Jason Pritchard will follow in his fathers footsteps next month when he competes in the first round of the West Wales Rally Spares R.A.C. Rally Championship in a Ford Escort Mk2 Escort from Viking Motorsport.The Welshman, formerly a front-runner in the British Rally Championship, is the latest high-profile driver to confirm plans to compete in the new championship and will follow in the wheeltracks of his father Eian, who was rallying Escorts when Jason was growing up. Its a dream come true, said Jason. To compete in a Mk2 Escort was an opportunity I just couldnt miss. It really is an iconic car and Im bursting to get behind the wheel and start the championship in style. After having 12 months away from rallying, the support from my family, friends and the local community, who are always asking me when Im rallying again, has been incredible and I would like to personally thank all at Viking Motorsport for the effort and hard-work that has gone into making sure the car is in the best possible shape it can be.

Pritchard was twice British R2 Champion in 2008 and 2009, Citroen C2R2 Champion in 2008, British privateer champion in 2010, and finished third overall in the 2010 British Rally Championship 2010. He finished first two-wheel drive on Wales Rally GB in 2008 and was the Richard Burns Award winner in the same season.Pritchard is thrilled to have the chance to compete against five-time British Rally Champion Jimmy McRae when the championship starts on the Rally Marketing Mid Wales Stages on Sunday 3 March.Jimmy is a legend and to have the chance to compete alongside him will be amazing. I look forward to every event but coming up against Jimmy will be special, he said. It will be tough and I cant wait to get going, this is a new car and my first time driving a rear-wheel drive car so its a totally different driving style.