Rali Bae Ceredigion/Cardigan Bay Rally - 3-4 Sep 22

Live Stream Details

Posted: September 2, 2022 4:43 AM

Organisers of this weekend's Get Connected Rali Ceredigion are excited to announce that a world-class ‘Rali Live’ team has been assembled to ensure an unrivalled programme of live streaming broadcasts on Facebook, giving fans around the world an opportunity to follow the action.

Leading the team is FIA World Rally Championship presenter Becs Williams, who has been fronting live radio and TV broadcasts with the WRC for over 20 years. Currently heading-up the championship’s ‘All Live’ line-up, Becs’ experience is unrivalled and will ensure world-class output from this weekend’s event.

She is joined by stage-end reporter Peter MacKay, who currently works on the FIA European Rally Championship ‘All Live’ team as well as commentating on Formula E and 24-hours of Le Mans programmes.

The expertise continues with Motorsport UK British Rally Championship Media Manager Matt Cotton, who will also be live from stage finish controls. Plus, there’s live action straight from the stages provided by rally broadcast experts Special Stage Rally Video.

The stage-end reporters will be joined by multiple British Rally Champion Matt Edwards - Professional Rally Driver/Coach and former top national rally driver Simon Hughes, both providing insights and analysis from a competitor’s perspective.

All broadcasts will be available to watch on the Rali Ceredigion Facebook page, with live results and images available during the weekend on the event’s Rali Live page, here: www.raliceredigion.co.uk/live

Becs Williams said: “It’s a real honour to be back at an event that was a highlight of the 2019 season. The team has worked hard to improve the experience for competitors and spectators for 2022. It’ll be a great weekend, in some of the most beautiful settings that Ceredigion has to offer.”

All links will be available on rally.ie

Get Connected Rali Ceredigion to become first rally in UK to run with FIA Environmental Accreditation

Posted: September 1, 2022 3:31 PM

Get Connected Rali Ceredigion will become the first event of its kind in the UK to run with the FIA’s Environmental Accreditation, after the sport’s international governing body evaluated the rally’s commitment to sustainability and environmental management.

Sustainability is a key theme and focus of this year’s event, with organisers introducing a range of ground-breaking initiatives to minimise the rally’s environmental impact and act as a platform to deliver a longer-term legacy of environmental improvement, by linking-up with local partners to help promote the adoption of lower-carbon transport alternatives.

During their assessment, the FIA’s auditors evidenced that one of the event’s strengths is its solid overall environmental commitment, coupled with a willingness to follow up on public expectations and a strong ambition to implement best practice in environmental management.

The accreditation process involved the development and submission of a stringent Environmental Management System and supporting documents with an ISO 14001 approach, helping the event fulfil its environmental credentials.

Adding to its commitment to and promotion of introducing lower carbon transport alternatives, Get Connected Rali Ceredigion is the first multi-venue stage rally in the UK to create a class for fully electric vehicles. Announced recently, Welsh driver Tom Cave will compete on the event using a 100%-electric Vauxhall Corsa-e run in partnership with Myerscough College & University Centre.

By working with Carbon Positive Motorsport, the event is also the first rally in the UK to more than offset the emissions associated with the entire competitive field in a move that will achieve a positive carbon outcome. In addition, marshals and spectators will also be given the opportunity to offset emissions associated with their travel to-and-from the event.

The Get Connected Rali Ceredigion’s route is one of the most compact of any rally, with more competitive stage miles compared to road miles reducing the overall distance travelled by the rally cars. In addition, organisers are using hybrid vehicles for their official duties and replacing traditional diesel fuel with an HVO alternative in a move that reduces carbon emissions by 90%.

Adding to the event’s sustainability credentials is the reduction in the movement of spectators through the creation of dedicated Fan Zones and a park-and-ride scheme that will further reduce traffic movements. Recycling and waste management points are provided at all Fan Zones in association with local environmental services provider LAS Recycling.

In response the accreditation being confirmed, Environmental Manager Michelle Thomas said:
“The organisers’ commitment towards gaining FIA Environmental Accreditation has been outstanding from the start. They are a credit to the sport and are leading the way for all events. I am proud to have been working with them on this forward-thinking initiative.

“For other clubs and events that are looking to follow suit, the FIA provide excellent guidance for anyone interested in gaining accreditation. They have advisors available should anyone need the support to help them with their accreditation for this most important of subjects.”

CRONIN’S DRIVE FOR FIVE RETURNS TO TARMAC

Posted: August 29, 2022 7:01 AM

The 2022 British Rally Championship reconvenes in Wales this weekend for round five of the series, Rali Bae Ceredigion, which will be fought out on Saturday evening and throughout Sunday over twelve closed road tarmac stages around the event’s Aberystwyth base. Ballylickey’s Keith Cronin continues his quest to secure a fifth British title, to match the long-standing record held by Jimmy McRae, and is seeded at No. 2 in his Volkswagen Polo GTi, with his Killarney co-driver Mikie Galvin alongside. With two wins so far this year, they lead the BRC standings by eighteen points from another VW Polo crew, Osian Pryce and Noel O’Sullivan. Pryce won the Ceredigion Rally on the previous occasion it ran in 2019, and is the top seed. He carries the host nation’s hopes and the tag of favourite for the weekend.

The field is joined on this occasion by former World Championship event winner, Hayden Paddon, who starts at 3 in a Hyundai i20 R5. While the Kiwi driver is not registered for BRC points, his pace relative to the regulars will be the source of much interest, but with points the priority, they will be careful to avoid becoming embroiled in a battle for the lead with him should he push to the front.

Rali Ceredigion also sees the return to the BRC of Irish Tarmac Championship runners-up, Meirion Evans and Jonathan Jackson, and the Welsh crew can be expected to be in top form following a win on the recent Ulster Rally.

From his West Cork base, Cronin expressed an eagerness to sample the extended route of Rali Bae Ceredigion:
"I'm looking forward to getting back onto a longer event, and this rally has more mileage than some of the other BRC rounds. There's more room for manoeuvre, if you've a half-spin or some other minor delay it doesn't necessarily mean that any chance of a result is gone out the window, you might have a chance to recover the time. It's also on tarmac, which I would traditionally have been stronger on than gravel, although the difference has levelled off a bit in recent years because we haven't done that much tarmac rallying. The format is similar to the Jim Clark Rally in ways, and that went well for us, I'm hoping the long stage on Saturday evening will suit again, it'll be just getting dark. The first stage of the Sunday loops is nearly seventeen miles, there's a lot of time to be won and lost there as well”.

Cronin also recognised the difficulty in containing Pryce in Wales, and is tempering his expectations as a result:
"My hope would be to finish ahead of Osian, but that may be too big an ask on his home turf”, he noted. “I know that the rally is not exactly on his doorstep, but you could say it's in the next parish. It does make a difference, a tenth here, a tenth there, it all adds up. I'll be satisfied if I can minimise the amount of points he pulls back in the standings".

Rali Bae Ceredigion gets underway on Saturday evening with two runs over a short half mile spectator stage on Aberystwyth’s promenade. Two further stages follow before the overnight halt. Sunday sees eight further stages tackled (two loops of four tests), before the victory celebrations take place back in Aberystwyth just after 4pm.

Keith Cronin and Mikie Galvin are supported in the British Rally Championship by M O’Brien Group of Companies, Keohane Seafoods, Inver Energy, Cremin Coaches, Cronin’s Homevalue Hardware, Cronin’s Centra (Ballylickey, Leap and Union Hall) and Pirelli Tyres.

Rali Ceredigion calls as British Rally Championship battle hots up

Posted: August 29, 2022 6:58 AM

The Motorsport UK British Rally Championship will embark on a new journey next weekend as the series heads for the blisteringly fast closed-roads of west Wales and two-days of flat-out action at the Get Connected Rali Ceredigion [3-4 September].

The Aberystwyth based event enters the BRC calendar for the first time and hosts the fifth round of the series, after an impressive inaugural running in 2019. The event returns complete with a star-studded entry list and an top-line roster of championships, all eager to sample some of the finest sealed surface roads in the UK.

In a tightly packed schedule, crews will kick off with a ground-breaking double run around Aberystwyth town centre before heading out onto the undulating moorland roads for 14 competitive miles on Saturday evening under fading light.

Sunday hosts the bulk of the mileage with the mammoth 17-mile Llanfihangel stage to start the day, with a further three tests before service. A repeat of the morning's loop gives a total of 71 miles in the leg, a tough test for the BRC1, Junior BRC and National Rally Title protagonists.

After back-to-back rounds on gravel, the championship returns to asphalt for its third and final sealed surface encounter of the season and there is a fascinating battle for BRC1 honours developing, with former champions and eager hopefuls ready to fight for the prestigious title.

Leading the charge is four-time BRC champion, Keith Cronin. On paper his points advantage is significant but when dropped scores come into play it's level pegging with 2021 runner-up Osian Pryce. The duelling Volkswagen Polo GTi pilots have offered up a fabulous contest on both surfaces with each driver taking two wins apiece.

In the pound seat for Rali Ceredigion is Pryce and co-driver Noel O’Sullivan. Whilst being on home soil is not a huge advantage on the uncharted roads, Pryce was rally winner in 2019 so his previous experience will undoubtedly put him in good stead for a top result in the Michelin-shod Polo.

Cronin’s and Mikie Galvin’s Grampian win came at just the right time though and a swap to Pirelli rubber in the early part of the season has ensured the fight for maximum points is as exciting as ever. However, you don’t have to dig much deeper to see who could usurp the Volkswagen domination in 2022.

Ruairi Bell and Max Freeman have shown an incredible pace in their Skoda Fabia, pushing Cronin, and beating Pryce in Scotland but have also had their fair share of bad luck with two zero scores. An asphalt win on a non-championship round early in the year underlines their speed and are well placed for a maiden BRC win.

As is James Williams, also searching for that elusive British Championship victory. His Hyundai i20 has suffered a few teething issues which have held him and co-driver Dai Roberts back through the season, but the ever-resilient Welsh pairing have the bit between their teeth after some strong stage times against the odds.

In 2019, Jason Pritchard took third overall in a Ford Escort MK2 at Rali Ceredigion and entertained the crowds with the tail-happy machine. This time around he is equipped with a Volkswagen Polo GTi, and he and Phil Clarke would be happy with a repeat result.

Fresh from a sensational Ulster Rally victory and taking a runner-up spot in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, Meirion Evans and Jonathan Jackson make a welcome return to the BRC in a Melvyn Evans Motorsport run Polo GTi. Just a short drive from the team’s base, Evans will be looking to build on his fourth-place last time out at the Jim Clark Rally.

If ever there was a story to tell about the weekend ahead, Elliot Payne and Patrick Walsh could beat them all. Contesting a gravel event in Shropshire on the Saturday of the rally, they will finish the non-championship Woodpecker Rally, then dash to Aberystwyth to make the start of the BRC encounter, borrowing his Dad Charles’ Fiesta Rally2 for the asphalt event.

Time is tight to finish one rally and start the next, but Payne has embraced the challenge. Whilst he professes to ‘prefer gravel,’ the MangoGo-backed driver enjoyed both Clacton and the Jim Clark and with the benefit of quality seat time the day before, is likely to hit the ground running.

After a brutal penultimate stage retirement in Scotland, Garry Pearson/Dale Furniss will be aiming to take their Hankook-shod Fiesta Rally2 to solid points score on the Welsh tar. A podium at Pearson’s home event, the Jim Clark, shows the intent, but the pressure will be on to secure a positive result for his campaign.

Andy Davies makes his first trip onto the asphalt since a sizeable crash in Clacton and will be looking to build confidence on the tricky Welsh lanes. However, his road rally background will come into play as he and Michael Gilby hurl the Ford Fiesta through the narrow and unforgiving moorland roads.

National Rally Champion
It's 2019 series runner-up Alan Carmichael and Arthur Kierans who are unstoppable in the National fight, winning every round contested so far this season in their Hyundai i20. But after Craig Jones/Ian Taylor skipped the long-haul trip to Aberdeen, a return to a more familiar sealed surface will suit them much better and will undoubtedly push the Hyundai crew in their Ford Fiesta. William Mains /Emily Easton Page revert to a Vauxhall Nova after engine failure in the Corsa blighted a positive Scottish result.

Junior British Rally Championship
Dominated by Irish crews so far in 2022, the Junior British Rally Championship spoils have witnessed a sensational battle which sees last year’s runners-up Eamonn Kelly/Conor Mohan in full control.
The Fiesta Rally4 pairing have two wins and two second places to their name but can't rest easy with both Kyle White/Sean Topping and Johnnie Mulholland/Eoin Treacy chasing hard in their Fiesta and Peugeot 208 Rally4, respectively.

White scooped a Nicky Grist Stages win but a retirement on the Grampian means a good result in Wales is essential, whilst Mulholland’s second place last time out boosted his chances. You certainly can't discount Ioan Lloyd/Sion Williams in their 208 Rally4 either, and after a run of bad luck, could easily enter the fray on home soil.

But there is a curveball at Rali Ceredigion, thanks to the arrival of Joe Kelly/Ronan Comerford in another Peugeot 208 Rally4. The Irish pairing contested last year’s Junior BRC in a Fiesta but switched to the French marque at the end of the season and have honed their skills back at home so far this year.

Also making a return is BRC Academy Trophy runner Kyle Mcbride in his Fiesta R2T. McBride skipped the gravel rounds but returns to tackle the Welsh tar.

Fans in for a treat as Get Connected Rali Ceredigion attracts star-studded field

Posted: August 29, 2022 6:54 AM

Published Friday 26th August, the seeded entry list for next weekend’s Get Connected Rali Ceredigion reveals a line-up that includes many of the UK’s top drivers, together with a number of international stars, all set to contest the unique and challenging stages in Ceredigion and the Cambrian Mountains on 3rd & 4th September.

Based in the coastal town of Aberystwyth, the appeal of the rally’s compact route and fast, technically demanding roads have attracted a high-quality entry, including title contenders from the UK’s major championships alongside crews from the FIA European Rally Trophy and Tour European Rally series.

Leading competitors away from the start next Saturday morning will be Motorsport UK British Rally Championship contender Osian Pryce from Machynlleth, with co-driver Noel O’Sullivan. Their VW Polo GTi will proudly carry number one on the door, in acknowledgement of Pryce’s Get Connected Rali Ceredigion victory when the event ran for the first time in 2019.

Next off the line are British Championship leaders Keith Cronin and Mikie Galvin from Ireland in another VW Polo GTi. They are followed by WRC Rally Argentina winner and five-times New Zealand Champion Hayden Paddon, who starts at number three in his Hyundai i20 R5, with fellow Kiwi Jared Hudson alongside.

The top-10 also welcomes a number of leading Welsh drivers, including recent Ulster Rally winner Meirion Evans from Lampeter and co-driver Jonathan Jackson in a VW Polo GTi, followed by James Williams from Newcastle Emlyn in a Hyundai i20 together with experienced Welsh co-driver Dai Roberts seeded at number five.

London’s Ruairi Bell and co-driver Max Freeman are next off the line in a Skoda Fabia at six, with another Welsh entry of Jason Pritchard from Builth Wells, who finished third in Get Connected Rali Ceredigion in 2019. He and co-driver Phil Clarke start seventh in another VW Polo GTi.

Other notable entries include Damian Cole, Managing Director of the event’s title sponsor Get Connected, with his daughter Charly Cole beside him on the notes. Having finished fourth in 2019 driving a Fiesta WRC, the six-times Motorsport UK Asphalt Champion will contest this year’s event at the wheel of a Skoda Fabia R5+.

Such is the reputation of the event, it has also attracted Swiss driver Ivan Ballinari, together with a host of crews from Ireland and further afield. Consequently, with all top 20 entries comprising WRC, R5 and Rally 2 specification cars, fans will be in for a real treat as the high-quality field challenges for supremacy on what many regard as some of the best asphalt stages in Europe.

There’s also a feast for enthusiasts of historic machinery, with a variety of entries headed by none-other than 1996 British Rally Champion Gwyndaf Evans – and father of current WRC front-runner and Get Connected Rali Ceredigion rally ambassador Elfyn Evans - from nearby Dolgellau. Driving a Mk2 Escort it’s an entry expected to draw the crowds and a rare opportunity to watch a local hero in action.

It’s been well publicised that this year’s Get Connected Rali Ceredigion is taking a responsible approach to sustainability. As such, it has partnered with Carbon Positive Motorsport to become the first event in the UK to offset the carbon emissions of every single competing car.

In keeping with the event’s environmental mission, Aberdovey driver Tom Cave will notch-up another ‘first’ for this ground-breaking rally, when he competes in a Vauxhall Corsa-e and in doing so, will mark the first time a fully-electric car has competed on a multi-venue stage rally in the UK.

Andy Gilmore, Clerk of the Course comments:
“Once again, Get Connected Rali Ceredigion has attracted a high-quality entry and the competition promises to deliver excitement and entertainment combined with the great atmosphere that surrounded the event when it first ran in 2019. The quality of the stages in Ceredigion combined with an experienced organising team will ensure competitors and spectators will enjoy a day to remember.”

2019 winner Osian Pryce said:
“I’m really looking forward to returning to my home event next week, especially as it will be a special feeling leading the rally away as car number one. My target has to be to win, as I need maximum points to keep my British Rally Championship campaign alive. The level of competition has increased massively since 2019, so we have to focus on preparing well for this year’s event. It’s going to be an exciting weekend. I can’t wait!”

Making a welcome appearance at this event, Hayden Paddon is looking forward to the prospect of competing in Ceredigion:
“I can’t wait to get my first taste of Welsh tarmac stages. I’ve obviously been in the area for the Wales Rally GB and its forestry stages and have driven many of the lanes on road sections. So, to now tackle them in competition will certainly be a lot of fun. We’ll do the best job we can but most importantly, we are here to enjoy the rally and the area and if we get a good result, that’s a bonus.”

The action kicks off like never before on Saturday 3rd September, when competitors embark on two runs starting from Aberystwyth harbour, head into the town centre and finish just before the promenade. The stage is expected to be a bit hit with fans, as it provides a spectacular opportunity to see the crews do what they do best, before the field heads out into the Ceredigion countryside for stages at Glan yr Afon and Devil’s Bridge on Saturday evening.

Sunday’s action comprises a loop of four stages run twice; once in the morning and again in the afternoon. These include the enduring 17-mile Llanfihangel stage and the stunning 9-miles of undulating asphalt through Nant y Moch, coupled with the shorter but equally as challenging stages through Bont Goch and Pendam.

Spectating is only possible at the dedicated Fan Zones, which offer excellent elevated viewing at exciting points of the route, along with parking, commentary, refreshment and toilet facilities. Full details of all the Fan Zones and links to purchase tickets for each stage can be found on the event website.

Seeded Entry List

Posted: August 27, 2022 3:56 AM

1 Osian PRYCE Noel O’SULLIVAN (VW Polo Gti R5) [RC2 Rally 2]
2 Keith CRONIN Mikie GALVIN (VW Polo Gti R5) [RC2 Rally 2]
3 Hayden PADDON Jared HUDSON (HYUNDAI i20 N Rally2) [RC2 Rally 2]
4 Meirion EVANS Jonathan JACKSON (VW Polo Gti R5) [RC2 Rally 2]
5 James WILLIAMS Dai Roberts (HYUNDAI i20 N Rally2) [RC2 Rally 2]
6 Ruairi BELL Max FREEMAN (SKODA Fabia R5) [RC2 Rally 2]
7 Jason Tauber PRITCHARD Phil CLARKE (VW Polo Gti R5) [RC2 Rally 2]
8 Peter TAYLOR Jack MORTON (FORD Fiesta WRC) [M4]
9 Elliot PAYNE Patrick WALSH (FORD Fiesta) [RC2 Rally 2]
10 Garry PEARSON Dale FURNISS (FORD Fiesta) [RC2 Rally 2]
11 Steve WOOD Dale BOWEN (FORD Fiesta WRC) [M4]
12 David HENDERSON Chris LEES (FORD Fiesta) [M4]
14 Mark KELLY Neil COLMAN (SKODA Fabia R5) [M4]
15 Neil ROSKELL Andrew ROUGHEAD (FORD Fiesta R5) [M4]
16 Alan CARMICHAEL Arthur KIERANS (HYUNDAI i20 R5) [RC2 Rally 2]
17 Andy DAVIES Michael GILBEY (FORD Fiesta R5) [RC2 Rally 2]
18 Ivan BALLINARI Marco MENCHINI (VW Polo Gti R5) [RC2 Rally 2]
19 James FORD Llion WILLIAMS (CITROEN DS3 R5) [RC2 Rally 2]
20 Damian COLE Charly COLE (SKODA Fabia R5+) [M4]
21 Dylan DAVIES Mark GLENNESTER (SKODA FABIA R5) [M4]
22 Gwyndaf EVANS Peredur DAVIES (FORD Escort RS1800 Mk2) [H2]
23 Huw JAMES Dafydd EVANS (FORD Escort Mk2) [M3]
24 Meilyr EVANS Rhodri EVANS (FORD Escort M2) [M2]
25 Kevin DAVIES Owain DAVIES (FORD Escort) [H2]
26 Gavin EDWARDS Caron TOMLINSON (FORD Escort) [M3]
27 Dyfrig JAMES Emyr JONES (FORD Escort) [M3]
28 John DALTON Eurig DAVIES (DARRIAN T90 GTR) [M3]
29 Roger MORAN Den GOLDING (SKODA Fabia R5) [M4]
30 Craig JONES Ian TAYLOR (FORD Fiesta 4x4) [M4]
31 Richard CLEWS Carl WILLIAMSON (SUBARU Impreza STi) [M4]
32 Darrell TAYLOR Dylan THOMAS (FORD Fiesta) [M4]
33 Steven ORMOND-SMITH Claire WILLIAMS (PROTON Satria S2000) [RC2]
34 Barry JONES Iwan GRIFFITHS (FORD Escort) [M3]
35 Len JONES Don JAMES (FORD Escort) [M2]
36 Eamonn KELLY Conor MOHAN (FORD Fiesta Rally 4) [RC4]
37 Kyle WHITE Sean TOPPING (PEUGEOT 208) [RC4]
38 Andrew PAWLEY Timothy STURLA (MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo 9) [M4]
39 Chris FORD Matthew DANIELS (CITROEN C3 Rally 2) [RC2]
40 Gary THOMAS Linda THOMAS (FORD Escort) [M3]
41 Will ROWLANDS Rich BIRCH (FORD Escort RS1800 Mk2) [H2]
42 Sean CROWLEY Ben RUFF (FORD Escort) [M3]
43 Stefan DAVIES Dorian JONES (FORD Escort) [M3]
44 Adrian SPENCER Ashley TRIMBLE (SUBARU Impreza WRC) [M4]
45 Rob TOUT Terry MARTIN (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X) [M4]
46 Brad COLE Jamie VAUGHAN (FORD Escort Mk2) [M3]
47 Joseph KELLY Ronan COMERFORD (PEUGEOT 208 Rally 4) [RC4]
48 Ioan LLOYD Sion WILLIAMS (PEUGEOT 208 Rally 4) [RC4]
49 Johnnie MULHOLLAND Eoin TREACY (FORD Fiesta Rally 4) [RC4]
50 Tom CAVE Will ATKINS (OPEL Corsa-E) [E1]
51 Hywel DAVIES Aled RICHARDS (FORD Escort) [H2]
52 Emyr DAVIES Joshua WESTON (FORD Escort) [M2]
53 Jay STANLEY Elgan DAVIES (FORD Escort) [M3]
54 Irfon RICHARDS Daniel JONES (FORD Escort) [M3]
55 Dafydd WILLIAMS Andrew DAVIES (CHRYSLER Sunbeam) [M3]
56 Gareth THOMAS Ryan THOMAS-HANDS (FORD Escort) [H2]
57 Ieuan EVANS Dafydd-Sion LLOYD (FORD Escort Mk2) [M3]
58 William MAINS Emily EASTON-PAGE (VAUXHALL Nova) [M1]
59 Mark CONSTANTINE Andrew CONSTANTINE (VAUXHALL Corsa) [M1]
60 Daniel MOSS Sam ALLEN (CITROEN C2 R2 Max) [M1]
61 Kyle McBRIDE Darren McBRIDE (FORD Fiesta) [RC4]
62 Steve KNIBBS Gerwyn BARRY (SUBARU Impreza) [M3]
63 Dave PRITCHARD Emyr HALL (FORD Escort) [H2]
64 Phillip LLOYD Dean WILTSHIRE (FORD Escort) [M2]
65 Ben CRUMP Ian BEAMOND (FORD Escort) [M2]
66 Lewis GATT Callum YOUNG (FORD Escort Mk2) [M1]
67 Oliver HUNTER Daniel MAY (FORD Escort Mk2) [M2]
68 Gerallt DAVIES Iwan Llyr JONES (FORD Escort RS) [M3]
69 Berwyn EVANS Ifan DEVINE (FORD Escort Mk2) [M3]
70 Gethin PRICE Matthew BADDELEY (NISSAN Micra) [M1]
71 Jonathan STEPNEY Aled DAVIES (PEUGEOT 205) [M2]
72 Malcolm ATHERTON Jamie ATHERTON (FORD Escort) [M3]
73 Andrew JONES Michael JONES (FORD Escort) [R1]
74 Richard WILLIAMS Alan JAMES (FORD Escort Mk2) [R1]
75 David Iwan JONES Neil SPIERS (FORD Escort Mk2) [R1]
76 Mark LENNOX Robbie PUGH (FORD Escort) [R1]
77 Robi WOOD Osian DAVIES (FORD Escort Mk2) [R1]
78 Steven John WILLIAMS Paul ROBERTS (FORD Escort) [R1]
79 John BRAY Kathyrn CURZON (LOTUS Elise) [M2]
80 Ei?on THOMAS Dewi DAVIES (FORD Escort RS2000 Mk1) [H2]
81 Peter LEWIS Dylan DAVIES (FORD Escort) [M3]
82 Owen EDWARDS Dan THOMAS (CITROEN Saxo Kit Car S1600) [M1]
83 Ceri JONES Dylan BARGATE (FORD Escort) [R1]
84 Dewi WILLIAMS Aled EDWARDS (PEUGEOT 206) [R1]
85 Huw ROBERTS Philip ROBERTS (PEUGEOT 306) [R1]
86 Rhydrian PRICE Steven BROWN (RENAULT Clio) [M2]
87 Bridge CAREY Bradley WARE (RENAULT Clio) [M2]
88 Geoff GLOVER Keith BARKER (VAUXHALL Astra RWD) [M2]
89 David KYNASTON Andy CONNIBEAR (TRIUMPH TR7 V8) [H3]
90 Gary OLLERENSHAW Dion MORLEY (HONDA Civic) [M1]
91 Arwel PARRY Iestyn WILLIAMS (SUBARU Impreza) [M4]
92 Olly HUNT Andy FALCONER (SUBARU Impreza) [M4]
93 Richard Owen MORGANS James MARTIN (FORD Escort Mk2) [R1]
94 Jamie EVANS Jason DAVIES (FORD Escort Mk2) [M2]
95 Jeremy PACKER Chris GILBERT (FORD Fiesta) [RC4]
96 Bob MORRIS Dil JOHN (SUBARU Impreza) [M4]
97 Keith DANIELS Dylan JAMES (VAUXHALL Corsa) [M1]
98 John Barry WILLIAMS Tomos SHAKESPEARE (PEUGEOT 205 GTi) [R1]
99 Mike EAST Glyn THOMAS (FORD Fiesta) [M1]
100 Rob RICHARDS Wendy GIBSON (PEUGEOT 106) [M2]
101 Gordon MEAKINS Iwan THOMAS (FORD Escort Mk2) [M2]
102 Ricky REYNOLDS He?n JENKINS (FORD Escort RS2000) [R1]
103 Colin DAVIES Chris EVANS (FORD Escort Mk2 RS2000) [R1]
104 Wyn LEWIS Seyyan JOHN (PROTON Compact) [R1]
105 Liam KELLEHER Steffan KELLEHER (HONDA Civic) [R1]
106 Daniel HEDGES Jake PUMPHREY (LAND ROVER Defender) [M4]
107 Ben SHACKLETON Michael HURLEY (LAND ROVER Wolf Xd) [M4]
108 Keith HARVEY Josephina HARRIS (LAND ROVER Defender) [M4]
109 John-Paul BOOM Jack BEAN (LAND ROVER Defender) [M4]

Tom Cave to compete in Vauxhall Corsa-e on this year’s Get Connected Rali Ceredigion

Posted: August 27, 2022 3:49 AM

Tom Cave to compete in Vauxhall Corsa-e on this year’s Get Connected Rali Ceredigion - the first multi-venue stage rally in the UK to incorporate a class for fully-electric vehicles

Driving the only 100%-electric rally car currently produced by a recognised manufacturer, successful Aberdovey rally driver Tom Cave is to compete in this year’s Get Connected Rali Ceredigion and in doing so, will break new ground for rallying in the UK.

Its close work with Ceredigion County Council, the FIA and Motorsport UK has enabled the event to become the first ever multi-venue stage rally in the UK to introduce a class exclusively for electric vehicles, a move in keeping with its mission to promote sustainable motoring and environmentally responsible motorsport.

Right from the outset, a focus on sustainability has seen rally organisers working with a range of national and local partners to increase awareness of alternatively powered vehicles and showcase options to decarbonise transport. The event’s association with Motorsport UK has enabled the governing body’s EV training programme for marshals to gather momentum, an important factor in assuring that those looking after the sport will be ready for the positive environmental changes ahead.

The Vauxhall Corsa-e Tom will drive was built by Opel Motorsport to take part in the ADAC Opel e-rally Cup in Germany. It is currently owned by Myerscough College & University Centre in Preston, Lancashire, where a team of motorsport students maintain and prepare the car. Tom will be co-driven by Will Atkins from Whitchurch.

Seeded at number one and therefore running as the first car on the road when the inaugural Get Connected Rali Ceredigion took place in 2019, Tom is no stranger to making history as he became the first ever driver to compete in a rally based entirely on closed public roads in Wales.

“Being a local event to me and one I enjoyed immensely when it was held three years ago, I was very much hoping to have the opportunity to take part again this year,” explained Tom.

“So, when organisers asked me to drive the Corsa-e and become the first person to compete on a UK stage rally in a 100% electric car, I was excited to take up the offer. I’ve driven all sorts of rally cars over the years, so it’s going to be very interesting to see how an EV performs against cars in a similar class using traditionally-powered engines. It’s going to be a new experience and I’m looking forward to it.”

For electric vehicles, Aberystwyth is an ideal location, as the town has an advanced charging infrastructure in place providing a number of high-speed charging points located in and around the town.

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member for the Economy and Regeneration, said:
“We are pleased to see the initiatives the rally organisers are putting in place to make this event one of the most forward thinking of its kind when it comes to sustainability and the environment.

“Being the first rally of its kind in the UK to introduce a category purely for electric vehicles and the first to welcome a fully electric car driven by a leading Welsh driver will, I’m sure, gain a great deal of attention. It will also serve to underline how serious the organisers are when it comes to the promotion of sustainable motoring as well as reducing the carbon footprint of the event and the sport as a whole.”

In addition to being the first multi-venue stage rally in the UK to introduce a class for electric-only vehicles, organisers have put in place a range of further initiatives to promote automotive sustainability and reduce the event’s environmental impact. This includes the recently-announced partnership with Carbon Positive Motorsport that will generate a carbon-positive outcome for the rally.

Organisers are striving to become an example of how to organise an event with the environment in mind, as well as working towards FIA environmental accreditation. As such, they have embraced the use of EV and Hybrid cars for officials, the use of cleaner fuels in conventionally-powered vehicles and generators, introduced a park-and-ride scheme to reduce spectator traffic movements and put in place a waste management and recycling initiative in association with local partner.

The Corsa-e entry is supported by Cawdor, Vauxhall dealers covering Mid and West Wales, Renewable Developments Wales, Myerscough College, Go Fetch pet travel, Michelin tyres, Garry Davies Accident Repairs and ATech Racing.

Get Connected Rali Ceredigion to become UK’s largest carbon offsetting motorsport event by forming ground-breaking alliance with Carbon Positive Motorsport

Posted: August 7, 2022 1:29 PM

In keeping with its mission to promote sustainability in motorsport and create a long-term legacy of environmental improvement, Get Connected Rali Ceredigion has become the first UK rally to offset the emissions associated with the entire competitive field by partnering with Carbon Positive Motorsport, a market leader in the provision of carbon offset programmes for motorsport events.

Possessing a passion to ensure the event runs in the most sustainable way possible, organisers had no hesitation in introducing a range of initiatives to increase the event’s environmental credentials and neutralise its carbon footprint in a real way and not just by implementing a ‘greenwash’ publicity campaign.

Carbon Positive Motorsport is the first company in the world to offer dedicated offsetting exclusively for motorsport, making it possible for events, teams, competitors and spectators to offset their carbon footprint from fuel usage by more than 125%, a figure that results in a positive and not just carbon-neutral outcome.

By only using the highest quality, 100% UK-based projects that include rewilding, restoration of ancient woodlands together with the reintroduction of native species of trees and wildlife, the improved biodiversity delivers a far more beneficial environmental outcome than that of offsetting alone. Added to this, the stringent verification processes and records kept by UK Land Registry assure traceability, credibility and a genuine long-lasting legacy.

Get Connected Rali Ceredigion organisers see this new association as a major factor in being able to reach their goal to run the rally with zero carbon impact whatsoever, with their target firmly set on achieving a positive outcome, as Chairman of the organising committee, Phil Pugh, explains:

“A focus on sustainability runs throughout all aspects of the event; from a range of innovative initiatives that significantly reduce the environmental impact, to working with local partners and using the event as a platform to promote sustainable motoring whilst showcasing options to help decarbonise transport."

Carbon Positive Motorsport director Paul Glass added, "We are delighted to support Get Connected Rali Ceredigion and proud to be associated with the first UK event to run under the FIA’s new environmental management accreditation scheme. We will utilise our unique database of rally car fuel consumption that is based on actual competition figures, to create an average outcome that we can apply and consequently offset.

"We have been working with a number of events and competitors to create an end-to-end event carbon offsetting package that provides a highly efficient way for an event to make the biggest positive carbon impact and at the same time, help organisers sustain motorsport activities within their local communities.”

To further reduce the event's environmental impact, Carbon Positive Motorsport is offering marshals and spectators a 20% discount on their standard online prices allowing those travelling to the event to further offset the effects of their attendance and participation.

A Get Connected Rali Ceredigion discount code (GCRC22S) has been created to use via the Carbon Positive Motorsport website: www.carbonpositivemotorsport.com

Additionally, the company is donating 10% from its profits to support motorsport organisations in Ukraine, providing humanitarian aid to those devastated by the war.

Get Connected Rali Ceredigion will be the first event in the UK to achieve a new environmental management accreditation issued by the FIA – world motorsport’s governing body. Furthermore, the rally will reduce the impact and emissions of spectator vehicles by providing a park and ride and public transport sceme, promote car sharing and use repeat competitive stages in order to minimise spectator movement.

WRC driver Hayden Paddon enters this year’s Get Connected Rali Ceredigion

Posted: August 7, 2022 1:28 PM

Organisers of the Get Connected Rali Ceredigion are excited to announce that an entry for this year’s event has been received from Hyundai New Zealand World Rally Championship driver Hayden Paddon.

The Rally Argentina winner, former Production WRC Champion and five-times New Zealand Rally Champion will drive a Hyundai i20 N, similar to the car he is currently using to contest selected events in this year’s WRC Rally 2 Championship, when he lines up in Aberystwyth to start Wales’ only International status rally.

With Paddon a competitor and Ambassador with the Tour European Rally (TER) series - and this year’s Get Connected Rali Ceredigion a round of its prestigious six-round calendar - he was eager to find out more about the rally that broke new ground when it first took place in 2019:
“We’re very pleased to be concluding our European tour with Rali Ceredigion, an event I’ve heard a great deal about. I have spent some time in the area in the past with Wales Rally GB but normally on the gravel forestry stages, so I’m looking forward to experiencing Welsh tarmac and really appreciate the warm welcome we’ve received in response to our entry.”

Organisers are delighted that the reigning New Zealand Rally Champion has opted to compete in this year’s event, as Chairman of the organising committee Phil Pugh explains:

“It’s great that Hayden, a driver with such a world-class standing, will be joining us this year. It just shows how far the reputation of our event has spread, bearing in mind we’ve only held the rally once.

“We are sure that his appearance will appeal to spectators and see an increase in the publicity surrounding our event, which in-turn will help us to engage with a greater audience, not just in the UK but on the other side of the world too!”

With sustainability and environmental considerations a key pillar of this year’s Get Connected Rali Ceredigion, Paddon’s interest in the event is even more significant, as he and his team have been intrinsically involved with an important EV rally car project.

Based on a Hyundai Kona, Paddon Rallysport designed and build a fully-electric rally car that was revealed to the world in November 2020. Following an extensive test and development programme, this game-changing vehicle made its competition debut on New Zealand’s South Island where, with Paddon at the wheel, it won the 4km Waimate Hillclimb.

The Hyundai i20 N Paddon will drive when he makes his visit to Wales on 3rd and 4th September will be supplied and run by successful Dumfries-based motorsport preparation specialists Albatec. The co-driver is yet to be announced.

On Line Entry / Regulations / Details / Event Website

Posted: August 7, 2022 1:22 PM

Rali Bae Ceredigion/Cardigan Bay Rally (Closed Road)