Rising rally stars Elfyn Evans and Meilyr Evans are this week gearing up for the Galway Rally, the debut for the two-car GEMsport team run by rally legend Gwyndaf Evans.

The Dolgellau-based team launched in style at Autosport earlier this month announcing plans to contest the Fiesta SportingTrophy in both the UK and Ireland, and the young drivers are delighted that the hustings.com cars will be in action in Galway this weekend (February 3).

Team manager Gwyndaf said the last few weeks have been extremely hectic, finalising plans for the team and ensuring the Fiestas both drivers will be using are ready for the tough tarmac test ahead.

“The season is starting very early for us but the cars have been fully prepared, the drivers are raring to go and the whole team is looking forward to getting the campaign underway,’’ he said.  “The cars look great in the hustings.com livery and we hope this weekend will be the start of GEMsport’s progress up the rallying ladder to the world stage.’’

While Elfyn, who will this weekend be co-driven by Gareth Roberts, contested the Fiesta SportingTrophy in the UK last year it will be his first foray into Irish rallying and he is relishing the opportunity to pit his driving skills on the famous Irish roads.

“Tarmac rallying in Ireland is just such an exciting prospect and by competing in the Ireland I can improve my skills on tarmac and in the UK I can concentrate on gravel experience,’’ he said.

Competing at this level for the first time is Meilyr Evans, the 18 year old looking forward to contesting such a tough one make series in 2008. Together with co-driver Andrew Edwards, Meilyr said the early part of the season in particular will be a steep learning curve.

“I have a great opportunity with the GEMsport team and am looking to make a good impact on the series but I know that this year is going to be tough and with such competitive opposition the key will be to learn the car and finish events,’’ he said.