Rallying newcomer Elfyn Evans heads to Kielder for toughest test yet – head to head with dad Gwyndaf
Welsh youngster Elfyn Evans is this week gearing up for his toughest rallying challenge yet – competing in the notorious Kielder Forest complex on the Scottish borders and driving in the same event as his dad – Welsh Wizard Gwyndaf Evans.
Father and son are both competing on the Pirelii Rally – Gwyndaf bidding for his second British Rally Championship title in the international field and 18 year old Elfyn contesting the supporting national rally, the second round of the UK Fiesta Sporting Trophy.
While Gwyndaf in the works Mitsubishi faces two days of action, Elfyn and co-driver Richard Edwards take part in one day of rallying in the Sun Virgin Money Ford Fiesta – but they will be using some of the stages contested by the international field.
“This is the closest I have been to competing head to head with my dad and while our cars are totally different and he is facing a longer event it’s going to be interesting to compare notes and times at the end of the rally,’’ said Elfyn.
“Dad has been a great help in the last few weeks as I have been gearing up for my first visit to Kielder Forest which is known as one of the toughest places to succeed. He has given me a few hints and tips about the characteristics of the forest tracks which need to be treated with caution and respect.’’
Despite this being his first competitive visit to Kielder, the 18 year old from Dinas Mawddwy isn’t overwhelmed by the challenge and says he can’t wait for action to get underway on Saturday.
Elfyn is competing in the UK Fiesta Sporting Trophy this year – a championship designed to produce the UK’s rally drivers for the future.
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He produced an impressive turn of speed on the first round of the championship in Cumbria last month, finishing sixth overall in his first outing in the Sun Virgin Money Fiesta and giving the youngster a confidence-boosting start to the season.
“The priority this year is to finish every round and towards the end of the season push for results so we were delighted to do so well on the first event,’’ said Elfyn. “But this weekend is once again about gaining experience and bringing the car home unscathed.’’
Action for Elfyn and Richard gets underway in Carlisle on Saturday morning with the 22 registered crews in the UK Fiesta Sporting Trophy facing 50 miles of high speed action in Kielder.
In addition to the Sun and Virgin Money, 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 prepared by Gwyndaf Evans Motors.
