By Paul Evans
Jason Pritchard vows to return next year for another attempt at winning the Roger Albert Clark Rally, after a puncture deflated his challenge for victory this time – although the talented 31-year old Builth Wells driver did still finish a fighting second after 300 miles of competition.
Pritchard was in an intense battle for the lead with Marty McCormack/Barney Mitchell until a puncture in Scotland cost him valuable time.
Yet he and co-driver Phil Clarke maintained the pressure and continued to drive flat-out in their North Road Garage-backed Ford Escort RS1800, as the marathon five-day event – which ran through Wales, Scotland and Kielder forest – unfolded.
Not wishing any misfortune on the leaders, in reality Pritchard needed McCormack to drop time with a puncture of his own to level the score – but it wasn’t to be as the Irishman drove faultlessly to take a 52 second victory after over five hours of competition.
“Congratulations to Marty and Barney on the win – great competitors, rivals on the stages and best of friends off them,” said Pritchard. “Thank you to all the team around me and my sponsors for your help on this event, and of course to my co-driver Phil for all the work you’ve put in and in the fog you give me so much confidence. Thank you. The car has run faultlessly for five days. The service crew changed the rear brake pads and one rose joint all event, so we couldn’t have done more. Hopefully we’ll be back in 2021 for another go.”
“What an epic that was,” added Clarke. “The 2019 Roger Albert Clark Rally lived up to expectations, three countries, thirty-two stages and three hundred stage miles. Second overall for us after a great battle with the worthy winners Marty and Barney and we loved every minute of it. I feel very privileged to have had a front row seat in this battle and to be able to witness the awesome driving talent and bravery that it took to take second place and keep Marty and Barney on their toes! Thank you to all of the crew who looked after us in service and management and to all of the marshals and safety crews who gave up their time to allow us to play. Great organisation as always.”
Aberystwyth co-driver Patrick Walsh finished third after skilfully guiding Roger Chilman to the finish, making it an all Ford Escort Mk2 podium.
Less fortunate were David Jones (Ystradgynlais) and Glyn Price (Sennybridge) who failed to reach the finish after breaking the axle on their BMW E30, while Malcolm Rich (Brecon) and Ryland James (Carmarthen) retired with engine problems in their Ford Anglia 105E.