at Killarney Rally of the Lakes

Rising Welsh rally star Elfyn Evans heads to Killarney this weekend in a bid to record a hat trick of wins in the Fiesta SportingTrophy Ireland.

The 19 year old from mid-Wales has won the first two rounds of the competition but says that maintaining his lead in the championship is a higher priority than a third straight win.

“We are confident that we have the car and pace to win again but the competition is going to be tough and the priority for the GEMsport team is to gain as many points as possible,’’ said Elfyn. “I have never competed on this rally before so there is plenty to learn.’’

Together with team mate Meilyr Evans the drivers will once again be piloting the brace of hustings.com Fiestas run and maintained by GEMsport – headed by former British Rally Champion and Welsh legend Gwyndaf Evans.

“The rallies are coming thick and fast at the moment,’’ said Gwyndaf. “We are competing in the Fiesta SportingTrophy in the UK and Ireland and are only just back from the Pirelli so time has been tight to get the cars into asphalt spec ready for the trip overseas.’’

Action gets underway on Sunday May 4 with the crews facing 140 competitive stage kilometers over some of Ireland’s most famous rally stages, an opportunity Meilyr said he relishes as he builds up confidence in his first season in the Fiesta championship.

“I really feel that I have learnt a lot so far this season on both the gravel rounds in the UK and in Ireland and will be looking to build on this with a good points haul at the weekend,’’ he said. 

Elfyn and co-driver Gareth Roberts will lead the crews away before an action packed day on the closed roads of Killarney.