The Tour of Epynt celebrated its 60th anniversary last weekend, and the iconic Mynydd Epynt military range was at its spectacular best for the landmark event.

Organisers, Port Talbot Motor Club, ran a two-day format, keeping documentation and servicing within Sennybridge Range, allowing a compact route and a relaxed timetable over eight timed stages covering around 80 competitive miles.

Jersey driver Sam Touzel enjoyed a perfect finale to his Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship campaign, claiming his first outright victory on one of the season’s most demanding venues. Touzel, driving the Smart Scaffolding/Trade Centre UK Ford Fiesta Rally2 with co-driver Max Freeman, won by over a minute, despite having only one previous experience on Epynt’s rollercoaster roads.

Early pace-setters Wayne and Rhys Jones in their Darrian T90 GTR kit car led after the opening four stages by a single second, but mechanical issues on the penultimate stage came while they were holding second position.

David Wright and Jane Nicol, just 10 seconds behind at the overnight halt, finished in overall second in their Grove Hill Garage Fiesta Rally2, marking Wright’s first Epynt visit in two decades.

Abergavenny businessman Damian Cole, co-driven by Paul Spooner, returned to form after early over-revving issues. Driving their Get Connected Citroën C3 Rally2, they launched a strong push on the final stage to secure the last podium position.

John Stone and Swansea Valley co-driver Rhys Stoneman finished a close fourth in their Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 after overcoming an engine issue on Friday.

Elsewhere, promising Motorsport UK Academy co-driver Sam Weller and Sean Crowley retired their Darrian Kit Car on stage two with an engine valve problem.

Brecon & Epynt Motor Club marshalled the event, providing timing and safety support throughout the weekend.

The overall event was sponsored by Ynyscynon MOT Centre.