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Callum Black will be aiming to extend his early lead at the top of the 2021 Motorsport UK
Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship when Round 2 of the series, the
Eventsigns Woodpecker Stages, takes plac on Saturday 4 September.
Black and co-driver Jack Morton won the opening round, the Nicky Grist Stages, in
their 586 Sports team-prepared Ford Fiesta R5. They go into the next round three
points ahead of Ian Bainbridge/Will Atkins, who will be out to turn the tables in their
Å koda Fabia R5.

George Lepley/Tom Woodburn finished third on the opening round in their AMS-
tuned Mitsubishi Evo X and arrive at the Woodpecker also leading the Welsh Junior
Championship. With the top Junior driver end-of-season prize of a test in a PCRS
Rallysport-prepared Hyundai i20 R5, courtesy of OnThePaceNote, up for grabs,
Lepley will be keen to extend that advantage - although he will be chased hard by
the likes of Jason Black/Karl Egan (Toyota Starlet), Gethin Price/Matthew Baddeley
(Nissan Micra), Maxx Bradshaw/Liam Andrew Whiteley (Mitsubishi Evo III) and Aoife
Raftery/Dylan Doonan (Ford Fiesta).
Former Welsh Junior champion Tom Llewellin had a great run on the Nicky Grist
Stages to come home fourth on his rally debut in a four-wheel drive car. Co-driven by
Ross Whittock, he'll be keen to once again get maximum mileage in his Mitsubishi
Mirage.

There will also be a number of crews aiming to kick-start their title assaults after a
difficult start. These include the 2019 Pirelli Welsh National Rally champions
Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear, who finished 11th on the Nicky Grist after an engine
misfire and a broken driveshaft in their Mitsubishi Evo IX.
The 2019 championship runner-up Russ Thompson has already dropped a score
courtesy of snapping a pair of driveshafts on his Mitsubishi Evo IX. Partnered this
time by Stephen Link, good results from here on in are essential if he's to challenge
for the title this year.

Bob Morgan/Adrian Williams will be hoping that their Å koda Fabia's brake issue
which forced them to non-score last time out are fixed, while the 1990 Woodpecker
Rally winner Graham Middleton, co-driven by Steven McPhee, is set to make his first
appearance of the season in his Mitsubishi Mirage.
David Crossen will be aiming to extend his lead in the Restruct-sponsored Two-
Wheel Drive category, as well as closing in for the lead of the RAVENOL UK Welsh
Challenge category. This time the Comber driver will be partnered in his rapid Escort
Mk2 by Darren Curren.
Ron Morgan will also contest the event in his newly built Escort Mk2. He'll be co-
driven by Marc Clatworthy.

As always, there is a high calibre of Escorts on the entry list. Paul Barrett/Gordon
Noble lead the Historic class in their Escort Mk2, while Owen McMackin/Lee Taylor
and Ashley Davies/Sam Fordham will also be aiming to continue their good starts to
the season in their Escort Mk2s.

Having retired from the opening round when their Escort Mk2's engine cut out,
Jonathan Brace/Paul Spooner will be hoping for better luck on the Woodpecker.
Likewise, Ben Friend/Cliff Simmons will be aiming to bounce back in their Escort
Mk2, after a broken differential put them out of the Grist.
Also expected to go well are the likes of Paul Street/Ian Jones (Escort RS1800 Mk2)
former Pirelli Welsh National Rally champions Pete Littler/Andy Marchbank (Escort
Mk2), Ricky Crone/Daniel James (Escort Mk2) and Phil Clarke/Steve Pugh (Escort
Mk2).
Having blown the cobwebs off on the Nicky Grist by contesting his first event since
the 2015 Wyedean Stages Rally, expect Nik Elsmore to be back on the pace in his
Mitsubishi Evo IX. He had only done three rallies in the last 12 years but, together
with co-driver Craig Drew, was quickly into his stride - and will be one to keep an
eye on this time for sure.

Wug Utting is likely to be more up to speed too. He'd only had a replacement hip
operation a month before the Nicky Grist, so expect him to be back to his old self
when he and co-driver Bob Stokoe hit the Woodpecker stages in their Subaru
Impreza STi N12.

The Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship launched a new online video service
on the Nicky Grist Stages, with the first round of the series attracting 272,000 views.
In response to this fantastic audience figure, experienced motorsport broadcaster
Sideways Media will increase its ability to capture the very best of the action with five
cameras on the Woodpecker. It will edit this footage with onboard action and driver
interviews and expert analysis from Howard Davies and Eifion Jones for an exciting
new multi-film edited highlights package, dedicated to registered Championship
contenders in every class, to be broadcast on the Championship's Facebook and
YouTube channels in the week after the event.

Organised by Sixty and Worcestershire Motor Club, this year's non-spectator
Woodpecker Stages will take place entirely within the Radnor forest complex in
Powys, and contain 44 stage miles on roads which are in superb condition.
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.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Evans
07710 743167 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Images  Chris Huish, RallySport Media'

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.

David Lloyd Roberts, pictured above, and Declan Casey, pictured below, are the very worthy recipients of two very
special Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship awards - the David
Stokes Historic Challenge for drivers and the Guy Weaver award for co-drivers.




Both awards were open to all drivers and co-drivers registered for the Historic
classes, with the names of the competitors who finished in the top three of class W6,
W7 and W8 going into the final selection process.
The judging panel (made up of representatives from the Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally
Championship, the Welsh Association of Motor Clubs, members of the Stokes family
and Guy Weaver) then debated and decided on who the two winners should be -
considering (but not limited to) criteria such as sportsmanship, unflappable
determination, performance improvement and how they promote motorsport in a
positive and safe manner.
David Lloyd Roberts (from Corwen in Denbighshire) contested all seven rounds of
the 2022 Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship in his Ford Escort Mk2, winning
class W7 four times and clinching the title with victory on the final round of the series,
the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally.

Declan Casey co-drove for Michael McDaid, above, in their rapid McDaid Pharmacy Escort
RS1800 Mk2 - with the Cork navigator winning the class W8 title, thanks to three
magnificent class victories in the last four rounds.
As well as ably demonstrating their speed, Roberts and Casey also impressed the
judges with their excellent demeanour towards championship personnel, event
officials and marshals, the high standard of car preparation and being great
ambassadors to rallying - qualities that the late David Stokes always insisted upon
and which Guy Weaver continues today.

David Lloyd Roberts said: "I'm very surprised, honoured and grateful to receive this
award. I've always been a fan of David Stokes, so to have my name on this trophy is
one of my rallying career highlights. I had a mixed season, with some highs and a
couple of lows, but we had a great class battle with Neal James and it all came good
in the end."
Declan Casey said: "Myself and Michael [McDaid] had a fantastic season in the
Welsh forests coming away with the W8 class title. This award for me is the icing on
the cake on a very successful 2022 campaign. I have recently got to know Guy
[Weaver] and it's an absolute honour to accept this award bearing his name. I'd like
to thank all our service crew, our families and our friends, without whom we could not
have achieved this success."

Andrew Stokes said: "I'd like to congratulate both winners. David [Lloyd Roberts] has
shown devotion to the Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship and a great driving
style befitting the David Stokes Historic Challenge award, while Declan Casey's
efforts over the season have been brilliant and he's a very worthy winner of the Guy
Weaver award. It's been a good first year and we look forward to developing,
expanding and highlighting the initiative in 2023."

Guy Weaver said: "I would like the award winners to be proud of these awards and
the efforts that they have put in during the 2022 season. I hope that their success will
inspire more to come and do the Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship and
experience the fabulous stages that Wales has to offer."

Dave Evison, Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship Secretary,
said: "A huge thanks to all the competitors who rose to the challenge. There were so
many stand-out performances during the year, which really bodes well for the future.
Following the success of the David Stokes Historic Challenge and Guy Weaver
awards, the initiative will be opened up to even more competitors in 2023. The
success of the challenge is down to the working relationship built up with members
of the Stokes family together with Guy Weaver, whose understanding of the sport
played its part in the inaugural success of this new initiative. Our thanks and
appreciation goes to them, and many congratulations to the 2022 winners, David
Lloyd Roberts and Declan Casey."

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

Images Paul Mitchell 

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. 

Garry Pearson has increased his lead in the 2021 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship after scoring maximum points on the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally, which is his second series win in a row.

Co-driven by Niall Burns, Garry made a great start in his Asset Alliance Å koda Fabia R5 to establish an early lead which he was able to maintain until the finish, despite a small issue with the car on the afternoon loop of stages.

"We started in the morning with a bit of a push to try and get an early lead, which was just as well because on the fifth stage in the afternoon we hit something and bent the steering," said Garry.

"It got progressively worse, and for the last couple of stages we were forced to back off. But by then we had established a good lead and were able to maintain it until the finish."

The Cambrian Rally proved an extremely challenging event, with recent heavy rain leaving the gravel roads in Gwydir, Penmachno and Alwen forests with a lot of deep standing water and the additional hazard of low sun on both the early morning and late afternoon stages.

But it was a challenge many rose to, including Callum Black, pictured, who got his title challenge back on track with a second-place finish in his Pallas Connections-backed Ford Fiesta R5+. A puncture on SS4, a fast fifth gear brush with a hedge on SS5 and a slight ride up a grassy bank on the final asphalt stage couldn't prevent the 586 Sports team driver and co-driver Jack Morton from scoring a magnificent second podium finish, having netted maximum WNRC points on the opening Nicky Grist Stages. The result moves Callum up to third in the overall drivers' standings and in with a shout of the title.

George Lepley also had a great run on the Cambrian. Not only did a superb performance in his WD-40 Mitsubishi Evo X net him a third place WNRC points finish, but he also clinched the Pirelli Welsh Junior title. His reward is a prize of a test in a PCRS Rallysport-prepared Hyundai i20 R5, organised by OnThePaceNote.co.uk. Co-driven by Tom Woodburn, George's fantastic result in North Wales puts him second in the overall drivers' standings, six points behind Garry and 15 points ahead of Cullum.

Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear finished fourth in the WNRC section in their Delta Mitsubishi Evo IX, despite the spare wheel coming loose in the boot on the opening stage and dislodging the diff pump. They also survived a couple of punctures during the afternoon loop of stages.

Jason Black scored his best overall result of the season finishing an incredible fifth in his Toyota Starlet. Co-driven by Karl Egan, he also leads class W11.

Owen McMackin was also in inspired form, finishing sixth overall in his Escort Mk2. Co-driven by Lee Taylor, the result gives Owen the lead of both the Restruct-sponsored Two-Wheel Drive category and the RAVENOL UK Welsh Challenge.

Ashley Davies remains second in Two-Wheel Drive category and moves up to second in the Welsh Challenge after he and co-driver Sam Fordham mastered the conditions in their Escort Mk2.

Unfortunately, it wasn't such a good day for David Crossen. Coming into the event leading both categories the Comber driver picked up a puncture on the opening stage and, together with co-driver Aileen Kelly, retired his Escort Mk2 on the afternoon loop.

Paul Street has taken the lead in the hotly contested Pirelli Welsh Historic Cup after scoring maximum points with a controlled drive in his Escort RS1800 Mk2. Partnered by Ian Jones, Paul picked up a puncture and bent a wheel on the opening stage, but a more cautious approach paid dividends after that.

Robert Gough moves up to fourth in the Pirelli Welsh Historic Cup after finishing second (co-driven by Jack Bowen) in his Escort Mk2, which was a magnificent result considering that they have entered the car on the Roger Albert Clark Rally and were keen not to damage it.

Unfortunately, Michael McDaid/Declan Casey retired their Escort RS1800 Mk2 on SS5, which puts an end to their Pirelli Welsh Historic Cup title hopes.

Steve Black has clinched the class W3 title after a great drive in his Suzuki Swift 1400. Co-driven by Paul Morris, the 586 Sports team driver was able to ease off in the afternoon when rivals Dave and Toby Brick suffered clutch failure in their Vauxhall Nova

Dan Jones/Cyril Jones have clinched the W10 title after securing their third straight class win in their Vauxhall Nova.

Adrian and Matthew Walk continue to lead W2 in their PartBOX Ford Ka and scored maximum class points on the Cambrian having survived a couple of spins in SS2 when the windscreen misted up and a puncture on SS4.

While Matthew has secured the W2 co-drivers' title, Adrian is in a close battle for the drivers' trophy with Ross Clements who (co-driven by Christopher Lear) enjoyed a good run in his MG ZR.

Ricky Crone has extended his lead in the Pirelli Welsh Road Rally class to five points after he and Daniel James won the category for a second time in a row in their Escort Mk2. Early leaders Robi Wood/Osian Davies remain second in the standings after finishing second on the Cambrian in their Escort Mk2 while third place Graham Thatcher/Tim Samuel could still win the title after another strong performance in their Peugeot 206GTi. Mark Lennox lost time when his Escort Mk2's windscreen misted up on SS1 and he caught a car on SS2. He and co-driver Rhodri Evens recovered well, but their third-place finish leaves them a little short on points to win the title this year.

Bob Morgan/Adrian Williams had a great maiden outing in their new Winner Garage Å koda Fabia R5 to score their first finish of the season, while Maxx Bradshaw/Liam Whiteley reached the finish unscathed in their Renvo8/DB Autos & Sons Mitsubishi Evo III.

The tough terrain contributed to several retirements including Tom Llewellin/Ross Whittock (Brace's Mitsubishi Mirage), Dylan Davies/Dafydd Evans (Subaru Impreza) and Ioan Lloyd/Sion Williams (West Wales Rally Spares Peugeot 208 R2) all of whom hit the same outcrop of rock on SS2 which damaged the suspension of each car and forced them into instant retirement. Tom was particularly unlucky as the impact threw the car into a roll.

Russ Thompson/Stephen Link stopped after SS1 when their Dunnow Plant Mitsubishi Evo IX picked up an electrical problem, Harry Gardner/Elliott Graham also retired their Mitsubishi Evo 9 on the opening stage, a severe misfire with their BMW 325's engine forced Andrew Fox/Jaime-Lee Fox out on SS2 while that was also as far as Alex Moore/Merfyn Williams got in their Subaru Impreza.

Dave Tomlin/Keith Ashley retired their Axon Ford Fiesta R5 with clutch problems on SS4 while Robert Morris/Dil John put their Subaru Impreza off the road on SS5.

With cameras on every stage, Sideways Media will produce a multi-film edited highlights package featuring competitors from all the classes within the Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship to be broadcast on the Championship's Facebook and YouTube channels this week.

The final round of the 2021 Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship is the Rallynuts Stages Rally on Saturday 13 November.

Further details on the 2021 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 overall driver points after Round 3:

1. Garry Pearson.......83pts
2. George Lepley.......77pts
3. Callum Black.......62pts
4. Ian Bainbridge.......52pts
5. Owen McMackin.......51pts
6. Ashley Davies.......47pts
7. Matthew Hirst.......46pts
8. Richard Hill.......45pts
9. David Crossen.......43pts
10. Paul Barrett.......40pts

Images - Paul Mitchell 
Press Release - Paul Evans 

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 takes a healthy 22-point Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship lead into the Nicky Grist Stages (Saturday 8 July) - and the defending champion will be favourite to score his fourth win of the 2023 season in his Pirelli-shod Delta Salvage/Witham Group Ford Fiesta R5.
 
The Doncaster driver returns to Builth Wells reunited with regular co-driver Declan Dear, who was away on honeymoon for the previous round. They are looking forward to repeating their Nicky Grist Stages Interclub victory of last year, after they won the event for the first time in 2022.
 
"The Nicky Grist Stages is probably the event that I most look forward to in the entire year," says Hirst. 
 
"The mid-Wales stages are great - nice and smooth, flat-out and it's normally scorching hot and it's a great challenge. I love the Llyn Login, Crychan, Halfway and Monument stages and the organisers always do something to spice the route up a little bit."
 


Simon Rogers is enjoying a magnificent season in his MacWhirter Motorsport-prepared Mitsubishi and lies second in the overall Pirelli Welsh drivers' standings and leads class W13. He has been partnered by three different co-drivers in three rounds, but is back with regular navigator James How this time.
 
There has been little to separate Rogers and Martyn Andrews this year, with just seconds between them at the end of all three rallies. The Opie Oils Subaru Impreza STi N12 driver is third in the overall standings, just five points behind the Evo 6 pilot, and leads the Welsh Challenge category, while his navigator Steve Greenhill leads the overall co-drivers' and Welsh Challenge standings.
 

Bob Morgan/Ade Williams finished third on the recent Sweet Lamb Rally Time Trail, which was only their second outing of the year in their Winner Garage Å koda Fabia R5 and a good test ahead of the Nicky Grist Stages.
 
Peter Baylis is an impressive fifth overall and, together with co-driver Paul Godden, will be looking for his fourth high points score in his Artificial Lawn Company Mitsubishi Evo 9. The same is true of Daniel Moss, who is just four points behind after a consistently high scoring year so far. He and co-driver Samuel Davies are still very much in with a shout of the title and will be aiming for a good haul of points in their pink Hurst Haylage Mitsubishi Evo 10, pictured below.

 
Rob Wilson just missed out on a Pirelli Welsh podium on last year's Nicky Grist Stages - which set him on course to eventually become the 2022 Welsh Junior, Welsh Challenge and class W13 champion, as well as finishing runner-up in the overall drivers' standings. The young Herefordshire driver and Richard Crozier will be aiming for the top spot this time in their Ravenol Mitsubishi Evo 7. 

Colin Minton/Bonnie Papper have had clutch and brake problems this year but given a clear run they'll be challenging for victory in their Ignition Motorsport Ford Fiesta R5. Steve Black/Jack Morton should also go well in their 586 Sports-prepared Pirelli-shod Pallas Connections Ford Fiesta Rally2, as the car is swapped to gravel spec having just won the Argyll Rally. 

Russ Thompson doesn't do as many rounds as he used to, but the 2019 Pirelli Welsh Championship runner-up is still very quick and, together with Stephen Link, will be aiming for a podium in his Dunnow Plant Mitsubishi Evo 9 - as will Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas (Green Paw Subaru Impreza STI N11), Richard Ceen/Dylan Thomas (MSL Motorsport Fiesta R5) and Steve Hollis/Tim Currie (Volkswagen Golf V R32).

 
Other 4WD crews enjoying a good season and aiming to increase their Pirelli Welsh points tally include David Tomlin/Keith Ashley (Axon Ford Fiesta R5), Wug and Max Utting (Subaru Impreza N12b), Colin Griffiths/Sion Rowlands (ex-Mikko Hirvonen/Alister McRae Subaru Impreza STI), Rob and Ashley Aslett (Rigfone Electric Contractors Subaru Impreza), Tom McKeown/Neil Thomas (Subaru Impreza), Nik Elsmore/Rob Fagg (CDS Taxis & Private Hire Mitsubishi Evo 9), Charlie Campbell/Jon Hawkins (Subaru Impreza) and Geoff Cottrill/Nathan Crewe (Mitsubishi Evo 9).
 
Robert Gough has been on inspired form this year, winning the Restruct Welsh Historic class W9 on the first two rounds before an engine problem interrupted his great run last time out. He may have lost the class lead to Lyn Davies/Aled Richards (Wales Motorsport-prepared Escort Mk2), but Gough (who is co-driven by Paul Morris) will be aiming to return to his winning ways - and try to maintain his wonderful fourth place in the overall drivers' standings - in his flying Escort RS1800 Mk2.
 
Andrew Stokes/Jonny Tad Evans lead the Historic class W8 in their Ford Escort RS1600 and will be up against the likes of Jeremy Wells (co-driven this time by Steve Suckling) and Jonathan Brace/Paul Spooner in similar Mk1s. Brace led the class after two rounds but rolled out of the Plains Rally. Luckily his gorgeous RS1600 didn't sustain much damage - and he's back supplying marshals, as he usually does, with his delicious Brace's Bakery Welsh Cakes!

 
Julian Birley/Emyr Hall will be aiming to take the class W5 lead in their Talbot Sunbeam, Gareth Lewis/Ryland James are back in their immaculate red Ford Escort RS2000 Mk1 and will be battling for class W8 points with Gary Smith/Emma Clarke (Escort Mk1), and Ron Morgan (co-driven by Sion Jones) makes a very welcome return to the series in his Restruct Escort Mk2.
 




Iwan Roberts Jnr/Daniel Jones snatched the Hockly Motorsport-supported Welsh 2WD class lead last time out in their Roberts of Ffestiniog Ford Escort G3, after Boyd Kershaw/Keegan Rees (who had led after two wins) retired their Flying Kiwi Ford Escort Mk2 with a broken propshaft on the Plains, slipping to third in the points table.






Between Roberts and Kershaw is an inspired Tony Simpson, who has also won class W4 in all three outings this year in his Seacon UK Ford Fiesta Rally4. The Eccleston driver won his class on last year's Nicky Grist Stages and will this time be co-driven by Stefan Arndt. Alex Cannon/Alan Carfree are second in class W4 and will be aiming to close the gap in their Rallyworld Ford Fiesta R2.
 



Sideways and spectacular will be defending class W12 champions Andrew Fox/Jaime-Lee Fox (Xwatch Safety Solutions BMW 325), Dan Chester/Paul Barbet (BMW E30), Ricky Crone/Ifan Devine (MS Textiles Ford Escort Mk2), Geoff Phelps/Colin Jenkins (Hartpury Farms Escort Mk2), Tim Phelps/Elwyn Manuel (Britpart Escort Mk2), Kevin Metcalfe/Ian Jones (BMW E30),pictured above, Clive Price/Robbie Sandford (BMW Compact 318ti), David and Douglas Young (Escort), Mike Brown/Aled Davies (BMW Compact M3) and David Jones/Gwyn Price (Tanner's Arms/GJ Price Transport BMW E30).

 
Gethin Price take a strong class W2 lead into the event in his RKP Haulage Nissan Micra. The Machynlleth driver will this time be co-driven by Brynmore Price (who won class W7 as a driver on the opening round of the series). 

 
They'll be chased hard by Nigel and Kaz Jenkins, who won the Hockly Motorsport-supported 1400cc class on round two in their NJ Auto Repairs Vauxhall Nova, and gravel rally rookie Dylan Fowler Bishop (co-driven by Dan Evans) in his Restruct-backed Nissan Micra.

 
Also aiming for a big bag of points will be defending class champions Adrian and Matthew Walk in their PartBOX Ford Ka, James Dunkley (co-driven by Jack Morris) who won his class on last year's Nicky Grist Stages, Ashley Francis-Adams/Lucy Wilding (T2 Fabrication Nissan Micra), pictured above, Chris Bush/Robert Bryn (Bushtec Recycling Opel Corsa), Luke Watts/Matt Rogers (MG ZR), Edward James/Charlie Mason (Nissan Micra) and Will Banks/Matthew Baddeley (Vauxhall Nova).

 
Defending champions Martin Walters/Marie Fletcher will be aiming to extend their class W10 lead in their Digger Parts Direct Honda Civic. Trying to stop them will be son and father duo Dan and Cyril Jones, who have won the class twice this year in their Howard Price Rallying/North Wales Joinery Vauxhall Nova, Alan Desbois/Peter Littlefield in their Peugeot 306 RWD, Lucy Wigley/Emma Cooper,pictured above, who won the class on round two in their Redware Citroën C2, and Michael Jenkins/Jordan Joines (Ford Fiesta).
 



Three different drivers have won the OnThePaceNote-supported Welsh Junior Championship class so far this year - James Lepley (Esso Escort Mk2), Eddie Lewis (Mechanical Solutions Ford Fiesta R5) and Sam Mason (Samuel Mason Rallysport Fiesta R2T) - although it's Ben Smith (Amigos Escort RS2000 Mk1),pictured above, who leads the youngsters coming into this weekend's event. 
 

Looking for their first Junior win of the season are the rapid Griffiths brothers, Callum (co-driven by William Lewis) and Liam (co-driven by Daniel James) - who are second and third in the table and out for a win in a pair of Presteigne Tyre Services-supported Ford Fiesta STs.

 
Bonnie Papper leads the Welsh Junior co-driver's section, ahead of Jack Bowen, Jack Morris, Sam Weller, Ifan Devine and James Seymour (who claimed maximum points last time out).
 
The Nicky Grist Stages will be live streamed on the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship's and Special Stage TV's Facebook pages during the event, featuring action from all the registered competitors.
 
Organised by Quinton Motor Club, this year's Nicky Grist Stages is once again based in the centre of Builth Wells, with the start in Strand Street, the finish on the banks of the River Wye and the service area on the Builth Wells RFC pitch. The event contains a 22 stage mile loop through the classic and smooth mid-Wales forests of Llyn Login, Crychan, Halfway and Monument, located in and around the Epynt military range, which is first tackled in the morning and repeated in the afternoon.
 
Further details on the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship can be found online at: wnrc.wamc.org.uk.

Friday 30th June 2023
 

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.

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

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

Press release: 15 May 2022

Matthew Hirst, pictured above, will be targeting an unblemished hat-trick of wins in the 2022 Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship when he contests the Plains Rally on Saturday 21 May.

Hirst and co-driver Declan Dear have made the perfect Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Championship start by winning both the WKD Trained Dogs Rally North Wales and Rallynuts Stages in their Pirelli-shod Delta Salvage Ford Fiesta R5+.

Having conquered the famous Pantperthog, Dyfi, Big Ray, Gartheiniog, Myherin, Sweet Lamb, Hafren and Cwmysgawen forest stages, Hirst hopes his winning streak will continue as he prepares for 44 more stages miles in Aberhirnant, Llangower, Alwen and Clocaenog.

Dylan Davies, pictured below, has been Hirst's nearest rival on both rounds this year and is second in the drivers' standings, six points behind. His Å koda Fabia R5+ hasn't been so sympathetic on tyre wear and a lack of traction has hampered the Llanon driver's progress, but he hopes for improvements as he and co-driver Mark Glennerster aim for their first win of 2022.

Tom Llewellin arrives at the Plains Rally third in the overall drivers' standings. The 2019 Welsh Junior champion's first full season in the Brace's Bakery Mitsubishi Mirage has started well and he's quickly gaining confidence in the car. Dale Bowen, who partnered Tom on the opening round, returns to the co-driver's seat.

James Giddings also had a fantastic result on the Rallynuts in his first appearance in his newly acquired Group N Fordpad Mitsubishi Evo 9. Co-driven by Aled Davies, the former Fiesta ST Trophy and Citroën C2 Challenge champion should go well on the Plains too.

Bob Morgan, pictured below, has made a great start to the 2022 Welsh Championship and currently leads the Ravenol Challenge and is fifth in the overall drivers' standings in his Winner Garage Å koda Fabia R5+.

Benj Ceen has been one of the revelations of the season so far. In only his first year in a four-wheel drive car, the former Renault/Alpine Formula 1 test engineer has scored two fantastic results in his Ford Fiesta R5 and arrives at the Plains Rally sixth in the overall drivers' standings and third in the Ravenol Welsh Challenge. The car is run by MSL (which is owned by Mat Long, who is married to Benj's sister and four-time Welsh Under 25 championship winning co-driver Sarah Ceen) and the results have been achieved despite the car running with an Evo1 spec 32mm restrictor and over 30bhp down on the other Fiesta R5s.

Benj's father Richard Ceen, pictured below, has been troubled by sensor failures and his Ford Focus WRC05 engine stalling at every opportunity this year. With over six minutes lost on the first two events, he hopes that as a former instrumentation engineer he can get the problems fixed to enable him and co-driver Alun Hayward to enjoy a clean run on the Plains.

Richard's slightly younger brother Bob Ceen is having a good season. The 2001 and 2015 Welsh champion has successfully switched from a Subaru Impreza S9 WRC to a right-hand drive 'National spec' Ford Fiesta R5, which has been transformed by MSL and has run faultlessly so far this year.

Simon Rogers/James How will be aiming for a more trouble-free run having driven around several problems so far this year in their Mitsubishi Evo 6, while Dave Tomlin/Keith Ashley will be hoping to bounce back from beaching their Axon Ford Fiesta R5 - a simple case of running a bit wide ruining a good run last time out on the Rallynuts Stages.

One of the most experienced drivers in the Welsh field will be Wug Utting,pictured below, who contests the Plains Rally for the 17th time! He'll be co-driven by Bob Stokoe in their Subaru Impreza N12b. Also back in his Green Paw Subaru Impreza will be Paul Walker, this time partnered by Geraint Thomas.

Ashley Davies/Sam Fordham, pictured below, arrive in Bala leading the Welsh 2WD class having finished second on Rally North Wales and first on the Rallynuts in their Burton Power/G&B Finch/Deranged Trucks Ford Escort RS. Boyd Kershaw/Keegan Rees have also won their class this year, but fifth on the Rallynuts sees them five points behind in The Flying Kiwi Escort Mk2.

Matthew Jackson, pictured below, is third in the 2WD class after two magnificent results in his MJ Rallying Ford Fiesta R2T. He and co-driver Sasha Heriot also lead class W4 in the flying front-wheel drive car.

Kevin Metcalfe, pictured below. (co-driven by Ian Jones) is the top placed BMW driver and is just one point behind Jackson in his 3-litre BMW E30.

Philip Jones/Ryan Griffiths (Ford Escort), Andrew Fox/Jaime-Lee Fox (Xwatch Safety Solutions BMW 325), Michael Sawyer/Gareth Price (2350cc Datsun 1600) and Geoff Phelps/Colin Jenkins (Hartpury Farms Escort) will also be aiming for strong 2WD results.

The incredibly close Restruct Welsh Historic class battles will resume on the Plains, with the top three registered finishers in each class giving themselves a chance of winning the end of season David Stokes Historic Challenge for drivers and the Guy Weaver Award for co-drivers' awards.

Matt Edwards/Hamish Campbell, pictured below, head the Historic class W8 after two victories in their Pirelli-shod Fiat Abarth 131. The development work done to improve the RSD-prepared car came good in the afternoon of the Rallynuts Stages, and if that pace and reliability continues on the Plains then the three-time British drivers' champion will be hard to beat.

Nick Elliott quickly reacclimatised to his own Fiat Abarth 131 on the Rallynuts, having not driven it in competition for over three and a half years. Now that he's stopped driving it like his Escort RS1800, Nick and co-driver Peredur Davies should be on the pace from the word go this time.

Roger Chilman (Securcom Escort Mk2) lies third in class, just ahead of Rudi Lancaster (co-driven by Guy Weaver in his Woolacombe Holiday Parks Escort RS1800), with Alan Walker (together with John Connor in his JWC Financial Solutions Ford Escort RS1800) fifth. Meirion Evans kick-started his class W8 title challenge when he and co-driver Gwynfor Jones collected third-place points in their Wales Motorsport Escort Mk2 on the Rallynuts.

Other crews aiming for their first class W8 podium finish of the year include Robert Gough/Jack Bowen (Escort RS1600 Mk2), Michael McDaid/Declan Casey (McDaid Pharmacy Escort RS1800 Mk2), Ben Friend/Cliffy Simmons (who were flying in the early part of the Rallynuts in their Allglass Escort Mk2) Will Onions/Dave Williams (who survived a Rallynuts roll in their Capital Motorsport Escort Mk2), Pete Littler/Sion Cunniff (RED Preparation & Fabrication/Select Security Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2), Ron Morgan/Marc Clatworthy (Wales Motorsport-prepared Restruct Escort Mk2), Philip Clarke/Richard Bonner (Escort Mk2), and defending Historic class W8 champions Paul Street/Ian Jones (PJS Marine Escort RS1800 Mk2).

Jonathan Brace (co-driven this time by Jamie Vaughan) heads the RS1600 Mk1 contingent in his Dave Jenkins Motorsport-built Brace's Bakery Escort, with Andrew Stokes/Jonny Tad Evans and David Kirby/Martin Corbett in hot pursuit.

Having finished second in class twice, Neal James/Kevin Jones (Escort Mk2) take a 19 points W7 lead into the Plains Rally. David Roberts/Gerallt Davies won the class on the Rallynuts in their Cwm Engineering Ford Escort Mk2 and Ben and Stephen Smith did likewise on Rally North Wales, while Peter Hinton/Lewis Sim are also capable of winning the class - although head gasket and suspension issues have prevented them scoring a top result this year in their Escort Mk2.

Julian Birley/Emyr Hall (Talbot Sunbeam Ti 1600) have a great opportunity to recapture the lead of the Historic W6 class after missing the Rallynuts.

Rory McCann, co-driven by his father Paul, will also resume their Welsh title battle in their Metalways Hillman Avenger, as will Mark Tugwell/Steve Pugh in their Lotus Twin Cam engines Metalways Ford Escort Mk1 and Malcolm Bayliss/Siobhan Pugh in their 16BAO Rally Team Ford Escort Mk1.

Liam Griffiths, pictured below, (co-drive this time by Andrew Sankey) will be aiming to extend his 24-point lead at the top of the OnThePaceNote.co.uk supported Welsh Junior points table in his Discover Parks Ford Fiesta ST.

This brother Callum Griffiths finished on the Welsh Junior podium last time out in only his second ever rally and he'll be aiming for another good run with co-driver William Lewis in his Discover Parks Ford Fiesta ST.

Gethin Price/Matthew Baddeley lead class W3, although the gap has been closed thanks to a non-finish last time out in their Keith Price Haulage Nissan Micra. Hefin Lloyd-Davies (co-driven by Rich Jones) returns, having won the class on Rally North Wales in his Jones Bros Engineering Vauxhall Corsa. Meanwhile Dave Brick (Vauxhall Nova) and Freddy Brick (Opel Corsa) will be aiming for their first championship finish of the season.

Having scored maximum Road Rally class points last time out, Brynli Thomas/Steve Griffiths will be looking to take the lead of the category in their Peugeot 306 Rallye.

Martin Walters/Marie Fletcher have made a successful return to rallying after spending the past two years rebuilding their Honda Civic and head to the Plains aiming to extend their class W10 lead.

Organised by Knutsford & District Motor Club, the 2022 Plains Rally will see the first car leave the start ramp at 07.01 on Saturday 21 May from the Penllyn Leisure Centre in Bala. The event will contain two high-speed passes of Aberhirnant, Llangower, Alwen South, Alwen North and Clocaenog forests and after all 10 stages/44 stage miles have been completed the finish will be back in Bala from 15.00.

Spectator information is available at plainsrally.co.uk and on the Sportity app (password: PlainsRallySpectators22).

For those unable to make it to the North Wales forests in person but would still like to watch the event, the action will be live streamed on facebook.com/WELSHRALLYCHAMPIONSHIP with commentary from Howard Davies.

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

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

2022 Plains Rally: top 10 2WD starters
1. Matt Edwards/Hamish Campbell.......Fiat Abarth 131
2. Nick Elliott/Peredur Davies.......Fiat Abarth 131
3. Matthew Robinson/Sam Collis.......Ford Escort RS
4. Henri Greham/Daniel Petrie.......Ford Escort Mk2
5. Ben Friend/Cliffy Simmons.......Ford Escort Mk2
6. Will Onions/Dave Williams.......Ford Escort Mk2
7. Robert Gough/Jack Bowen.......Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2
8. Sacha Kakad/TBC....... Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2
9. Hugh Hunter/Rob Fagg.......Ford Escort Mk2
10. Simon Webster/Jez Rogers.......Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2

2022 Plains Rally: top 10 4WD starters
401. Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear.......Ford Fiesta R5+
402. Dylan Davies/Mark Glennerster.......Å koda Fabia R5+
403. Tom Llewellin/Dale Bowen.......Mitsubishi Mirage
404. David Henderson/Chris Lee.......Ford Fiesta R5
405. James Giddings/Aled Davies.......Mitsubishi Evo 9
406. Bob Ceen/Shaun Layland.......Ford Fiesta R5
407. Bob Morgan/Ade Williams.......Å koda Fabia R5+
408. Benj Ceen/Caron Tomlinson.......Ford Fiesta R5
409. Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas.......Subaru Impreza
411. Dave Tomlin/Keith Ashley.......Ford Fiesta R5

Defending Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally champion Matthew Hirst celebrated a
third straight maximum points score of the 2023 season on the Plains Rally in his
Pirelli-shod Delta Salvage/Witham Group Ford Fiesta R5 - although it was far from
straightforward, as both he and arch-rival Perry Gardener hit problems in the
afternoon, which saw them swap positions on the eighth and final stage.

The frontrunning duo were tied for the lead after the opening 2.78 mile test through
Alwen South - before Hirst, who was partnered for the first time by Mark
Glennerster, took the smallest of leads after the next 6.55 miler through Alwen North.
With the top cars having to drive non-competitively through the longest 8.78 mile
Aberhirnant test (one of the highest stages in Wales), just 0.01 seconds still
separated them as they came to the final stage of the morning loop, the 3.3 mile
blast through Llangower - with Hirst setting fastest time again to reach midday
service in Bala with a slender nine second advantage.

All four stages were repeated in the afternoon, which began with Hirst increasing his
lead to 12 seconds - only for him to lose 35 seconds and the lead when the power-
steering failed on SS6.

With only two stages remaining, Hirst regained 13 seconds on the penultimate stage
after Gardener spun to leave him 10 seconds behind entering the final stage.
In his first rally for seven months, Gardener had driven brilliantly and looked set to
score a memorable comeback win. But it wasn't to be, as an alarm on the dashboard
came on during the final stage, forcing the Ludlow driver to stop his Davanti Tyres-
backed Ford Fiesta R5, turn the engine off, reboot the system, restart the engine and
get going again. The delay cost him and co-driver Jack Bowen almost 30 seconds
and the Pirelli Welsh top spot, as Hirst - who had to reboot his power-steering
system a few road sections before - finished 18 seconds ahead.

"I'm very pleased to take home my third set of Pirelli Welsh points in a row, as it's
obviously very good for the championship," said Hirst.
"We started off steadily on the first two stages, as it was the first time that Mark
[Glennerster] had co-driven for me. We quickly got into a nice rhythm, before our
power-steering issue. Forget lifting weights at the gym, six miles of wrestling an R5
car through Alwen is quite the workout!
"We were able to reboot the system on the next road section, as it's happened
before and I know what to do, and we were intent on a big push through the last two
stages. It was a good battle with Perry [Gardener] and whilst it's a shame he had
problems himself in the afternoon, it all came good for us in the end."

Simon Rogers has moved up to second in the overall drivers' standings after another
great run in his MacWhirter Motorsport-prepared Mitsubishi Evo 6 - despite hitting a
big rock on SS5 and breaking a front wheel. Reunited with regular co-driver James
How, he was having another close battle with Martyn Andrews/Steve Greenhill (Opie
Oils Subaru Impreza STi N12) - so close in fact that they were tied on time at the
midday service. A big push in the afternoon saw Rogers take home fourth placed
Pirelli Welsh points, while Andrews slipped to sixth when the centre differential failed
on the penultimate stage, leaving him limping to the finish.

Greenhill takes over the lead in the overall co-drivers' standings, while he and
Andrews maintains their lead in the Welsh Challenge.

Peter Baylis/Paul Godden finished between the battling Rogers and Andrews after
another excellent run in their Artificial Lawn Company Mitsubishi Evo 9.

Daniel Moss/Samuel Davies had been fifth fastest on the opening test but lost over a
minute and a half when their pink Hurst Haylage Mitsubishi Evo 10 picked up a rear
puncture on SS2. They nevertheless had a great run in the afternoon to bag eighth
placed overall points.

Steve Hollis/Tim Currie did well to take home ninth placed overall points after a
troublesome day which saw them having to drive around a dragging clutch issue in
the morning, before completing the final two stages with hardly any brakes in their
Volkswagen Golf V R32.

Other notable 4WD finishers included Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas, who enjoyed a
textbook run in their Green Paw Subaru Impreza STi N11, Richard Ceen/Alun
Hayward in their MSL Motorsport-prepared Fiesta R5.

Colin Minton/Bonnie Papper who, apart from catching a few cars and getting delayed in the dust,
were the top mixed crew home in their Ignition Motorsport Ford Fiesta R5 - which ran
faultlessly all day. Papper also leads the Welsh Junior co-drivers' category.

The event didn't start well for Tom McKeown/Neil Thomas after a turbo boost pipe
came off their Subaru Impreza on the opening stage. They never gave up, and their
rally ended with the 4WD Witham Group special award (a voucher for £50) which
was presented by Witham Group Sales Director Richard Scarbrough.

Colin Griffiths/Sion Rowlands reached the finish in their ex-Mikko Hirvonen/Alister
McRae Subaru Impreza STi N9, although a few technical issues and two punctures
cost them dear.

Bob Morgan was flying on his return to rallying after a shoulder injury and was third
in the Pirelli Welsh standings after the morning loop. Unfortunately, he and co-driver
Ade Williams were to retire their Winner Garage Å koda Fabia R5 on the penultimate
stage.

Wug Utting/Bob Stokoe hit a rock on SS2 and despite trying hard to carry on retired
their Subaru Impreza N12b with bent steering, while Charles Campbell (co-driven
this time by John Hawkins, as Sam Weller is sitting his GCSEs) left the road on SS4.

Richard Jordan/James Gratton-Smith were the top two-wheel drive crew home after
a magnificent run in their Ford Escort Mk2. Jordan has moved up to third in the
Restruct Welsh Historic class W9 - which is now being led by Lyn Davies/Aled
Richards in their Wales Motorsport-prepared Escort Mk2, after early class leader
Robert Gough (co-driven by Paul Morris) retired his Escort RS1800 Mk2 with engine
problems on the opening stage.

The reigning Historic class champions Michael McDaid/Declan Casey returned to the
series and finished second in W9 in their McDaid Pharmacy Escort RS1800 Mk2.

It wasn't Rudi Lancaster's day. Partnered by Guy Weaver, he was delayed in dust on
SS2 when a car re-joined the stage in front of him and then lost time on SS7 when
his Woolacombe Holiday Parks Escort RS1800 Mk2 picked up a puncture. Despite
the two big time consuming issues, the Devon driver finished third in class.

Andrew Stokes/Jonny Tad Evans have taken the lead in class W8 after a great
performance in their Ford Escort RS1600 Mk1. They also won the Historic 4WD
Witham Group special award.

Jeremy Wells/Martin Saunders scored another good result with a trouble-free run in
their Wells Masonry Solutions Escort RS1600 Mk1.
Jonathan Brace/Paul Spooner, who had led the class going into the Plains, retired
their Brace's Bakery Ford Escort RS1600 Mk1 after putting the car on its side on
SS3, with an old tree stump preventing a full roll.

Graham Palmer has taken the lead in class W7 after a good run in his PGM
Caterham Specialist Escort RS2000 Mk1. Co-driven by Mike Webb, the Hove driver
overcame alternator, intercom and overheating problems to get the gorgeous yellow
car to a well-deserved finish.

Ian Beveridge/Paul Price hold onto a slender five point lead in class W5 in their
Toyota Corolla Levin TE27, after finishing second to Mark and Debora Tugwell
(Metalways Escort Mk1 Twin Cam).
Julian Birley/Emyr Hall finished third in class in their Talbot Sunbeam - the local
driver summing up the event perfectly by saying, "Aberhirnant is the reason why
rallying is the number one sport in North Wales!"

Gareth Lewis missed the chance of taking the class W6 lead when he and co-driver
Ryland James lost the brakes on the penultimate stage and were forced to retire
their Ford Escort RS2000 Mk1.

All the registered crews that finish in the top three of each Restruct Welsh 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.
Despite driving two-thirds of SS5 on a rear puncture and losing over a minute.

IwanRoberts Jnr/Daniel Jones came out on top in the Hockly Motorsport-supported Welsh
2WD battle to take the class lead in their Roberts of Ffestiniog Ford Escort G3.
David and Douglas Young finished second in their Escort Mk2, ahead of class W4
leader Tony Simpson (who was co-driven this time by Glyn Thomas) in his Seacon
UK Ford Fiesta, and who is a magnificent second in the 2WD section - despite the
car refusing to go into stage mode for the opening test.

Defending class W12 champions Andrew Fox/Jaime-Lee Fox had a great afternoon
run in their Xwatch Safety Solutions BMW 325 and took home the 2WD Witham
Group special award.
Dan Chester/Paul Barbet were delighted with a finish in their BMW E30, as where
Ricky Crone/Ifan Devine after a day of electrical misfires in their MS Textiles Ford
Escort Mk2). Also scoring a very good finish were Geoff Phelps/Colin Jenkins
(Hartpury Farms Escort Mk2) and Tim Phelps/Elwyn Manuel (Britpart Ford Escort
Mk2).

Two victories from two starts had seen Boyd Kershaw/Keegan Rees lead the Welsh
2WD section, but a broken propshaft in their Flying Kiwi Ford Escort Mk2 forced
them out on the morning loop.

On his rally debut, Sam Mason took maximum points in the OnThePaceNote-
supported Welsh Junior Championship after a great run in his Samuel Mason
Rallysport Fiesta R2T. He was slowed all through the afternoon loop of stages when
the car's turbo boost pipe came off, but he and co-driver James Seymour did
extremely well to finish.

Gethin Price has re-taken the lead in the Hockly Motorsport-supported 1400cc class
W2 after scoring his second class win of the season in his RKP Haulage Nissan
Micra. Co-driven by Steven Brown, the car handled a lot better in the afternoon, after
he'd lower it by 5mm and reduced the tyre pressures. Kelvin Evans/Ifan Rowlands
finished second in class in their CWL Hire Nissan Micra.

Alex Cannon remains second in class W4 (behind Simpson) after another second
place finish in his Rallyworld-backed Ford Fiesta R2, while his navigator Alan
Carfree takes the lead of the co-drivers' section.

Defending champions Martin Walters/Marie Fletcher lead class W10 after their third
straight second place finish in their Digger Parts Direct Honda Civic.

Son and father duo Dan and Cyril Jones won the class this time in their
Howard Price Rallying/North Wales Joinery Vauxhall Nova.

Alan Desbois/Peter Littlefield conquered what in places were very loose road surface
conditions to score another excellent result in their smart Peugeot 306 RWD and
maintain their class W10 title challenge.

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

Round 4 of the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship is the Nicky Grist Stages on
Saturday 8 July. Organised by Quinton Motor Club, the event is based in Builth Wells
and contains 44 stage miles in Llyn Login, Monument, Halfway and Crychan.

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

2023 Plains Rally - top 10 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship
finishers:
1. Matthew Hirst/Mark Glennerster (Ford Fiesta R5+).......42mins 00secs
2. Perry Gardener/Jack Bowen (Ford Fiesta R5+).......42mins 18secs
3. Richard Jordan/James Gratton-Smith (Ford Escort Mk2).......44mins 55secs
4. Simon Rogers/James How (Mitsubishi Evo 6).......45mins 18secs
5. Peter Baylis/Paul Godden (Mitsubishi Evo 9).......45mins 37secs
6. Martyn Andrews/Steve Greenhill (Subaru Impreza).......45mins 53secs
7. Michael McDaid/Declan Casey (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2).......45mins 57secs
8. Daniel Moss/Samuel Davies (Mitsubishi Evo 10).......46mins 08secs
9. Steve Hollis/Tim Currie (Volkswagen Golf R).......46mins 14secs
10. Rudi Lancaster/Guy Weaver (Ford Escort Mk2).......46mins 25secs

2023 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship
Overall drivers' points after Round 3:
1. Matthew Hirst.......90pts
2. Simon Rogers.......68pts
3. Martyn Andrews.......63pts
4. Robert Gough.......55pts
5. Peter Bayliss.......55pts
6. Dan Moss.......51pts

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.

Pictures by 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

Tom Llewellin says that winning a test drive in an R5 car was an "incredible experience" - and that magnificent prize is once again up for grabs to the winning Junior driver in this year's Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship. 

The talented Pembrokeshire youngster, who is the son of double British Rally Champion David Llewellin, became Welsh Junior National Champion (as well as the Restruct Two-Wheel Drive and RAVENOL Welsh Challenge champion) in 2019 (which, owing to Covid-19 restrictions, was the last time the series was run).

 Co-driven by Peredur Davies, Llewellin - who drove his Historic-spec Ford Escort Mk2 to Junior title success - won the prize of a test in a PCRS Rallysport-prepared Hyundai i20 R5, organised by OnThePaceNote.co.uk.

 All eligible drivers and co-drivers (who must not have previously won the Junior Championship title, be under 25 years of age on 1 January 2021 and use OnThePaceNote route notes supplied directly by them) will also be invited to training days (subject to Welsh government Covid-19 guidelines). Previously, experienced drivers such as Elfyn Evans, Gus Greensmith, Osian Pryce and Jason Pritchard have been guests at these Junior training sessions, passing on their invaluable knowledge via discussions and custom-made practical tests.

The Junior co-driver prize will be a voucher to spend on any product at Nicky Grist Motorsports. Previously this prize has been an invitation to attend a top FIA World Rally Championship team's private test session. Owing to Covid-19 restrictions it is not possible to offer this reward in 2021, but it's hoped the situation will allow the WRC team prize to be available to the winning co-driver in 2022.

Tom Llewellin, the 2019 Welsh National Junior Rally Champion said: "I cannot recommend the Welsh National Rally Championship enough. I just can't fault it.

"The Junior Championship has a very good incentive and to win a test drive in an R5 car was an incredible experience. Philip Case [owner of PCRS Rallysport] sat beside me and walked me through how the car works - and by the end of the day I felt very comfortable driving it at speed. Competing in an R5 car is the next step and where most junior rally driver want to be, so it was an amazing opportunity to get the chance to experience one first hand.

 "The training days were also great - and very beneficial for junior drivers like me who are trying to progress through the sport.

 "We are lucky in Wales to have some of the very best forestry stages in the world. For me just starting out, it was a bonus to be able to compete on such iconic stages without the extra expense of having to travel around the UK. In addition to the great stages, the competition was very good too. There was always a strong field of cars, and without a doubt doing well in the Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship puts you on the right road for future success."

Craig Parry, OnThePaceNote UK, said: "I'm very proud that 2021 will be the third year that OnThePaceNote has been supporting and working with the Junior drivers and co-drivers in the Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship. It's great to see how the scheme has grown and continues to grow, and we are all working hard to keep that momentum going.

 "I'd like to thank PCRS Rallysport for giving us the chance to offer such a great prize, with a test in their latest spec Hyundai i20 R5 for the overall winning Junior driver - which you have to admit is a fantastic opportunity for a young driver.

 "We had three training sessions planned for 2021, and we'll run as many as Covid-19 restrictions allow. These training days have proven to be extremely popular, as they concentrate on learning through practical experience, rather than sitting in a classroom and listening. The co-drivers benefit from experienced navigators giving them a better understanding of things like writing pace notes and map reading, while the drivers go out with some of the UK's most experienced drivers. The feedback we've received from Junior crews who have attended these training days has been fantastic."

Dave Evison, Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship Secretary, said: "I'd like to place on the record my thanks to Craig [Parry] and Killian [Duffy] of OnThePaceNote for supporting the Pirelli Welsh National Junior Rally Championship. The Junior prize of a test drive in a Hyundai i20 R5 is a fantastic opportunity for a young driver to experience a modern Rally2 spec car. It's surely what every up-and-coming rally enthusiast dreams of driving, and I'd also like to extend my thanks to Philip Case at PCRS Rallysport for making it possible.

 "In addition to the Junior prize, the Junior training days have proven to be extremely popular and beneficial to both drivers and co-drivers. A great debt of gratitude goes to the many experienced rally drivers that have willingly given up their valuable time in support of the Junior Programme and have freely passed on their knowledge during the Junior training days.

 "It is also very encouraging to hear Tom Llewellin, the 2019 Welsh National Junior Rally Champion, speak so highly of not only the Junior prize but his positive views on how the Welsh National Rally Championship is an ideal springboard for anyone contemplating a future in the sport."

The opening round of the 2021 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Rally Championship is the Nicky Grist Stages on Saturday 10 July.

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


Picture caption
Tom Llewellin, 2019 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh National Junior Rally Champion.

Several major Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship class titles will be won on the final round of the series, the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally (Saturday 29 October) - most notably the OnThePaceNote.co.uk supported Welsh Junior and Historic awards.

 
Liam Griffiths has led the Junior category for much of the year in his Discover Parks Ford Fiesta ST and has scored highly on all six rounds so far. But with two scores to drop, he has been coming under increasing pressure from Rob Wilson, who has scored four wins from four starts in his Ravenol Mitsubishi Evo 7. 
 

Such has been their pace all season that Griffiths (co-driven by Daniel James) is also fourth in the Pirelli Ravenol Welsh 2WD class, while Wilson (who will have regular navigator Richard Crozier back alongside) finished second overall last time out on the Wyedean Stages Rally and is one of several drivers still in with a shout of finishing runner-up in the overall drivers' standings.
 
Callum Griffiths can't win the Welsh Junior drivers' title, but he'll be keen to end the season on a high in his Presteigne Tyre Services Ford Fiesta ST, while his navigator William Lewis could still steal the co-drivers' award.

 
Michael McDaid took the lead of the Historic class W8 for the first time after scoring a magnificent class win on the Wyedean, and also finished as the top-placed two-wheel drive pilot in sixth overall. The County Fermanagh driver was 17th in the W8 points table after the second round, but one more good result in his McDaid Pharmacy Escort RS1800 Mk2 will give him and co-driver Declan Casey the coveted title.

Neal James/Kevin Jones (Cwm Engineering Ford Escort Mk2) and David Lloyd Roberts/Gerallt Wyn Davies (Ford Escort Mk2) are in a close battle for the Historic class W7 title. Just 15 points separate them, with James' unblemished run of sixth straight second place finishes and no retirements giving him the advantage going into the final round. That said, he can only increase his score by three points, whilst Roberts can add 25 points to his final tally.

 
Chris Squires/Shaun Hughes (Ford Escort Mk2) lead the Historic class W6.
 
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 David Stokes Historic Challenge award for drivers and the Guy Weaver award for co-drivers. 

 
Just one point separates Bob Morgan (Winner Garage Å koda Fabia R5+) and John Caine (Phil Price Rally School Subaru Impreza) at the top of the Ravenol Welsh Challenge - and both are battling for the runners-up position in the overall drivers' category too. The scores to drop rule will play a significant part in the outcome, as Morgan (guided by Ade Williams, who has already secured the Ravenol Welsh Challenge co-drivers' title) and Caine (partnered by Andrew Sankey) will leave nothing on the table as they do battle for the last time in 2022.

 
Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear were crowned the overall 2022 Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally champions last time out on the Wyedean, with victory in the Forest of Dean giving them a perfect 150 points score. They'll be out to have fun in their Pirelli-shod Delta Salvage Ford Fiesta R5+.
 
"Having won the title on the Wyedean, the pressure's off now and we're out to enjoy the Cambrian Rally," says Hirst. 
 
"This will be the fifth time I've done the event. The stages are extremely challenging, but that's the way we like them."

Perry Gardener/Jack Bowen are the only other crew to have won a round of the Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship this year and will be aiming to follow up their Woodpecker Stages win with another victory in their Ford Fiesta R5.

The Ceen family will be out in force too, with Bob (the 2001 and 2015 Welsh champion), Benji (who has been flying in his first season in a 4WD car) and Richard, pictured,  all hoping for a good run in a pair of Fiesta R5s and a Focus WRC05 - co-driven by Shaun Layland, Caron Tomlinson and Alun Hayward respectively.

Russ Thompson has only contested two rounds this year but finished fourth on the Rallynuts and second on the Woodpecker. The 2019 Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Championship runner-up is always one of the favourites for a maximum points score, and he and co-driver Stephen Link will be aiming for nothing less this time out in their GPM/PD Extinguishers Mitsubishi Evo 9.
 
James Giddings/Aled Davies hope to have repaired the turbo issue that halted their Fordpad Mitsubishi Evo 9 last time out, Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas will be aiming to continue their good run in their Geoff Jones Motorsport-prepared Green Paw Subaru Impreza, while David Tomlin/Keith Ashley arrive at the Cambrian off the back of their best result of the season in their Axon Ford Fiesta R5.

Adrian and Matthew Walk will be aiming to secure the class W3 title in their PartBOX Ford Ka, while newly crowned Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Road Rally class champion Brynli Thomas (co-driven by Sion Rowlands) will be doing a victory lap of honour in his Peugeot 306 Rallye.
 
Action from the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally will be live streamed on: facebook.com/WELSHRALLYCHAMPIONSHIP.
 
Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship crews will contest the Interclub section of the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally, which will consist of around 45 miles of loose surface roads over eight stages. The North Wales Car Club organised event will start and finish on the promenade on the seafront in Llandudno, rally headquarters will be at Venue Cymru and the centralised service area will be located in the car parks of the Welsh Government offices in Llandudno Junction.
 
Spectator information is available at: cambrianrally.co.uk.
 
Further details on the 2022 Motorsport UK Pirelli Ravenol Welsh Rally Championship 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.
 



Pictures by Paul Mitchell, Jon Price and Russ Otway.