Tom’s return to top-level national rallying for the first time in over two years resulted in a resounding victory on the Visit Conwy Cambrian National Rally on Saturday 28th October. The Aberdovey driver led the event from start to finish, showing he had lost none of his former pace by going on to win by a margin of 21.5 seconds.
Based in Llandudno – the town that hosted the last running of the Wales Rally GB in 2019 – meant the day brought back fond memories for Tom, who finished 11th overall and top privateer on that occasion. The Rally GB connection was also reflected in the Cambrian Rally’s route, with its six stages utilising many of the forestry roads that were used in the World Rally Championship qualifier.
Tom tested the Melvyn Evans Motorsport Volkswagen Polo R5 last week and, even though it was his first outing in a VW, he quickly acclimatised to the car and its characteristics. Accompanied by Dale Furniss – who has co-driven for Tom on a number of occasions – whilst confident he had the team around him to challenge for a win, before the start Tom admitted to feeling a little nervous with this his first outing in an R5 car since June 2021.
However, as soon as the lights went green at the start of the first stage, an 8.93-mile run through Elsi Forest, the nerves disappeared with Tom up to speed from the word go – even in the slippery conditions – setting a time 10.2 seconds quicker than leading British Rally Championship driver Garry Pearson.
Comfortable with the pace, Tom continued his stage-winning form with two more fastest times in SS2 Craig and SS3 Brenig – measuring 8.43 and 4.73 miles respectively – and booked into the lunchtime service halt holding a 13.6 second lead.
With SS4, a shorter 5.41-mile run through Elsi Forest, cancelled due to traffic congestion caused by an incident unrelated to the rally, two stages remained: Hiraethog Trail, the longest of the event at 13.11-miles, followed by another visit to the 5.41-mile version Elsi.
A win by a margin of 8.9 seconds in SS5 meant Tom and Dale now held comfortable lead when they entered SS6, a position they consolidated in the final stage to record a measured and well-deserved victory by 21.5 seconds ahead of Gary Pearson, who was a further 55.5 seconds ahead of Max McRae.
At the finish a delighted Tom said: “Today has reminded me why I love the sport so much. It’s great to get back behind the wheel of a top-class car and drive these stages. It’s also great to experience that ‘winning’ feeling again.
“I have to admit that I was a little nervous on the lead up to the rally but as soon as we got underway everything started to click into place, which I’m as pleased as I am relieved about.
“The Polo ran perfectly all day and I have to thank the Melvyn Evans Motorsport team for giving me such a great car to drive. I must also thank Dale for doing such a good job on the notes and to everyone who has helped me to take part in this event. Without their support it just wouldn’t have been possible.
“I now can’t wait to be back out again and really hope we can put a full season campaign together for 2024.”
Tom’s Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally campaign was supported by: Go Fetch, ALG Security, GF Grigg Construction, Tayna Batteries, Garej Arwyn Cyf, Mid Wales Golf Academy, Atech Racing
The Unicorn Hotel Caersws, SJ Automotive Solutions, Graham Ottaway Builders, HN Nuttal Foodservice, Dovey Valley Shooting Ground and Sprinklers Direct.
ENDS
Photo credits:
Action: Dan Morris – Apex Capturee
Finish: RallyingUK
Static: JMS Photography
