Gwyndaf set to mentor son Elfyn as rally action moves to the Isle of Man
Top rally driver Gwyndaf Evans is set for a starring role on the Manx Rally this weekend (May 11/12) – but it is not behind the wheel that the Welsh Wizard will be performing – but as mentor and advisor to son Elfyn who is competing on the island for the first time.
The 18 year old from Dinas Mawddwy is set for a steep learning curve this week as he contests the third round of the UK Fiesta Sporting Trophy.
It will be the first time the youngster has ever rallied on asphalt, the first time in the dark, and another new experience will make making notes for the first time – and accurate notes will be crucial to success this weekend.
Having been a rally winner on the Isle of Man, Gwyndaf is in a great position to help Elfyn focus on the task in hand – to complete his first rally on the island.
“Elfyn has a great attitude to rallying and has a good balance of confidence and respect for the rally but I will be there to do whatever I can to ensure that he remains focused on the event and to build up vital experience on asphalt,’’ said Gwyndaf.
Elfyn and co-driver Richard Edwards were on the verge of having to miss the RBS International Manx Rally after a troubled event last month.
The pair crashed out in spectacular form on the Pirelli Rally in Kielder but the technicians at Gwyndaf Evans Motors have worked around the clock to prepare the car in time for this week’s trip to the Isle of Man.
“It’s certainly been a busy few weeks for the whole Sun Virgin Money team,’’ said Elfyn. “There was quite a bit of body work to be repaired after our roll in Kielder but everyone has worked extremely hard to ensure that we can continue with our plans to contest the whole of the Fiesta championship.’’
The steep learning curve begins in earnest on the recce when Elfyn and Richard make their own pacenotes for the first time – a time when Richard’s co-driving experience will really help the youngster make his own notes.
“Richard and I have been working closely with dad on coming up with a system to describe the corners which is both comprehensive but easy to understand but it is not until the competition starts that we can really put them to the test,’’ said Elfyn.
And as for competing on asphalt rather than the more familiar gravel surface, Elfyn says he can’t wait to test out the performance and handling of the Fiesta on the legendary closed roads of the Isle of Man.
“We have completed one short test on asphalt so I have some idea of how the car will handle and it’s going to be awesome competing on some of the classic stages which make up the Manx Rally.’’
Action gets underway on Friday evening for Elfyn and the 15 other crews taking part in the Fiesta Sporting Trophy.
Organisers have created a specific event for the Fiesta contestants with four special stages, several in the dark on the Friday evening before a further 11 high speed tests on the island on Saturday.
In addition to the Sun and Virigin Money, Elfyn is also backed by Mile End Service Station, Garwood Motorsport Services and Trefeddian Hotel at Aberdyfi while the car has been built and prepared by Gwyndaf Evans Motors.
