Clerk of the Course Neil Cross and his Team again put on their customary polished event, seen by many as the highlight of the Challenge Calendar. The town of Builth Wells, aware of the economic boost to the town, fully embraced the Rally with the mayor flagging competitors away at the start.
A Third in Class for Oxfordshire’s Michael Jenkins, co-driven by Jordan Joines in their Fiesta, sees him top the current leaderboard from Bowler Defender driver Mark Thomas. Will Graham, son of reigning Champion Ernie Graham took a Class Victory, clinching him a current third place.
Michael Jenkins and Jordan Joines
Mark Thomas
Will Graham
A scorching run from Geoff Phelps and Colin Jenkins (pictured right) in the Escort Mk. 2 sees Jenkins extend his lead over Junior Co-driver Lucie Gutteridge with Robbie Sandford, again in the Junior Category, holding third.
Brushing off the cobwebs on their first rally of the year were Ron Morgan (pictured left) in the Restruct Escort Mk. 2 and long time Challenge supporters Martyn Andrews and Steve Greenhill. The latter were hampered by a mis-fire and lack of uphill power but we’re pleased to get to the finish with a reasonable result.
A word must go to the Recovery Team, Brecon Motor Club Members and spectators who took care of Scott Walton and Daniel James (pictured left) following their dramatic estimated 200 foot plunge down a hillside, the car rolling end over end and barrel rolling around 20 times. The fact that they walked away from the incident is testament to how well Scott built the car and the integrity of the roll cage strengthen by Mid Glam Motorsport. Early signs suggest that a piece of the rear wheel found on the stage was the cause of the accident.
All photos courtesy of Mike Frayne
