By Kelvin Phipps
Write a preview of the Gremlin they say? Easy!! Tests on Epynt, Regs in the surrounding welsh countryside, simples – What more could you want? Oh, you want a preview….
Now into its 3rd year running as a Historic event the organising team continue their theme of listening to feedback and learning lessons along the way. The event was always VERY well received from the first event with full entry lists each time and 2024 appears to be no exception, taking just 30minutes to reach half way down the page.
Brecon MC could be forgiven for putting on an identical event to either of the previous two, but not wanting to sit back they’ve increased the entertainment factor again and introduced a mysterious evening section on the Saturday to get crews warmed up ahead of the main event on Sunday.
Not out this time but that’s how you win the Gremlin! Dan Willan and Niall Frost in the familiar Ovlov on Epynt in 2023. Photo by M&H Photography
According to my local internet, sunset won’t be until 9pm and with car 1 away at 5.30 this shouldn’t be conjuring up images of darkness, sideways rain and spotlamps pointing in all directions. I’m thinking more along the lines of a dusty test before watching historic rally cars heading off into the sunset for a regularity set to the soundtrack of twin webers ahead of supper and a social.
If Saturday sounds perfect, Sunday isn’t bad either – A further 9 tests, presumably centered around the forests and training grounds of Epynt. Always a challenge, not needing any complicated tricks to make it competitive as the landscape does that naturally, added to the organisers intricate knowledge of the ranges to catch out the unwary of course.
The regs traverse 110miles of dramatic Welsh countryside, more mileage if you go the wrong way of course but you’ll be forgiven for enjoying yourselves just that little bit extra.
I should talk class wins, and be brave with my predictions, but I’m not going to. 24 Novices, 13 Experts and 19 Masters at this point makes predictions impossible.
David and James Foster are back for more after being up there in the Novices last year, so much so their entry was very nearly fastest finger first after the entries system went live. Mike Mayne will be pushing them the same as last year with Phil Cheek / Graeme Presswell currently leading the championship and looking to Brecon for another decent points haul.
Experts looks too close to call, could it be between Championship regulars Peter Engel / Mark Dunkerley in the Eunos or Paul and Sandra Heaney in the TR6 – both crews with the roof off and both fresh from great results on the Hughes and be looking to impress over the ranges? Could it be Andrew Parr in the Mini looking for points to mount a challenge towards the top of the Experts championship table. Could there be a Golf Gti in the mix, maybe an MX5?
Paul Crosby and Ali Procter 2nd in 2023 will be out in the Porsche 911 once more. Photo by M&H Photography.
Mick Valentine / John Thornley had a good run on HERO’s Per-Ardua over similar territory so expect them to be quick on the tests, can they improve on third from last year? Cros and Ali Procter in the 911 are always a force to be reckoned with and will be looking to go one better than 2nd from last years Gremlin this time out. Kadett anyone, Escort maybe?
Mick Valentine and John Thornley (Ford Escort Mk2) will be hoping to better their 3rd place in 2023. Photo by M&H Photography.
So long as there are smiles a plenty, and tall tales to exaggerate we will have had a good day – Though based on previous years, to win maybe you need a PV544….just not the one you’re expecting. One thing is for sure, its tough at the top of the Gremlin. Good luck!
Hopefully Ian Prout and Kev Bryant (Austin A40) will have a better run this year after last years stranding due to lack of petrol. Photo by Ian Prout and Kev Bryant.