The 2015 Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship reaches its halfway point with the Welshpool based Plains Rally.
The series has seen a big surge in registrations and has so far produced three different winners on the opening three rounds.
Heading the drivers’ standings going into this weekend is Bob Ceen in his Subaru Impreza World Rally Car. Although the Malvern driver has yet to win a round this year, his consistency, finishing in the runner-up sport twice and taking a sixth place, sees him topping the points table.
In second place is another Worcestershire driver, Paul Davy who, along with co-driver and fellow Worcester man Roger Allen, also heads the standings in Group N for less modified cars in his Subaru Impreza.
Third place is currently held by Ruthin’s Hugh Hunter who won the opening round of the championship, the Wyedean Rally in his Impreza World Rally Car and won this event in 2009.
In fourth place, and top two wheel drive competitor is Jamie Jukes from Llandysul in his 2 litre Suzuki Swift (above) with the overall top five rounded off by the second placed Group N competitor, Haverfordwest’s Roland Llewellin driving a Mitsubishi Evo.
With second place in the two wheel drive category held by Ford Escort driver John Baker, from Ellesmere, there is a three way tie for third place involving Corwen drivers Arwyn L Davies and David L Roberts and Bridgnorth’s Tim Cairns.
The closely contested junior drivers’ category, for competitors under 25 is headed by Meirion Evans from Llanwrda driving a Citroen DS3. He took the lead following the previous round, Rally North Wales, from VW Polo driver Morgan Handford who hails from Pontyclun near Cardiff.
Penmachno’s Caron Tomlinson shares the lead in the junior co-driver standings with Keegan Rees of Llanelli while Blackwood youngster Richard Davies is third.
The inaugural RAVENOL Welsh Challenge, which offers competitors in all classes the opportunity to vie for a prize fund worth over £3000 is headed by Jamie Jukes who is just two points ahead of Paul Davy while Bob Ceen and John Baker share third place.
Competitors on the event, organised by Knutsford and District Motor Club, will leave Welshpool from 8 o’clock on Saturday morning to tackle stages including the classic Gartheiniog stage which will run twice, from 9.20am and again from 2.50pm. Spectator car parking is available at the stage. Please approach the spectator area via the A470 and Aberangell. Green Spectator Arrows will be positioned at key points to help direct you to and from the Car Park. The parking charge of £10 per car includes a copy of the rally programme and a donation to Dinas Mawddwy First Responders.
The cars are scheduled to arrive back in Welshpool from 4.00pm. When spectating on stages, to avoid putting your own safety and that of others at risk, please follow marshals’ instructions.
You can find out more about the event at www.plainsrally.co.uk and about the Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship at www.wnrc.wamc.org.uk, on the Championship Facebook page and on Twitter @WnRC
© Image RallySport Media
