A capacity entry of 80 cars lined up for the final stage rally of the year to take place on Mynydd Epynt, writes Mark Griffin.

Epynt Motor Club first promoted the Mewla Rally as a closed road stage rally in 1978 and has ran almost uninterrupted to the present day. Over the years, mainly due to its late summer slot, the event has enjoyed favourable weather conditions. Unfortunately for the 43rd edition, last Sunday was wet and blustery.

Get Connected were welcomed to the rally as event title sponsor under a three-year partnership. Company founder, Damian Cole and co-driver Michael Gilby in their Citreon C3 rally2 were among the favourites for victory.

Last year’s winner, Daniel Harper from Lancashire, driving the Mini JCW WRC, led the cars into the first stage. Although the dry start to the day was short lived as it soon made way for heavy and stormy showers. 

Harper was joint fastest over the opening test with eventual event winner, Malcolm “Tar” Jones and Rhys Jones in the Darrin T90 GTR, while Robert Tout and Terry Martin in their Fiesta claimed third.

Making an early impression on the leaderboard, from a start number of 18 was Ian Taylor with teenager Sam Weller in the co-driving seat. The Brecon Motor Club members opened their account of the day with the seventh fastest time on the board. Also making a blistering start to proceedings was Joseph Palmer in the Nissan Micra, guided from the co-drivers seat by the vastly experienced Steve McPhee. The Brecon youngster proved lightening quick and was some seven seconds faster on the opening test than his nearest class rival.

Ian Taylor and Brecon co-driver Sam Waller
Ian Taylor and Brecon co-driver Sam Waller secured a fine class win and fifth overall (Copyright: Mark Griffin) (.)

Joseph Palmer with co-driver Steve McPhee
It was an excellent drive from Joseph Palmer with co-driver Steve McPhee, who won Class 1 in their Nissan Micra (Copyright: Mark Griffin (.)

Harper’s challenge for overall honours was short lived as time loss on stage three promoted Cole to third while Jones and Tout remained in the top two positions. Taylor and Weller improved in the afternoon to claim fifth position overall - first in class, while Joe Palmer continued to dominate class 1 cars, eventually winning by 1 minute and 45 seconds.

It was a comfortable win for Jones and Jones in the Darrian kit car, who topped the time sheets on all stages. Tout and Martin claimed second with event sponsors Cole and Gilby third.

In challenging conditions and a few off road excursions to manage, there was overwhelming praise for the efforts of Epynt Motor Club and their officials and volunteer marshals. The officials and marshals braved the elements of the day to deliver an excellent and very well run event.

Damian Cole provided the title sponsor for the event
Damian Cole provided the title sponsor for the event and took the final podium place in his Citroen C3 Rally2 (Copyright: Mark Griffin) (.)

Starting next Friday, all eyes will be focused on the FIA European Rally Championship qualifier; Rali Ceredigion. Sat in the tier below the World Rally Championship, top drivers from across the world will chase for honours on the asphalt roads of Mid and West Wales. Builth Wells driver Jason Pritchard is hoping to open his account in the exciting Toyota Yaris Rally2 car, pitching himself against some top opposition.