Following in Gwyndaf’s wheel tracks – son Elfyn Evans gears up for Fiesta Sporting Trophy
For young drivers competing in UK rallying, the pressure to succeed is high but one young man has the additional burden of following in the illustrious footsteps of his dad – Welsh wizard Gwyndaf Evans, former British Rally Champion and this year’s Mitsubishi BRC works driver.But this weekend the focus will be firmly on 18 year old Elfyn Evans who is bidding for success in the UK Fiesta Sporting Trophy, which gets under way in Cumbria this Saturday (3 March) with the Malcolm Wilson Stages.
Elfyn said: "There will be added pressure on me because of the family name but it works both ways. Dad is a great mentor for me.
"I don’t expect to be leading the field on my first event. We both know that. I need to get to the finish and learn the new car. It's a lot quicker than the Micra I drove last year! But I hope as my experience grows I will be more than a match for the tough competition.
"We only finished building the car last Tuesday night and had a good shakedown with it at Phil Price’s on Thursday."
Driving The Sun Virgin Money Ford Fiesta, Elfyn has teamed up with Richard Edwards who was last year’s Fiesta winning co-driver having guided Chris Moore to the title.The shrewd move to join forces with the experienced co-driver is set to give Elfyn that vital edge when it comes to coping with the steep learning curve ahead. The eight-round UK Fiesta series includes rallies in England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man.As for Gwyndaf, he says that he’ll be watching the times this year very carefully but is pleased that Elfyn wants to follow in his footsteps.
“The conditions for any young rally driver get tougher and tougher every year so we are pleased to have been able to put together such a strong programme for Elfyn and Richard which will really put them on the map,’’ said Gwyndaf.
"Elfyn has got a lot to learn and I am sure the competition will be red hot in the Fiesta series."
Elfyn is also backed by Gwyndaf Evans Motors, Mile End Service Station, Garwood Motorsport Services and Trefeddian Hotel at Aberdyfi while the car has been built and will be prepared by Gwyndaf Evans Motors.
Elfyn Evans driver details
Lives Dinas Mawddwy, Powys
Date of birth December 28 1988 – 18 years old
Occupation Student and part time work at the garage
Hobbies Rallying! Downhill Mountain Biking, cars in general
Rallying history
2006 First rally Wyedean
Second overall - Formula 1000 Gravel Championship
Second junior BTRDA
Fiesta Sporting Trophy 2007
Hopes and expectations:
For the first round To settle into the car and find consistency
And the full season To gradually build up speed as the season progresses and to be
as consistent as possible.
Richard Edwards co-driver details
Personal details
Lives Wolverhampton
Date of birth 14th June 1976 – 31 years old
Occupation Account co-ordinator for Corus Steel
Hobbies rallying, football (Wolves fan for my sins), cinema.
Rallying heroes Colin McRae and Nicky Grist
Rallying history
1995 Started road rallying
1997 Started stage rallying
2000 Third in class on Wales Rally GB
2003 Peugeot Winter Cup winner with Stuart Jones
2004 Peugeot Cup winner with Stuart Jones
2006 Fiesta Championship winner with Chris Moore
Fiesta Sporting Trophy 2007
Hopes and expectations:
For the first round Love to finish in the top 10
And the full season Ideally finish in the points on every round
