By Paul Evans
Matt Edwards will return to top level competition for the first time since he won the British Rally Championship title for a third time back in 2021 when he contests this year’s Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The 39-year old Colwyn Bay driver will contest the series in a C&M Motorsport Ford Fiesta Rally2, prepared by NPL Motorsport.
https://t.co/7lL4AW7Cqv Three-time British Rally Champion Matt Edwards is set to take on the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 2024 backed by C&M Motorsport.
— Gerard Quinn (@WRCgerardquinn) January 14, 2024
Edwards has impressed on the selected Irish rallies that he has contested over the last few years, including two Ulster Rally wins and a comeback drive to secure a runner-up finish on last year’s Donegal International Rally.
“An Irish Tarmac campaign has been a dream of mine for a few years now,” says Edwards.
“I have had success on the Ulster Rally and been on the pace in Donegal and West Cork so it feels like a natural step to try to put it all together over a year.
“It is the continued battle to secure monetary support to fulfil it, which always proves to be the stumbling block.
So, I am thrilled with this opportunity made possible by the support of Marty [McKenna] at C&M Motorsport along with the longstanding partners who have stood by me in previous campaigns.
“It is brilliant to embark on a full championship again.
“It will be my first since our third BRC title in 2021.
“A championship suits my approach better than a one-off event so we’ll be eyeing up a consistent year.
“Of course, I want to be in the title hunt at the end of the year but to be out again with the support we have means a lot.
“I love the sport and can’t wait to enjoy some close battles again.”
Matt Edwards is heading to Galway 💥
The three-time British Rally Champion has teamed up with C&M Motorsport Sales to kick off an Irish Tarmac assault.
What do you think – has the @IrishTarmacTROA found another title contender?@MERallysporthttps://t.co/RYw0SQ2sTA
— Rally Insight (@rallyinsight) January 12, 2024
The opening round of the 2024 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is the Galway International Rally on 3-4 February.
“Galway will be a new rally to me, but the stages will be new to most competitors so hopefully it will be a level playing field,” adds Edwards.
“I am no stranger to the Ford Fiesta Rally2 so we will just have to see where things take us as the event progresses.”
Support comes from Lyons of Limerick, Pirelli, and Speedline Corse.
https://twitter.com/IrishTarmacTROA/status/1729528868032151584?s=20