Preview, round three: Welsh Rally

The 2006 HRCR Classic Stage Rally Challenge moves to asphalt for round three, the Matador Welsh Rally on Saturday/Sunday 29/30 April.

For the first asphalt event of the Classic season, crews face two days of rallying over the challenging roads of the Epynt ranges in Mid-Wales. After three long stages on Saturday afternoon, another 12 shorter stages on Sunday make up the 110 stage miles.

Aiming for a hat-trick of wins to get his title defence off to a perfect start is Gareth Lloyd in the West Wales Rally Spares Escort Mk2. Lloyd will lead the Classic field away from Brecon on Saturday afternoon and has a new co-driver in the form of Den Golding, who is substituting for the absent Ryland James.However, back to give Lloyd/Golding a tough time are 2005 Epynt winners Steven Hall and Aggie Foster in their Triumph TR7V8. This will be their first Classic outing of 2006 and the thundering V8 will be well suited to Epynt, a venue where Hall has good experience.

Another potential winner and a driver with extensive Epynt knowledge is Terry Brown, who is partnered by Kevin Evans in a his Escort Mk2. Repaired after rolling out on the opening stage of the Astra, Brown's Mk2 will be among the classic pacesetters on the ranges.

Currently running second in the points' table to Lloyd are series newcomers James Potter and Bob Stokoe in their Escort Mk2. They won't be as familiar with Epynt as some crews, but are likely to run strongly in search of another good points' haul.

However, a real dark horse could be Suffolk-based Richard Lane, who is partnered by Frank Richer in his Pinto-powered Escort Mk2. Lane has been very impressive in the early events of 2006 and his natural pace could spring a surprise or two on Epynt.

More Escort Mk2s pack the Classic field, including those of Ian Rix/Daniel Stone, Arwel Evans/Paul Wakely and Chris Shooter/Bev Le Good. Evans will be on only his fourth ever rally and his first assault on Epynt, but he has already shown excellent pace.

Offering variety to the Escort hordes will be Dave Cobb/Tony Cobb (Toyota Corolla) and David Waples/Sheila Harvey (Talbot Sunbeam).The Matador Welsh Rally is organised by South Wales Automobile Club, Forresters Car Club and Epynt Motor Club. For more details about the event, please visit the website at: welshinternationalrally.com

The historic rally starts from Brecon at 1pm on Saturday.