By Paul Evans

Ioan Lloyd rolled his West Wales Rally Spares-backed Citroen C1 on last weekend’s Altratech SMC Stages at Anglesey Circuit – but he continued at unabated speed to finish 13th in the Formula 1000 Junior Rally Championship category.

Having won the previous DCC Ingliston Stages Rally, the Llandysul teenager started the SMC Stages well by setting joint fastest time on the opening stage.

But it all went slightly wrong on SS3, when he and co-driver Jonathan Jackson tipped the car onto its roof.

The car was repaired in service and, having taken a maximum time penalty for SS3, Lloyd was straight back on the pace when he returned to action.

“Well what a rollercoaster – from a win two weeks ago to rolling on the SMC Stages,” said Lloyd. “After setting joint fastest time on stage one and dropping five seconds on stage two, we went out to stage three in a tight battle with Rob Wilson and we rolled out on a gravel section over a bump.

“Thanks to all the competitors for coming to help us get back out again, and to Max Hughes and Dylan Roberts for helping us get the car back onto its wheels. It’s really humbling to see everyone pitching in to help. A big thank you to Dad, Paul, Anthony, Gary Wilson, Samuel Vaux and to Mum for catering and supporting us as always!

“We managed to finish thirteenth overall after taking a stage maximum, but we were straight back on the pace after the roll which is positive.

“We need to polish the dents out now, and we’ll be back out competing at Melbourne Airfield in East Yorkshire in four weeks time.”