Welsh youngster Elfyn Evans produced the most outstanding rally drive of his life at the weekend and was rewarded with a podium finish on the Isle of Man.
Known as one of the most technical and tricky events in the UK Fiesta Sporting Trophy, the drive was all the more remarkable as it was the first time the 18 year old from Dinas Mawddwy had ever competed on asphalt.
Despite his inexperience on asphalt, Elfyn set a string of fastest stage times in his Sun Virgin Money Fiesta just weeks after crashing out on the previous round in the Kielder Forest complex.
Elfyn, the son of Welsh Wizard and former British Rally Champion Gwyndaf Evans, said he was delighted with the result – and dad was also impressed.
“That was an extremely mature drive in some very difficult weather conditions,’’ said Gwyndaf who was on the island to help Elfyn focus on two day rally held as part of the RBS International Manx Rally.
“This is very much a learning year for Elfyn but his speed and maturity was extremely impressive at the weekend and we now look forward to the next round in Wales in June,’’ said Gwyndaf.
The weekend was not without its dramas for Elfyn and co-driver Richard Edwards who faced 14 high speed tests on closed roads of the Isle of Man.
Action got underway in torrential rain. “It was extremely wet, slippery and foggy so we took things easy, especially as this was my first time driving in the dark and on my own pacenotes,’’ said Elfyn.
“We then had gearbox oil dripping on to the clutch which meant a long evening in service to remove the gearbox, repair the leak and then put everything back together, even dad was helping out!’’
Saturday provided drier driving conditions and Elfyn said the pair settled into a comfortable pace which netted them a well deserved podium place for third place in the UK Fiesta Sporting Trophy.
The pair are next in action on the Severn Valley Rally based in Builth Wells on June 2.
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.
