Wyn Humphreys is in jubilant mood following two successful outings on the supporting events of the opening round of the Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship, the International Rally of Wales. Deciding to take part in the Panaround and Gwynedd rallies, Humphreys wanting to claim championship points for the Welsh National Championship on the Panaround.
The Aberdyfi driver and his Machynlleth co-driver, Mark Lewis started the Dolgellau based event well, pushing hard over the opening test, only to find a loss of brakes over the latter part of stage. The pair completed the next stage in similar fashion, again the brakes failing towards the end of the stage.
At service, the brake fluid was changed in an attempt to remedy the failure, but over the next two stages the problem continued.
"The conditions were very slippery and we had lost faith in the brakes so were not taking any risks as we had no handbrake for the rally and we had no confidence for the end of the stages."
The Welsh pair brought their Group N Production class Subaru Impreza home to finish in second place behind a more powerful world rally car. The pair also claimed maximum points in the Welsh National Championship, while the 21yr old driver also claimed the under 25 class honours.
"Despite the failing brakes, we are still very happy with our pace, we didn't take any risks and had a good clean run."
The Gwynedd Rally, which took place on Sunday 24th April, was just three competitive stages long, but these stages were long, first one over 18miles. Humphreys and Lewis set fastest time on the opening test and with the previous days problems cured the pair continued to claim another two fastest stage wins to take victory on the National rally by 48 seconds.
The pair now have a month break before they resume their British Trials and Rally Drivers Association Championship campaign, when they contest the Red Dragon Rally based in Swansea, South Wales on Saturday 21st May 2005.
"Really looking forward to the next one. It's all starting to come together, we seem to be getting quicker and will be good to see how we have improved over the last few rallies."
