By Paul Evans
Osian Pryce recovered from a time-consuming spin on the opening stage of the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally to fight back and take maximum points in the Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship in his Spencer Sport Mitsubishi Mirage R5.
It was the Machynlleth-born driver’s first rally for six months and his first in a right-hand drive car, and a late entry saw him seeded at number 115, but running third on the road. But around 20 seconds were lost at the first junction of SS1, when he spun and had to turn the car around on a narrow section of gravel forest road. That meant a challenge for overall victory was gone, but he drove brilliantly after that to secure the top Welsh Championship honours.
“It was great to get back behind the wheel with Dale [Furniss] alongside after six months,” says Osian. “A difficult day that got better as it went on after we changed the car to perform in the conditions.
“Great route, enjoyed the challenge of the stages. Thanks to everyone that made it happen in such a short time frame. Good to come away with a win in the Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship.”
Narberth’s Julian Reynolds finished second, 18 seconds behind in his new Fiesta R5. Hugh Hunter led the Welsh Championship category, before losing time with a double puncture on SS5 in his new Fiesta WRC and dropping to third on the final stage.
John Rowlands recovered from an off on SS1 to win the 2WD category in his Escort Mk2, beating his brother Ieuan, who was driving an Avenger. Paul Davy/Roger Allan won Group N in their Subaru Impreza.
Luke Francis/John Roberts ripped a wheel off their Ford Fiesta WRC, ending what was planned to be a strong start to the series by the 2016 champions.
Ollie Mellors/Max Freeman won the event overall, which was also the opening round of the Jordan Road Surfacing BTRDA Rally Series, in their Proton IRIZ R5 by just six seconds.
Paul Bird/Jack Morton finished second overall in their Focus WRC08, while defending BTRDA champions Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson completed the overall podium positions in their Fiesta WRC.
There was disappointment for Llandudno’s Matt Edwards. He was leading the event after SS1, but clipped a log on the next stage – putting him and co-driver Darren Garrod out of the event in their Swift Group Fiesta R5 out.
James Williams/Ross Whittock finished first in R2, in a Vauxhall Adam they hadn’t even sat in before the start of the event.
“We didn’t push too much, just kept it neat and tidy on the muddy stages,” said the Newcastle Emlyn driver.
“The car ran faultlessly and with confidence growing in the afternoon loop we managed to close down on the lead and finally take it. A strong final stage meant we sealed the win and a real confidence boost heading into 2018.”