By Paul Evans
Carmarthen will host the start of next month’s Roger Albert Clark Rally, which is the biggest event of its kind in the UK.
Up to 170 rally cars and support crews will assemble in the West Wales market town for the biennial rally, which has attracted competitors from all over the world and headed by international star drivers Kris Meeke, Oliver Solberg and Chris Ingram.
There will be plenty of Welsh crews contesting the event too – including one of the favourites for victory, Jason Pritchard/Phil Clarke.
Jason Pritchard and Phil Clarke on the 2021 Roger Albert Clark Rally.
They were battling for the win last time the rally took place in 2021, but retired their North Road Garage Ford Escort RS1800 in Dyfi forest.
“I’m looking forward to starting this year’s Roger Albert Clark Rally in a town that’s very close to my heart, as both my boys were born in Carmarthen,” says Pritchard.
Other top Welsh crews include Lyn Davies/Aled Richards, who are on the cusp on winning the Historic class W9 title in the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship in their Escort Mk2.
Event documentation and scrutineering will be held at the Carmarthen Showground on the western side of the town on the main A40. This will run from 10:00 until 17:00 on Wednesday 22 November.
ROGER ALBERT CLARK RALLY: Carmarthen ready to welcome Roger Albert Clark Rally
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Then from 19:00, all the competitors will take part in a ceremonial start outside the Guildhall in the centre of Carmarthen.
Then on Thursday morning (23 November), cars will re-start from the Carmarthen Showground with the first car away at 08:00.
Spectators are welcome at all three of the above free of charge.
The event promises to give Carmarthen’s tourist industry a major boost at an otherwise slow time of the year, with hotels in the area already fully booked.
Event organisers say that the value of the rally to the town of Carmarthen is estimated to be in the region of a quarter of a million pounds.
The last time the Roger Albert Clark Rally ran, the event finished in Carmarthen.
“I can’t wait to start this event from my hometown,” says co-driver Ian Taylor.
“I’m pleased to be sitting next to my good mate Craig Jones and do the event with our great support team.
“It’s going to be some craic!”
MEEKE: Kris Meeke joins Roger Albert Clark Rally entry list
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— Rallying UK 🌐 (@RallyingUK) September 27, 2023