Evans Jnr follows in Gwyndaf’s footsteps on world rally stage

It’s set to be a family affair on Wales Rally GB next month when Elfyn Evans competes against father Gwyndaf on the world stage.

The 18 year old has proven to be one of the country’s rising rally stars this year, finishing third overall in the Fiesta Sporting Trophy and is now relishing the chance to tackle his home round of the World Rally Championship.

Organisers believe it is more than 10 years since a father and son competed head on against each other on the event – the most recent being Roger and Matthew Clark in 1995 and Jimmy McRae against both Colin and Alister in 1993.

Elfyn from Dolgellau and co-driver Richard Edwards from Bradford will continue to use their ultra-reliable Fiesta and have secured backing for the rally from tyre giant Hankook – last year the main sponsor of Gwyndaf’s BRC efforts.

“To be able to compete in Wales Rally GB is going to be amazing and I’m delighted that Hankook is set to be back on a car with an Evans driving again,’’ said Elfyn. “We have worked hard all year in the Fiesta and to be able to round off a successful season on the world stage is tremendous.’’
With additional support from the Trefeddian Hotel at Aberdyfi which has been supporting the team all season, Elfyn says that work is now underway to ensure the car is as strong as possible for the rally and to transform the Fiesta into Hankook livery.

The car, prepared by Gwyndaf Evans Motors, has been 100 per cent reliable all season and Elfyn said the team of mechanics will now be checking every nut and bolt ahead of Wales Rally GB.

Hankook motorsports manager Mike Patterson said he was thrilled to be supporting such a promising young driver in Wales Rally GB. “I have been watching Elfyn’s progress this year and his speed and maturity have really been impressive so he is the ideal candidate to carry the Hankook colours on the world stage,’’ said Mike. “And if he can follow in the footsteps of Gwyndaf then he is going to be a real star.’’

The rally gets underway in Cardiff on Thursday November 29th with three full days of action in the Welsh forests before finishing back in the Welsh capital on the afternoon of Sunday December 2.