After a false start last year with storms wrecking the Welsh forests we are back at the Get Jerky Rally North Wales for the first round of the West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge. We should mention that we were indebted last year to the organisers of the Malcolm Wilson Rally who stepped into the breach at very short notice, they sadly are not able to run their event this year but for different reasons.

So, unless Mr Trump causes a major problem beforehand we are looking forward to a great season with great events. The forests of north Wales are always a favourite and so far we have a healthy contingent of competitors heading to the Welshpool start.

Surprise entry to the Challenge, and very welcome, are Nick Elliott and Dave Price who bring their fantastic Fiat 131 to the first round with designs on winning the Challenge in the D5 class. Mike Simpson is also out in that class and will have Ian Jones sitting alongside him in his familiar red Escort RS1800.

In class D3 Paul Holmes and Liz Beesley are back for more in their 2 litre Escort and are always potential Challenge winners with their consistent approach, ability to finish and willingness to travel. Their nemesis will be Conrad Bos on this occasion, a first time entrant to the Challenge but already a seasoned competitor with decent finishes under his belt.

The C5 class has another new crew with David Hopkins and Siobhan Pugh hoping to make a mark in their Escort RS1600. Challenge regular Jeremy Wells will also be out there and is a consistent finisher who won’t want Hopkins to have it all his own way.

In the C2 class it will be Mini versus Escort as Craig King takes on Jon Adams and James Wardle. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top and there is still the chance of other Minis entering the Challenge before the day. And talking of Minis, Bob Clarke and Jane Edgington are back again in their class D1 Mini, Bob will be as determined as ever and we hope to see them out on more rounds this year.

Remember, it’s not too late to register for the West Wales Rally Spares Stage Masters Challenge and along with our partners, Exol Oil, Metric Services (Leicester) Ltd. and Mintex we look forward to seeing everyone throughout the year. Don’t forget too that we run the David Stokes Achievement Award, the Metric Services Asphalt Cup and the Gravel Cup within the Challenge.

Photos: Ben Lawrence