The first sealed surface event of the 2024 West Wales Rally Spares Stage Masters Challenge kicks off this Sunday with the Pitstop Garage Dixies Challenge Rally on the infamous Epynt ranges. To those who don’t know Epynt it is a mystical challenge that is either enjoyed or not as the case may be. The thin ribbons of asphalt present a serious challenge to car and crew and local knowledge or a lot of previous experience can pay dividends.
We have a small number of contenders out, a few lost out due to the volume of entries that the event received but top seed will be Mike Simpson with Dale Gibbons who both know the roads well but might not have a tarmac set up for their RS1800, they will however be expected to go well. Tarmac ace Toby Adam is seeded just behind with Ian Meakin calling the notes and with a fresh BDG installed a top result is possible for their banana yellow Mk1 Escort.
John Morgan and Llinos Jones-Edwards hope to debut a new tar Escort but may turn out in a Chevette HSR if the Escort is not fully ready. This pair also have oodles of Epynt miles under their belts and if everything clicks they will do well.
Stuart Anderson is next up with Adam Houston bringing welcome variety to the Challenge with their very nice Vauxhall Chevette HS, Adam will be having a baptism of fire with Stuart as I believe this is his first tarmac event and only the second time on pace notes.
Eric Davies makes the pilgrimage form the Forest of Dean with his Mini and is partnered by Russell Joseph who will no doubt be checking things for the following weeks Gremlin Historic Rally where he is an assistant clerk of the course. Lastly HRCR committee member Steve Powell will be out with Jamie Hawkins in his venerable Hillman Avenger hoping to have a clean run.
The event takes place on Epynt and spectators can enter via the dual carriageway off the A40 at Llywel.
