Closed road stage rallying made a welcome return to Sennybridge Military Range last Sunday for the PitStop Garage Pengam Dixies Challenge Rally, writes Mark Griffin.

Organised by Forresters Car Club, a quality entry of 80 cars assembled on a bright morning on Mynydd Epynt. As in previous years, the event provided a straightforward format of 10 short timed stages on the Dixies Corner to Four Ways Bridge side of the range, with a central service area allowing for a compact route. The stage pattern for the day allowed two stages before a service break, then repetition in reverse.

Hoping to make it two wins in a row on this event was Epynt maestro Abergavenny’s Damian Cole, driving his Citroën C3 Rally2 with Ian Allsop occupying the co-driver’s seat on this occasion.

Seeded at car 2 and making a welcome return to the ranges was three-time Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Champion Jason Pritchard, partnered by long-standing co-driver Phil Clarke in the stunning North Road Garage/Guttercrest Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. With limited seat time in the car during the previous rally season, the principal aim was to settle into the car and re-familiarise themselves with the nuances of the Yaris.

Such was the quality of entry that any number of the top 10 runners could secure the winning laurels.

Scottish visitor Jonathan Young had enlisted the services of last year’s Motorsport UK Academy co-driver and Brecon resident Sam Weller to provide local knowledge of the ranges. The immaculate Mk2 Escort pairing finished a credible 22nd overall.

Jonathan Young and co-driver Sam Weller get airborne in their Mk2 Escort
Jonathan Young and co-driver Sam Weller get airborne in their Mk2 Escort (Mark Griffin)

From beautiful sunny conditions for most of the day, the afternoon brought a complete contrast as torrential rain arrived, causing minor excursions for many crews.

After a day-long battle, it was Cole and Pritchard dicing for the top step of the podium on the final loop of tests, with the Abergavenny “Get Connected” supremo taking a narrow win by just two seconds. Pritchard and Clarke secured runner-up spot but gained valuable information throughout the day, adjusting the vehicle setup and using the event as good preparation for this week’s Manx National Rally (8–9 May), where Jason will aim for a record-breaking sixth victory.

Jason Pritchard and Phil Clarke on the charge in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2
Jason Pritchard and Phil Clarke on the charge in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 (Mark Griffin)

Thomas Cooper and Sarah Edwards finished third, some 1 minute 22 seconds behind the winner in their Ford Fiesta Rally2, while Brecon Motor Club members Colin and John Evans brought the BMW home in 24th position. Llandovery’s Eurwyn (Wiggy) Davies and Iori Davies brought their striking new Darrian home in 33rd position.

Despite a number of incidents, the event ran smoothly, aided by experienced members of both Brecon and Epynt Motor Clubs, who supplied safety and timing marshals for the event.