (2WD, Historic 1601cc and over 8v single cam (category 2, 3 and 4a)

Driver: Neal James

Co-driver: Kevin Jones

W8 (2WD, Historic 1601cc and over 16v multi valve (category 2, 3, 4a and 4b up to 1600cc)

Driver: Paul Street

Co-driver: Ian Jones

W9 (4WD, Historic category 4b over 1600cc)

Driver: Tom Coughtrie

W10 (2WD, 1401cc to 1600cc naturally aspirated)

Driver: Dan Jones

Co-driver: Cyril Jones

W11 (2WD, 1601cc to 2000cc naturally aspirated)

Driver: Robert Wilson

Co-driver: Martin Haggett

W12 (2WD, 2001cc and over)

Driver: Owen McMackin

Co-driver: Lee Taylor

W13 (4WD, all four-wheel drive cars, excluding class W14 and W9)

Driver: George Lepley

Co-driver: Declan Dear

W14 (4WD, WRC/R5/S2000/RCC cars)

Driver: Callum Black

Co-driver: Niall Burns

Pirelli Welsh Over 50

Driver: Paul Street

Co-driver: Ian Jones

Matthew Hirst and Declan Dear have extended their lead in the 2023 Motorsport UK
Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship after scoring maximum points on the second round
of the series, the Rallynuts Stages Rally (Saturday 15 April).
It was a perfect day for rallying, with glorious sunshine and some of the best stages
Wales has to offer in excellent condition - although the event ran in a somewhat
sombre and reflective mood, following the tragic death of WRC star Craig Breen in
pre-Rally Croatia testing. As a mark of respect, the event began with an impeccably
observed minute silence and there were no Pirelli Welsh champagne celebrations at
the finish.
Hirst set the fastest time on all four of the morning's loop of stages through Myherin
West, Myherin East, Hafren Sweet Lamb and Cwmysgawen in his Pirelli-shod Delta
Salvage Ford Fiesta R5 to reach midday service at the Royal Welsh Showground in
Llanelwedd with a 20 second lead overall.
But four corners into the first stage in the afternoon, the Doncaster driver hit a rock
that was directly on the racing line. The tyre deflated midday through the stages,
ripping part of the bodywork off and costing him around 40 seconds and dropping
him to second overall. He reduced the gap to the new leader from 16 to four seconds
on the next stage, but when a tyre rolled off the rim at a hairpin on the seventh and
final stage, it cost him another 35 seconds, dropping him to third overall. However,
Hirst and Dear were still the top placed Pirelli Welsh registered crew, giving them
maximum points for the second time in two rounds.
"It was a challenging day," admitted Hirst.
"The morning loop couldn't have gone better, but the afternoon tested us. A puncture
in Myherin was doing a lot of damage to the car and we had to decide whether to
stop and change it. We had a bit of a push in Sweet Lamb to try and get the time
back, but then we had another puncture on the last stage.
"But hey-ho, that's rallying, isn't it? But we're very happy to score maximum points
again in the Welsh Championship, which puts us in a strong position for the rest of
the season."

Russ Thompson was flying in his Dunnow Plant-backed Mitsubishi Evo 9, especially
in Myherin where the fast and flowing roads best suited the car. His plan of avoiding
mistakes paid dividends, as he and co-driver Stephen Link picked up second placed
Pirelli Welsh points. 

Rob Wilson dropped to fourth with fuel related problems towards the end of SS4.
The reigning Welsh Junior and Challenge champion immediately got the position
back on the next stage, as he and co-driver Richard Crozier secured the final place
on the Pirelli Welsh podium in their Ravenol-backed Mitsubishi Evo 7 - having set a
very impressive joint second fastest overall time on the final stage.

Steve Black enjoyed a great day in only his second outing in the 586 Sports-prepared
Pallas Connections Ford Fiesta Rally2. After a sensible start in the slippery
morning conditions, the 2021 Welsh class W3 champion was confident enough to
stretch his legs on the drier afternoon stages, and together with co-driver Jack
Morton he took home fourth placed Pirelli Welsh points.

Eddie Lewis survived a "disastrous" morning loop, which included a turbo pipe
coming off, a bottom arm joint coming loose and a tyre delaminating on a road
section, which put him within four minutes of going OTL by the time he'd reached
SS4. He and co-driver Sion Cunniff enjoyed a much better "steady, neat and tidy"
afternoon, picking up sixth placed Pirelli Welsh points in their Mechanical Solutions-
backed Ford Fiesta R5. Lewis also took maximum points in the OnThePaceNote-
supported Welsh Junior section.

Once again Simon Rogers had a late change of co-driver, with Ade Williams
stepping into the MacWhirter Motorsport-prepared Mitsubishi Evo 6 hot seat this
time. The day started with a huge spin on the opening stage, and thereafter he was
embroiled in another close battle with Martyn Andrews - who Rogers ended up
beating by just 0.04 seconds to maintain his class W13 lead and move up to third in
the overall points standings. In recognition of his outstanding performance, Rogers
collected the Witham Group special award (a voucher for £50) from Witham Group
Sales Director Richard Scarbrough.

Andrews echoed all drivers who said how "awesome" the stages were, as he had
another great run in his Opie Oils Subaru Impreza. He and co-driver Steve Greenhill
have extended their lead in the Welsh Challenge, while Andrews jumps from sixth to
fourth in the overall drivers' standings.
Daniel Moss said these were the best stages he'd ever competed on, as he put in
another excellent performance in his unmissable pink Hurst Haylage Mitsubishi Evo
10. After a faultless run, he and co-driver Samuel Davies completed the Pirelli Welsh
top 10 finishers.

It was another strong performance too from Wug Utting/Bob Stokoe, who put all their
experience of the Welsh woods to good effect in their Subaru Impreza N12b. Having
started on the same Pirelli tyres that they had contested the opening round on, the
Surrey driver put on fresh rubber in the afternoon and went on to beat Peter
Baylis/Paul Godden (Artificial Lawn Company Mitsubishi Evo 9) by just two seconds.
David Tomlin enjoyed a "sensible and steady" run in his Axon Ford Fiesta R5, this
time partnered by Ian Beamond - while Richard Ceen had a clean run having
swapped his Focus WRC for an MSL Motorsport-prepared Fiesta R5, ably guided by
Alun Hayward.
Colin Minton/Bonnie Papper overheated the brakes on their Ignition Motorsport Ford
Fiesta R5 on the opening stage, leaving them with no brakes and a big time loss
through SS2. They were delighted to complete their first event of 2023 without a
slipping clutch, with their afternoon stage times suggesting much more to come from
the pair in the upcoming rounds.
Charles Campbell/Sam Weller survived two spins (which cost them 1min 20secs) on
the opening stage to bring home their Subaru Impreza. Rob and Ashley Aslett
enjoyed a trouble-free run in their Rigfone Electric Contractors Subaru, as did Geoff
Cottrill/Nathan Crewe in their Mitsubishi Evo 9.
Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas retired their Green Paw Subaru Impreza with gearbox
problems, while Colin Griffiths/Sion Rowlands also failed to complete the morning
loop in their ex-Mikko Hirvonen/Alister McRae Subaru Impreza STI.

Robert Gough was once again the top two-wheel drive finisher, scoring a magnificent
Pirelli Welsh fifth (and ninth overall). Co-driven by Paul Morris in his Ford Escort
Mk2, the Ludlow driver was kicking himself after losing out of the event's historic
class win by just one second having put the car briefly down a bank in the opening
stage and overshooting a hairpin - although he did score maximum Restruct Welsh
Historic W9 class points to extend his category lead.

On his very first rally, Steven John Chaplin finished second in class W9 in a new
Dave Jenkins Motorsport-built Escort Mk2, co-driven by Richard Suter.

Jonathan Brace/Paul Spooner made it two class W8 wins from two starts in their
Brace's Bakery Ford Escort RS1600 Mk1. They almost went off at a hairpin on the
final stage, with a quick yank of the handbrake saving the day - while the marshals
were very appreciative of the Brace's Welsh Cakes that the driver had very kindly
supplied fresh from the bakery.
Andrew Stokes/Jonny Tad Evans went off near the start of SS1 and having regained
the road picked up a puncture. Having dropped a minute, it was a safe and steady
drive after that, collecting second place points and remaining second in the class W8
table.
Jeremy Wells had taken four and a half years to rebuild his immaculate Wells
Masonary Solutions Escort Mk1. Co-driven by Martin Saunders, his first appearance
in the car was rewarded with third in class W8 and the Witham Group historic class
reward.
Lyn Davies/Aled Richards picked up fourth place class W8 points after a good run in
their Wales Motorsport-prepared Escort Mk2, while Peter Jones/Gareth Davies
retired their Ford with broken suspension on SS2.
Ben Smith (co-driven by his father Steven) leads the Historic class W6 after a
second maximum points winning performance in his Amigos Ford Escort RS2000
Mk1.
Gareth Lewis had intercom issues all day in his Escort Mk1. It turned out to be a
helmet issue, and with no intercom at all on the final stage, he was only one second
slower through the second pass of Cwmysgawen than he was on the first, thanks to
some gifted hand signals by co-driver Ryland James.

As well as the Historic category trophies, the registered crews that finish in the top
three of each Historic class at the end of the season will be put forward for the David
Stokes Historic Challenge award for drivers and the Guy Weaver award for co-
drivers.

Boyd Kershaw/Keegan Rees took their second straight victory in the Hockly
Motorsport-supported Welsh 2WD section after another magnificent performance in
their Flying Kiwi Ford Escort Mk2, despite spinning on SS5 and having to reverse.
The defending 2WD champions were in superb form, finishing 19th overall, while
they also extend their lead in class W11.

Kevin Metcalfe struggled to find a rhythm in the morning, but with Ian Jones co-
driving the Horsham pilot came good in the afternoon to take home second place
2WD points in his rapid 3-litre BMW E30.
Iwan Roberts Jnr/Daniel Jones lost a lot of time with a puncture on SS1. They fought
back from 62nd overall to finish 24th in their Roberts of Ffestiniog Ford Escort G3
and maintain their second position in class W11.

Geoff Phelps/Colin Jenkins had a bit of a sixth gear pinball moment on SS4 when
they put their Hartpury Farms Escort Mk2 up and down the banks on either side of
the road. Having got away that that almighty tank slapper, they went on to record
another excellent Pirelli Welsh points score.
Dan Chester/Paul Barbet were playing catch up all day after collecting a puncture in
their BMW E30 on the opening stage, while Tim Phelps/Elwyn Manuel had a good
run in their Britpart Escort Mk2, as did Richard Warne/Chris Deal in their CarSpares
Escort Mk1.

Ben Smith also leads the Welsh Junior Championship after two second place
finishes in his Escort Mk1, despite stalling the car on the final stage.
Callum Griffiths had only ever driven the Hafren Sweet Lamb stage with a broken
driveshaft, so he particularly enjoyed his first clean run through this classic Rally GB
stage. Co-driven by William Lewis, he also beat his brother Liam (co-driven by
Daniel James) in their pair of Presteigne Tyre Services-backed Ford Fiesta STs,
although Liam did win the Witham Group 2WD category prize.

Nigel and Kaz Jenkins scored maximum Hockly Motorsport-supported 1400cc class
W2 points to share the category lead, despite a problematic start to the event, which
saw their NJ Auto Repairs Vauxhall Nova reduced to 1000rpm after alternator belt
and coil lead problems. They were also on three cylinders for most of the afternoon!
In only his second gravel rally, Dylan Fowler Bishop (co-driven by Dan Evans)
finished second in class W2 in his Restruct-backed Nissan Micra.

Chris Bush/Kev Papper finished third in class in their Bushtec Recycling Opel Corsa,
despite the windscreen misting up in the morning, whilst Ashley Francis-Adams
regretted a lack of sleep the night before and lost time with a sluggish start in his T2
Fabrication-backed Nissan Micra, although together with Lucy Wilding finished fourth
in class.
James Dunkley/Jack Morris came home fifth in class in their Vauxhall Corsa, one
place ahead of defending class W2 champions Adrian and Matthew Walk who were
contesting their first event since crashing out of last year's Cambrian Rally. Getting
settled back into it, they were going well and finished, despite putting their PartBOX
Ford Ka into a ditch on the final stage.
Luke Watts/Matt Rogers also finished the event, despite the starter motor failing in
the morning in their MG ZR.
Tony Simpson was reunited with former co-driver Stefan Arndt and, for the second
event running, dominated class W4 in his Seacon UK Ford Fiesta R2T. After two
rounds, he has already opened an impressive 33-point lead and is second in the
main 2WD drivers' standings.

Lucy Wigley/Emma Cooper took maximum class W10 points, despite a few brake
issues in their Redware Citroën C2.
Defending champions Martin Walters/Marie Fletcher have taken the class lead after
a solid run in their Digger Parts Direct Honda Civic, replacing Wrexham's Dan and
Cyril Jones at the top of the W10 points table after they broke a driveshaft on their
Jones Brothers/North Wales Joinery Vauxhall Nova on SS3 and went OTL.
On his first event for six months, Alan Desbois was unlucky to collect a rear left
puncture towards the end of SS1 and, with no spare remaining, had to be cautious.
He and co-driver Peter Littlefield were delighted to reach midday service (a feat that
they'd failed to do on the Rallynuts since 2019) and had a good afternoon to finish
third in class in their Peugeot 306 RWD.

The live streaming coverage from the Rallynuts Stages Rally remains available to
view on the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship and Special Stage TV Facebook
pages.

Round 3 of the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship is the Plains Rally on Saturday 20
May. Organised by Knutsford & District Motor Club, the event is based in Bala and
contains a compact route of approximately 100 road and 44 stage miles.
Further details on the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship can be found online at:
wnrc.wamc.org.uk.

2023 Rallynuts Stages Rally - top 10 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally
Championship finishers:
1. Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear (Ford Fiesta R5).......44mins 25secs
2. Russ Thompson/Stephen Link (Mitsubishi Evo 9).......44mins 53secs
3. Rob Wilson/Richard Crozier (Mitsubishi Evo 7).......45mins 51secs
4. Steve Black/Jack Morton (Ford Fiesta Rally2)....... 46mins 31secs
5. Robert Gough/Paul Morris (Ford Escort Mk2).......46mins 57secs
6. Eddie Lewis/Sion Cunniff (Ford Fiesta R5)....... 47mins 03secs

7. Boyd Kershaw/Keegan Rees (Ford Escort Mk2).......47mins 59secs
8. Simon Rogers/Ade Williams (Mitsubishi Evo 6).......47mins 59secs
9. Martyn Andrews/Steve Greenhill (Subaru Impreza).......48mins 03secs
10. Daniel Moss/Samuel Davies (Mitsubishi Evo 10).......48mins 09secs

2023 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship
Overall drivers' points after Round 2:

1. Matthew Hirst.......60pts
2. Robert Gough.......51pts
3. Simon Rogers.......44pts
4. Martyn Andrews.......41pts
5. Boyd Kershaw.......40pts
6. Wug Utting.......38pts

Paul Evans
Press Officer, Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Matthew Hirst has edged closer to the 2022 Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship title after winning the Nicky Grist Stages - Interclub event for the first time.
 
Having already won the opening three rounds of the series, Hirst and co-driver Declan Dear were once again on unbeatable form, scoring maximum points on the Builth Wells-based event in their Pirelli-shod Delta Salvage Ford Fiesta R5+.
 
"This is the first time that we've ever had a clean run on the Nicky Grist Stages and I'm delighted to come home with victory and maximum points. We were even able to ease off on the last stage because by then there was nothing to gain and everything to lose," said Hirst.
 

"The car has been faultless again, the team has done a great job and Dec has been spot on in the co-driver's seat - everything has been perfect.
 
"The Welsh Championship is looking good for us now, but it's certainly by no means over. We haven't won the title yet and we must maintain our focus if we want to bring the title home."
 

Dylan Davies enjoyed his best run of the season, collecting second-placed points in his Å koda Fabia R5+. Co-driven by Mark Glennerster, the 2019 Welsh champion drove well and in very hot conditions came home 1min 20secs behind Hirst.
 

James Giddings once again finished on the podium after a great run in his Group N Fordpad Mitsubishi Evo 9. Partnered by Lee Taylor, he collected third-placed points in the overall standings and won the Ravenol Welsh Challenge category.
 

Robert Wilson was a very close fourth in his Ravenol Mitsubishi Evo 7 and for the second time this year won the OnThePaceNote.co.uk supported Welsh Junior category. Co-driven by Richard Crozier, the youngster was delighted with the result - especially as he felt that, for the first time, the car was working perfectly and he felt comfortable and confident behind the wheel.

Bob Morgan/Ade Williams survived intercom failure on the first run through Monument (SS2) and an overshoot up a firebreak in Halfway (SS3) in their Winner Garage Å koda Fabia R5+. They recovered magnificently in the afternoon to score fifth-place points. Morgan moves up to second in the overall drivers' standings and continues to lead the Ravenol Welsh Challenge.
 

Bob Ceen lost time on the morning loop of stages when cars ahead of him rejoined the road in front of him and kicked up dust. The 2001 and 2015 Welsh champion was on great form and together with co-driver Shaun Layland took sixth-placed points.
 
Very close behind was his nephew Benj Ceen. He admitted to making a cautious start, but once he'd found his rhythm he and co-driver Caron Tomlinson set some impressive stage times in their MSL-prepared Ford Fiesta R5.

John Caine continues to practice what he teaches as he picked up eighth-place points in his Phil Price Rally School-backed Subaru Impreza, ably guided through the classic mid-Wales forests on and around the Epynt military range by Andrew Sankey.
 
Wug Utting/Bob Stokoe scored their best result of the season in their Geoff Jones Motorsport-prepared Subaru Impreza N12b, despite the car bottoming out in the morning, while Paul Walker, pictured below, continues to lead class W13 after he and co-driver Geraint Thomas recorded a Welsh top 10 finish in their Green Paw Subaru Impreza.

An off in Monument (SS2) may well have cost Simon Rogers/James How a place in the Welsh top 10, although they did bring their Mitsubishi Evo 6 home for a good result.
 
Perry Gardener/Jack Bowen rolled their Ford Fiesta R5+ out of the event in Halfway (SS3), while Nik Elsmore/Stephen McAuley were forced out with head gasket failure in their Mitsubishi Evo IX
 

Matthew Jackson/Sasha Heriot look unstoppable in class W4 and have also taken the lead in the Welsh 2WD category in their MJ Rallying Ford Fiesta R2T. After a magnificent morning the car didn't feel right in the afternoon and eventually the turbo pipe clips sheared halfway through the last stage, resulting in a near two-minute time loss. That dropped them to fourth in W4, but after three wins they still lead the class - and after four consistently high scores are ahead of all the non-historic Escorts, BMWs, Peugeots and other Fiestas in the highly competitive 2WD section.

 
Tony Simpson/Ian Bevan (Seacon UK/Kielder Tools Ford Fiesta R2T) came home second in the 2WD category - and clinched a superb class W4 victory on the Nicky Grist Stages. Jonathan Jones/Jez Rogers (EDSL Sport-run Ingospec Ford Fiesta) were second in W4 and Yaniv Bar, who was co-driven for the first time by Hannah McKillop, was third in his Ptravel Club Ford Fiesta R2.

Ashley Davies/Sam Fordham (Burton Power/G&B Finch/Deranged Trucks Ford Escort RS) scored top Welsh 2WD points and are a close second (behind Jackson) in the standings. They also won class W12 to close the gap on leaders Andrew Fox/Jaime-Lee Fox (Xwatch Safety Solutions BMW 325).

 
Boyd Kershaw had led the Welsh 2WD class, but his Flying Kiwi Escort Mk2's engine cut out after Llyn Login (SS1) and refused to start - temporarily stranding him and co-driver Keegan Rees up on the Epynt range.
 
Kevin Metcalfe retired his 3-litre BMW E30 on SS3 when a broken half-shaft stranded him and co-driver Ian Jones, while Lewers Firth/Shaun Lapper swapped their Firth Construction Subaru Impreza for a BMW E36 M3 but failed to complete the morning's loop of stages.
 

Geoffrey Phelps/Colin Jenkins had a brilliant run to win class W11 in their Hartpury Farms Escort Mk2. With leader Kershaw finishing down the order, Philip Jones/Ryan Griffiths have closed the gap to just three points in their Ford Escort.

 
Liam Griffiths continues to lead the Welsh Junior category, although he and co-driver Daniel James could only finish fourth in their Discover Parks Ford Fiesta ST. Rob Wilson scored maximum Junior points, followed home by Callum Griffiths/William Lewis, pictured above, who survived a big moment on SS3 in their Presteigne Tyre Services Ford Fiesta ST. Gethin Price/Matthew Baddeley finished third in their Keith Price Haulage Nissan Micra.

Nick Elliott has closed the gap at the top of the Historic class W8 after he and co-driver Dave Price finished second in their Fiat Abarth 131. They lost time when they hit a rock in Halfway (SS3) and bent the rear axle, meaning that the car was crabbing through Crychan (SS4), which was the longest stage of the event.
 

They were defeated on this occasion by a flying Michael McDaid/Declan Casey who won class W8 in their McDaid Pharmacy Escort RS1800 Mk2.
 
Robert Gough/Sam Collis feared their rally was over after hitting a rock in Halfway (SS3) but survived to bring their Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2 home third in class W8.
 
Defending class W8 champions Paul Street/Ian Jones had an eventful rally which began by overshooting a corner on SS2 and heading down an escape road in their PJS Marine Escort RS1800 Mk2. The car got stuck in fourth gear on SS4 and Street had to use both hands to free it - and finished Crychan on the rev-limiter in third gear, rather than risk engaging fourth again. The gearbox was changed in the one-hour midday service and a good points-scoring finish places them third in class.
 

Owen McMackin/Sean Ferris came home fourth in class W8 in their BJT Hire Centre Escort Mk2, while Jonathan Brace/Paul Spooner were the top Escort Mk1 crew home in their Brace's Bakery RS1600. Meanwhile, Andrew Stokes/Jonny Tad Evans enjoyed another great run in their Ford Escort Mk1.
 
Neal James/Kevin Jones continue to lead the Historic class W7 class after another great drive in their Cwm Engineering Ford Escort Mk2, while David Lloyd Roberts/Gerallt Davies won the class on the day in their Escort Mk2.

Having won the Historic class W6 on their gravel rally debut, Chris Squires/Shaun Hughes did it again on only their second forestry event in their Trevor Morris Engines Ford Escort Mk2. Julian Birley/Emyr Hall still lead class W6 class, despite retiring their Talbot Sunbeam Ti 1600 after the penultimate stage with a broken strut. Just two points separate the crews at the top of the W6 table.
 
Andy Fox and Jaime-Lee Fox

The battle is heating up in the David Stokes Historic Challenge award for drivers and the Guy Weaver award for co-drivers. Those who finish in the top three of each historic class (W6,W7 and W8) at the end of the season will be put forward for the prestigious awards. 

 
James Dunkley has taken the class W2 lead after he and co-driver Dan Sayce put in a great performance in their Opel Corsa, while Adrian and Matthew Walk, pictured above, have closed the gap at the top of class W3 after a great victory in their PartBOX Ford Ka, despite an overheating issue on the last stage. 
 

One of the closest battles of the day came in the Road Rally class, where Brynli Thomas/Sion Rowlands (Peugeot 306 Rallye) beat Graham Thatcher/Tim Samuel (Pembridge Vehicle Management Peugeot 206 GTi) by just 1.3 seconds! It was Thomas' third class win in a row, as he extends his lead.
 
Martin Walters/Marie Fletcher are celebrating their third class W10 win in a row in their Honda Civic, which puts them in prime position for the title.
 
The Nicky Grist Stages was live-streamed, with action from the stages and driver and co-driver interviews with Howard Davies coming from the service park. All the footage can be viewed at leisure on: facebook.com/WELSHRALLYCHAMPIONSHIP.
 
The next round of the 2022 Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship is the Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Stages on Saturday 3 September, which is supported by Presteigne Tyres and the Phil Price Rally School.

Further details on the 2022 Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship, together with registration information, can be found online at: wnrc.wamc.org.uk


Nicky Grist Stages - top 10 Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship finishers
1. Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear (Ford Fiesta R5+).......45mins 45.0secs
2. Dylan Davies/Mark Glennerster (Å koda Fabia R5+).......47mins 05.0secs
3. James Giddings/Lee Taylor (Mitsubishi Evo 9).......48mins 36.7secs
4. Robert Wilson/Richard Crozier (Mitsubishi Evo 7).......48mins 58.2secs
5. Bob Morgan/Ade Williams (Å koda Fabia R5+).......49mins 36.3secs
6. Bob Ceen/Shaun Layland (Ford Fiesta R5).......49mins 37.2secs
7. Benj Ceen/Caron Tomlinson (Ford Fiesta R5).......49mins 51.8secs
8. John Caine/Andrew Sankey (Subaru Impreza).......50mins 39.1secs
9. Wug Utting/Bob Stokoe (Subaru Impreza N12b).......50mins 40.2secs
10. Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas (Subaru Impreza).......50mins 43.9secs


2022 Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship
Overall drivers' points after Round 4
1. Matthew Hirst.......120pts
2. Bob Morgan.......89pts
3. Dylan Davies.......86pts
4. Bob Ceen.......75pts
5. James Giddings.......74pts
6. Matt Edwards.......68pts


For more information please contact: 
Dave Evison
Secretary, Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Paul Evans
Press Officer, Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pictures courtesy of Paul Mitchell. Please credit 'Paul Mitchell Photography' if used.
paulmitchellphotography@gmail.com

 
Matthew Hirst will be targeting his fourth straight 2022 Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship win when he contests the Nicky Grist Stages on Saturday 9 July in his Pirelli-shod Delta Salvage Ford Fiesta R5+.
 
Co-driven by Declan Dear, Matthew became the first driver since Callum Black in 2017 to win three Welsh Championship rallies in a row when he won the Plains Rally last time out - and if he wins again he will be the first driver to win four in a row since Luke Francis in 2016. Both Callum and Luke went on to win the Welsh title in those years!
 
"The Nicky Grist Stages is one of the events which we look forward to each year," says Matthew. 
 
"The pace at the front of the field just seems to get quicker every year. I'd put this down to the fact that the route doesn't generally alter dramatically year-on-year, typically with just small changes here and there. That allows you to build confidence with the pace notes and generally gives a good feeling to the pre-event preparations. 
 
"It's also the only time to compare the Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship pace against the BRC which is an interesting opportunity, albeit on the proviso that they have had the opportunity to recce the stages beforehand. It's always good to get the excuses out early!
 
"This will be the fifth time that we have entered the event and upon reflection we have yet to have a proper clean run. In the last three starts, we have had mechanical problems with a broken driveshaft, broken gear-lever and collapsed steering column. 
 
"Hopefully we can get through this year with no dramas!"
 
James Giddings finished second last time out in his Group N Fordpad Mitsubishi Evo 9 to shoot up the points table and become a real title contender. Co-driven this time by Lee Taylor, the former Fiesta ST Trophy and Citroën C2 Challenge champion has taken very little time to get used to his new car and will be one of many trying to stop Hirst's winning run. 
 
Bob Morgan/Ade Williams are also having a fantastic season in their Winner Garage Å koda Fabia R5+. They lead the Ravenol Challenge and arrive at the Nicky Grist Stages as the top-placed Å koda crew.


 
We've not seen the best of Dylan Davies yet this year. He's had a troubled start to the season, and that will make the 2019 Welsh champion all the more determined to score maximum points as he and co-driver Mark Glennerster contest the event in their Å koda Fabia R5+.
 
Another former champion Bob Ceen, who won the title in 2001 and 2015, arrives in Builth Wells on top form having scored a fifth-place Welsh Championship points finish last time out on the Plains. He and co-driver Shaun Layland know the classic mid-Wales forests well and will have their sights set on another strong performance in their 'National spec' Ford Fiesta R5.

Bob's brother Richard Ceen (co-driven by Alun Hayward) hopes to have finally sorted out the sensor gremlins which have ruined many a good stage performance this year in his Ford Focus WRC05. 
 
Meanwhile, Richard's son Benj Ceen will be aiming to return to his fantastic early season form, as the former Renault/Alpine Formula 1 test engineer and co-driver Caron Tomlinson contest the event in their MSL-prepared Ford Fiesta R5.
 
Perry Gardener/Jack Bowen scored a Welsh podium finish on the Rallynuts Stages and will be challenging for maximum points again in their Ford Fiesta R5+, while Tom Llewellin/Ross Whittock appear in a Brace's Bakery-backed Ford Fiesta R5, having switched from a Mitsubishi Mirage.
 
Russ Thompson makes his second appearance of the year after recording an excellent fourth-placed points finish on the Rallynuts Stages. Co-driven by Stephen Link, another good result in his Dunnow Plant-backed Mitsubishi Evo 9 could bring the 2019 Welsh Championship runner-up right back into contention for the 2022 title.
 
Having sorted out a few reliability issues with his Mitsubishi Evo 6, Simon Rogers enjoyed a much better run on the Plains. Co-driven by James How, he'll be hoping that it continues on the Nicky Grist Stages - while Phil Price Rally School owner John Caine returns in his Subaru Impreza and, co-driven by Andrew Sankey, will be aiming for a strong top 10 finish and more Ravenol Welsh Challenge points.
 
Class 13 leader Paul Walker is enjoying a great season and will be out again with Geraint Thomas in his Green Paw Subaru Impreza, while Wug Utting/Bob Stokoe will also be pushing hard in their Geoff Jones Motorsport-prepared Subaru Impreza N12b.

 
Last year's Nicky Grist Stages saw the return of Nik Elsmore, who was contesting his first rally for over six years and only his third rally in 12 years. He's done very little since, but it's great to see him and co-driver Craig Drew back in their Mitsubishi Evo IX and preparing to blow the cobwebs away in their characteristic hard-charging style.
 
Frazer Martin/Dylan Bargate will contest the event in their Mitsubishi Evo 6, Lewers Firth/Shaun Lapper are back in their Firth Construction Subaru Impreza, Rob and Ashley Aslett wheel out their Subaru Impreza, as do Martyn Andrews/Steve Greenhill, Steven Ormond-Smith/Simon Jones and Geoff Cottrill/Nathan Crewe both appear in Mitsubishi Evo 9s, while Dave Tomlin/Keith Ashley will be hoping for a much-needed change of fortune in their Axon Ford Fiesta R5.
 
Having scored two wins from three starts, Boyd Kershaw/Keegan Rees lead the Welsh 2WD class in their Flying Kiwi Escort Mk2. They really are enjoying a sensational season in the black Ford and will be aiming for a class hat-trick this time out. 

Kevin Metcalfe (who also leads class W12) is just five points behind in his 3-litre BMW E30 and together with Ian Jones is always great to watch. And to illustrate how diverse the 2WD category is, Matthew Jackson arrives third in class in his MJ Rallying Ford Fiesta R2T. Partnered by Sasha Heriot (who is second in the co-drivers' standings), Jackson also leads class W4.
 
Ashley Davies/Sam Fordham remain Welsh 2WD title contenders. Having won the class on the Rallynuts and finished second on Rally North Wales, another strong run in their Burton Power/G&B Finch/Deranged Trucks Ford Escort RS could put them right back into title contention - and with five scores from seven counting towards the end of season points total, they hope to be able to drop the low score they received after retiring on the Plains.




 
Also ready to score big in the 2WD category are Philip Jones/Ryan Griffiths (Ford Escort), Andrew Fox/Jaime-Lee Fox (Xwatch Safety Solutions BMW 325), Michael Sawyer/Gareth Price (2350cc Datsun 1600) Geoffrey Phelps/Colin Jenkins (Hartpury Farms Escort Mk2), Matthew Honeyborne/James Curtis (BMW 328 Coupe), Tim Jones/Liam Whiteley (Ford Escort Mk2), Clive Price/John Fellowes (BMW Compact), Alun Horn/Ian Beamond (Ford Escort Mk2), Colin Griffiths/Lucy Wilding (BMW Compact), Richard Warne/Chris Deal (Escort Mk2), David Jones/Glyn Price (BMW E30) and Tim Phelps/Elwyn Manuel who return in their Britpart Ford Escort Mk2.
 
The battle for the OnThePaceNote.co.uk supported Welsh Junior title is hotting up nicely, with seven under 25-year old drivers aiming for the coveted trophy. Two wins and a second sees Liam Griffiths in the lead and the Presteigne youngsters will be hoping to continue that good run when he and co-driver Daniel James take to the mid-Wales forests in their Discover Parks Ford Fiesta ST.
 
Liam's brother Callum, co-driven by William Lewis, will be a tough competitor in his Presteigne Tyre Services Ford Fiesta ST, as will the rapid James Lepley/Arwel Jenkins in their Escort Mk2.
 
Robert Wilson won the Junior category on the Rallynuts, which was his first event in his Ravenol Mitsubishi Evo 7 - and he and co-driver Richard Crozier will be aiming for maximum points this time again.

 
Rudi Lancaster has the opportunity to take the Historic class W8 lead. Co-driven by Guy Weaver, he's already scored three very good results in his Woolacombe Holiday Parks Escort RS1800 Mk2 and a first or second would give him the outright class lead.

 
However, victory could also give the defending class W8 champions Paul Street/Ian Jones the lead as they aim for top points in their PJS Marine Escort RS1800 Mk2.

 
Nick Elliott has been super-fast this year, although an engine issue on the Plains Rally has dropped him to fourth in the table. But with it fixed, he and co-driver Dave Price should be right back challenging for class victory in their Fiat Abarth 131.

Jonathan Brace has been the fastest Escort Mk1 driver all season and despite a power disadvantage is fifth in class W8. Reunited with co-driver Paul Spooner, who was away on holiday when the Plains took place, Jonathan will be out to impress in his Brace's Bakery RS1600. 
 
Robert Gough scored his best result of the season last time out and together with Sam Collis will be aiming to keep up that momentum going in their Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2.
 
Andrew Stokes/Jonny Tad Evans will be aiming for their fourth straight points-finish in their Ford Escort Mk1, as they start the event seventh in class, one point ahead of Roger Chilman/Patrick Walsh (Wales Motorsport-prepared Securcom Escort Mk2) and Michael McDaid/Declan Casey (McDaid Pharmacy Escort RS1800 Mk2). 
 
Also aiming for class W8 points are Ben Friend/Cliffy Simmons (Allglass Escort Mk2), Will Onions/Dave Williams (Capital Motorsport Ford Escort Mk2), Pete Littler/Andy Marchbank (RED Preparation & Fabrication/Select Security Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2), Philip Clarke/Richard Bonner (Escort Mk2), Ron Morgan/Marc Clatworthy (Wales Motorsport-prepared Restruct Escort Mk2) and Owen McMackin/Sean Ferris in their BJT Hire Centre Escort Mk2.



 
Neal James/Kevin Jones have a healthy lead in the Historic W7 class after three second-place finishes in their Cwm Engineering Ford Escort Mk2. They'll continue to be pushed hard by second-placed David Lloyd Roberts/Gerallt Davies, who have won twice in their Escort Mk2, and Ben Smith/Stephen Smith who took victory on the opening round in their Escort Mk2. Peter Hinton/Lewis Sim (Escort Mk2) and Gareth Lewis/Ryland James (Escort RS2000 Mk1) are also out.

 
Julian Birley/Emyr Hall lead the Historic W6 class after taking two wins from two starts in their Talbot Sunbeam Ti 1600. Welsh Junior driver Rory McCann, co-driven by his father Paul, is second in class in his Metalways Hillman Avenger.
 
Chris Squires/Shaun Hughes, who celebrated contesting their first gravel rally with class W6 victory on the Rallynuts, are back in their Trevor Morris Engines Ford Escort Mk2, while Mark Tugwell/Steve Pugh (Lotus Twin Cam engines Metalways Ford Escort Mk1) and Malcolm Bayliss/Siobhan Pugh (16BAO Rally Team Ford Escort Mk1) will be aiming for top points as well.
 
In addition to valuable points, the top three finishes in each historic class will automatically be put forward for the end-of-season David Stokes Historic Challenge award for drivers and the Guy Weaver award for co-drivers.
 
James Dunkley has a great opportunity to take the class W2 lead when he and co-driver Dan Sayce contest the event in their Opel Corsa.
 
Gethin Price will be aiming to make a dent in Hefin Lloyd-Davies's class W3 lead as he and co-driver Matthew Baddeley contest the event in their Keith Price Haulage Nissan Micra. They'll be battling for maximum class points with Adrian and Matthew Walk (PartBOX Ford Ka) and brothers Freddy and Toby Brick (Opel Corsa).
 
Matthew Jackson may have a good lead in class W4, but he'll have to be on his best again as Jonathan Jones/Jez Rogers (EDSL Sport-run Ingospec Ford Fiesta), Tony Simpson/Ian Bevan (Seacon UK/Kielder Tools Ford Fiesta R2T) and Yaniv Bar/Osian Owen (Ptravel Club Ford Fiesta R2) challenge for maximum points.

 
Brynli Thomas leads the Road Rally class and together with co-driver Sion Rowlands will be aiming to extend his lead in his Peugeot 306 Rallye. Aiming to stop them will be the earlier leaders of the W5 class, Graham Thatcher/Tim Samuel in their Pembridge Vehicle Management Peugeot 206 GTi.

 
Martin Walters/Marie Fletcher aim to strengthen their healthy class W10 lead in their high-revving yellow Honda Civic. Dan Jones led the class after the opening round and will want to return to the top step on the class W10 podium when he and Cyril Jones tackle the event in their Jones Brothers/Bradley Motorsport Vauxhall Nova. Aiming for their first finish of the season will Alan Desbois/Peter Littlefield (Peugeot 306 RWD) and Michael Jenkins/Scott Dance (Peugeot 205).
 
The Welsh Championship's live streaming service will be even bigger and better on the Nicky Grist Stages, with even more action and interviews. Howard Davies will commentate on the live stage action and will also roam with a camera and microphone around midday service, interviewing Welsh Championship drivers and co-drivers. Everything will be broadcast live on: facebook.com/WELSHRALLYCHAMPIONSHIP.
 
Organised by Quinton Motor Club, the 2022 Nicky Grist Stages will start from Strand Street in the centre of Builth Wells at 08.31. After a loop of stages through Llyn Login, Monument, Halfway and Crychan forests, cars will return for a midday service on the Builth Wells RFC pitch before a repeat run over the stages. After all eight stages and 45 stage miles have been completed, the podium ceremony will take place in Groe Park at 15.30, with the River Wye and the landmark 18th Century bridge in the background.

Further details on the 2022 Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship, together with registration information, can be found online at: wnrc.wamc.org.uk


For more information please contact: 
Dave Evison
Secretary, Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Paul Evans
Press Officer, Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 

Picture captions - top left to bottom right
Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear (Ford Fiesta R5+)
Bob Ceen/Shaun Layland (Ford Fiesta R5)
Bob Morgan/Ade Williams (Å koda Fabia R5+)
Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas (Subaru Impreza)
Nick Elliott/Peredur Davies (Fiat Abarth 131)
Rudi Lancester/Guy Weaver (Ford Escort Mk2)
Peter Hinton/Lewis Sim (Escort Mk2) 
Ashley Davies/Sam Fordham (Ford Escort Mk2)
Ron Morgan/Marc Clatworthy (Ford Escort Mk2) 
Matthew Jackson/Sasha Heriot (Ford Fiesta R2T) 
Boyd Kershaw/Keegan Rees (Ford Escort)
Freddy Brick/Toby Brick (Opel Corsa) 
Paul Street/Ian Jones (Ford Escort Mk2) 
Neal James/Kevin Jones (Ford Escort Mk2) 
Rob Wilson/Richard Crozier (Mitsubishi Evo 7) 
Brynli Thomas/Steve Griffiths (Peugeot 306 Rallye) 


Pictures courtesy of Paul Mitchell. Please credit 'Paul Mitchell Photography' if used.
paulmitchellphotography@gmail.com

After a 518-day enforced break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship roars back into action next weekend. The Nicky Grist Stages (Saturday 10 July) will feature one of the largest fields of championship contenders ever gathered, all gunning for points in pursuit of title success.

Covid-19 restrictions have seen motorsport in Wales halted, barring a few exceptions, since the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally on 8 February 2020.

But now, finally, rallying in the Welsh forests is returning - with an unprecedented demand for places on the start list. This level of interest has produced a quality field of drivers and co-drivers and a vast array of cars unlike anything seen for many years.

The inclusive Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship class structure features an incredibly wide range of cars driven by former champions, old rivals, newcomers and juniors. The list features the strongest ever contingent from England, Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man, aiming to beat the proudly patriotic and famously fast Welsh home grown rally talent.

Former Pirelli Welsh National Rally champions preparing for battle are 2019 (and defending) overall title winners Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear in their Mitsubishi Evo IX. They are joined by the 2018 driver champion Dylan Davies/Mark Glennerster (Å koda Fabia R5), the 2017 driver champion Callum Black/Michael Gilbey (Ford Fiesta R5) and the 2000 champions Pete Littler/Andy Marchbank (Ford Escort Mk2).

These champions will be under pressure from the likes of Ian Bainbridge/Will Atkins, who scored maximum Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship points on the 2020 Cambrian Rally and won last December's Rali Adfer Coedwigoedd Cymru test event in a Å koda Fabia R5. 2019 championship runners-up Russ Thompson/Andy Murphy (Mitsubishi Evo IX), Wug Utting/Bob Stokoe (Subaru Impreza STi N12) and Nik Elsmore/Craig Drew (Mitsubishi Evo IX) will join the fray. Meanwhile, Martyn and Dawn England have swapped their Ford Fiesta R5+ for a Mitsubishi Evo X.

Also in a new car for this year is the 2019 Welsh Junior champion, Tom Llewellin. Tom, co-driven on this occasion by Ross Whittock, makes his competition debut in a four-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Mirage. Elsewhere in the field, Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas have exchanged their Mitsubishi for a Subaru Impreza.

With great rallies to learn their skill and the lure of a magnificent prize of a test drive in a PCRS Rallysport-prepared Hyundai i20 R5 (courtesy of OnThePaceNote), the Junior category is buoyant again this year. George Lepley/Tom Woodburn will compete in their Mitsubishi Evo X, Ioan Lloyd/Sion Williams will move up from the Formula 1000 Junior Championship (and a few great road rally results) to a Peugeot 208 R2, and Zak Hughes/Ian Beamond bring their Renault Twingo R2 Evo.

Other Under-25-year-old hard chargers to look out for include Aoife Raftery/Dylan Doonan (Ford Fiesta), Charlie Todd/Glyn Thomas (Ford Fiesta) and Gethin Price/Matthew Baddeley (Nissan Micra). Lining up alongside will be Jason Black/Karl Egan (Toyota Starlet) and Maxx Bradshaw/Liam Andrew Whiteley, who travel from the Isle of Man in their Mitsubishi Evo III.

The ever-popular Restruct-sponsored Two-Wheel Drive category has received one of its strongest entries. Nick Elliott/Dave Price, Jonathan Brace/Paul Spooner, Steven Ormond-Smith/Matty Daniels and Frank/Lauren Kelly (to name but a few) are all in Ford Escort Mk2s. Andrew Davison/Tom Murphy bring their Talbot Sunbeam, Alan Desbois/Peter Littlefield wheel out their Peugeot 306 RWD, while David Jones/Glyn Price and Kevin Metcalfe/Ian Jones both appear in BMW E30s.

More than 50 crews are eligible for the RAVENOL UK Welsh Challenge, which rewards drivers and co-drivers who have yet to finish in the top 10 overall of a Championship round and is open to any competitor in any class.

The Historic classes are very well represented this year, with many of the front-running Two-Wheel Drive category crews in contention for this title as well. In addition to those Escort Mk2 crews already mentioned, others will be piloted by Paul Barrett/Gordon Noble, David Edwards/Paul Dolby, Paul Street/Ian Jones, Phil Clarke/Steve Pugh, Ryan Barrett/Paul McCann, Robert Gough/Keaton Williams, Rob Dennis/Andy Boswell, Richard Lane/Jez Rogers, Michael Mcdaid/Daniel Petrie, Neal James/Kevin Jones and Ben Friend/Cliff Simmons. Gary Smith/Clive Jones, Andrew Stokes/Jonny Tad Evans, and David Kirby/Martin Corbett appear on the opening round in Escort Mk1s, while Julian Birley/Steve White wheel out a Talbot Sunbeam Ti.

The new class for Road Rally spec cars has sparked a lot of interest, with the likes of Graham Thatcher/Tim Samuels (Peugeot 206) and the Escort Mk2 duo of Ricky Crone/Daniel James and Rob Wood/Osian Davies battling for early class honours.

Such is the inclusive class structure of this year's Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship that a driver and co-driver are likely to be eligible for multiple awards. David and Toby Brick are a great example of this, as the giant-killing Vauxhall Nova crew will be battling for honours in the Overall, RAVENOL UK Welsh Challenge, Two-Wheel Drive and Over 50s categories!

"What a fantastic Nicky Grist Stages we have in prospect," says Dave Evison, Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship Secretary.

"With just a few days to go, perhaps it's time to reflect on the massive undertaking by all stakeholders involved in making this happen. Events of this stature under normal circumstances take up to eighteen months to organise. Add in a pandemic, and the timeframe is the same, but the commitment required over the same period is immeasurable.

"The rally fraternity, though, has responded as only they can with a fantastic entry received in an unbelievable fifteen minutes.

"Event organisers want entries in quality and quantity - they have it! Competitors want competition - they have it! They want fantastic roads - they have them! I can't wait to see the outcome."

The Nicky Grist Stages contains 44 stage miles spread over eight stages - with a loop of four gravel tests through Llyn Login, Monument, Halfway and Crychan forests in the morning and repeated in the afternoon following a midday service halt at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.

Spectators are not permitted to watch in any of the stages nor the service area. Instead, the Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship will broadcast live from the event on its Facebook page. Experienced motorsport broadcaster Sideways Media will be filming the action, with driver interviews and expert analysis from Howard Davies and Eifion Jones.

After each round, a 30 minute edited highlights package will be produced, dedicated to the Welsh National Rally Championship runners, and broadcast on the Championship's Facebook and YouTube channels.

The Plains Rally, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday 14 August, has been cancelled - meaning that the 2021 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Championship will now consist of five rounds, with the best four scores to count. Round 2 will now be the Eventsigns Woodpecker Stages on Saturday, 4 September.

Further details on the 2021 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship, together with registration information, can be found online at: wnrc.wamc.org.uk

2021 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship calendar

10 July.......Nicky Grist Stages

4 September.......Eventsigns Woodpecker Stages

16 October.......Winner Garage Å KODA Wyedean Rally

30 October.......Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally

13 November.......Rallynuts Stages Rally

Press release: 12 December 2022


Many of the world's greatest gravel forest stages - like Myherin, Sweet Lamb,
Dyfnant, Hafren and Crychan - will come together to form the 2023 Motorsport UK
Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship, with an exciting seven-round calendar
planned for next year.

Organised by the Welsh Association of Motor Clubs, the 2023 series will offer
competitors a good geographical spread and a good date balance, with the first
round taking place at the end of March, the final round at the end of October and
only one event taking place over the months of June, July and August, providing
plenty of time for mid-season car refurbishments in the summer break.
Each event will have an ultra-compact one-day format, with around 45 stage miles
and minimal road mileage.


Thanks to the outstanding work of Rally 4 Wales, the Welsh forest stages are always
in excellent condition. These super smooth world-class road conditions have seen
the Historic and smaller capacity car entries grow and the very successful
introduction of a Road Rally class, whilst it has also attracted top-class competition
from Ireland, Scotland, England the Isle of Man, and of course the home nation of
Wales.

The 2023 season will start with the Get Jerky Rally North Wales on Saturday 25
March. Organised by Wolverhampton & South Staffs Car Club, the event will move
from its traditional base in Dolgellau to Welshpool, which is home to the event's new
title sponsor. An exciting new route is being planned, featuring some classic forest
stages.

Round 2 will be the Rallynuts Stages Rally on Saturday 15 April. Organised by
Midland Manor Motor Club, the event is based at the Royal Welsh Showground in
Llanelwedd and has stages in the nearby mid-Wales forests.
The Plains Rally, which successfully moved to its new home of Bala this year, hosts
Round 3. The Knutsford & District Motor Club event will take place on Saturday 20
May, with another tight and compact route like the one which was so well received
by competitors in 2022.

Round 4 will be the Nicky Grist Stages on Saturday 8 July. Based in Builth Wells,
with the start, finish and service area all located in the town centre, the Quinton
Motor Club event will contain super-smooth stages in the classic mid-Wales forests
in and around the Epynt military range.




The Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Stages Rally is another hugely popular event
that traditionally features some fantastic challenging stages and very low road
mileage. The Sixty and Worcestershire Motor Club organised event will be based at
Ludlow Racecourse and hosts Round 5 on Saturday 9 September.

The stunning Wales/England border is also the setting for the sixth and penultimate
round of the 2023 Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship, the Wyedean Rally.
Organised by Forest of Dean Motor Club, the event will take place on Saturday 14
October.

The seventh and final round will be the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally, which takes
place on Saturday 28 October. The North Wales Car Club organised event will be
based in Llandudno and incorporates some of the most classic former Wales Rally
GB stages in the north of the principality.

Following on from the success of recent years, each round of the 2023 Pirelli
Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship will be filmed and live-streamed online, with
expert commentary, driver interviews and much more.

Dave Evison, Pirelli Ravenol Welsh National Rally Championship, said: "Firstly I
have to say a massive thank you to all the individual event organisers. Recently the
pandemic held back their thinking, and now with it behind us they are looking to do
things differently. What you might ask? Well, you will have to come and join us to
find out! We have tweaked the class structure and the calendar with seven events,
with the best five scores to count, and we will also use Sportity so that all the
championship information is easily accessible and in one place. The main
ingredients remain - friendly competition on the best stages in the world!"


Further details on the 2023 Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship
can be found online at: wnrc.wamc.org.uk.

2023 Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship
25 March.......Get Jerky Rally North Wales
15 April.......Rallynuts Stages Rally
20 May.......Plains Rally
8 July.......Nicky Grist Stages
9 September.......Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Stages
14 October.......Wyedean Rally
28 October.......Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally

For more information, please contact:

Dave Evison
Secretary, Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Paul Evans
Press Officer, Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Picture captions
Bob Ceen/Shaun Layland (Ford Fiesta R5)
Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas (Subaru Impreza)
Andrew Fox/Jaime-Lee Fox (BMW 325)
Ashley Davies/Sam Fordham (Ford Escort Mk2)
Jonathan Brace/Paul Spooner (Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600)


Pictures by Paul Mitchell. Please credit 'Paul Mitchell Photography' if used.
paulmitchellphotography@gmail.com