THE owner of a recently launched vehicle servicing and repair business in Llangorse has taken the 2016 stage rally season by storm.

Craig Jones, a long-term member of the Brecon Motor Club, has built-up a competitive rally car based on a BMW E36 328i Compact. Already, after just four outings, Craig is lying second in the Restruct Welsh Mixed Surface Stage Rally Championship.

This incredible performance began with the ‘Red Kite Stages’ rally back in February. Although an experienced road rally competitor, this was Craig’s very first forest rally. Keeping his cool, he took a mature and intelligent approach finishing in 31st place overall, eighth in class.

The next event, the Mid-Wales Stages Rally in March, resulted in Craig achieving 23rd place overall and third in class. Continually improving his success rate, Craig moved up to 19th place overall in April’s ‘Get It Sideways’ Rally organised by the Cheltenham Motor Club.

Then, the day before Mayday, Craig and his co-driver, fellow Brecon Motor Club member Carl Dennis, brought the Beemer home in 17th place overall on the ‘Dixie’s Challenge’ up on the Epynt Ranges. Frequently beating considerably more exotic hardware, Craig and his team have consistently improved their performance event by event.

So now, with just three more championship rounds remaining in 2016, Craig is lying second in the championship with 81 points in the bag.

There is now a gap until the ‘Red Dragon Stages Rally’ in August followed by the ‘Patriot Stages’ rally in September and finally the ‘Wyedean Rally’ in November. So, if you fancy getting out in the fresh air, surrounded by the green environment while enjoying motorsport at its local best, hit the internet and find the best places to spectate while supporting Craig.