Brecon Motor Club News

ANGLESEY, TALBENNY & TEMPEST

2008-11-12T18:40:00.002Z

Jason Pritchard continued his 4 wheel drive education on the Tempest Rally in Kent at the weekend and improved all day to finish 8th overall. Next event is the Grizedale Stages in the Subaru before Wales Rally GB in the Citroen. Photo: Geoff Mayes

Craig Jones and Peter Chappelle travelled to Anglesey in search of WAMC points and came away with enough to be championship award winners. Craig kept it on the island, literally, but did damage a rear quarter panel on the way to 39th overall. Photo:

dab-photography.co.uk

Some news from the last couple of weekends, Mike Jones and Robin 'the mole' Moses came up for some daylight and had a go at Talbenny, a good time was had by the pair which looks like boding well for more stages next year. As can be seen from the photo 'Crikey' was well happy! Results are thin on the ground but we think 30th ish!! Photo: Ryan Suter

GREENLEAVES

2008-10-29T21:42:00.002Z

Not everyone from BMC will want to remember this one, Mike Jones and Robin Moses finished in 26th place in their 205 but RM admits it was not one of his better performances! Get on the stages Relic and put it all behind you!

Phil Jones teamed up with Cliff Jones but fared badly retiring with engine problems. It's bot been a great year for Phil where engines are concerned, hope you have a better 2009.

There was another entry under BMC, Mr. Ian Moseley finished in 17th place despite mal de nav but HAS HE PAID HIS 2008 MEMBERSHIP? Correct me if I'm wrong!

PRITCHARD'S JAPANESE BULLDOG

2008-10-20T18:11:00.002+01:00

Jason Pritchard and George Gwynn took a step into the unknown on Saturday when they had the first taste of four wheel drive in a ex Cathcart Group N Subaru Impreza. Tackling the Bulldog Clubmans Rally (which incidentally had a much bigger entry than the main event) the pair aimed for a day of acclimatisation and did that without problem, fourth overall being a big bonus. Next up for them will be the Tempest Rally.

PEMBREY PICS

2008-10-08T21:21:00.004+01:00

Wayne Palmer & Garth Ralph behind the Peugeot of Phil Jones & Ian Jury.

Sara & Jonathon Williams making good use of the Honda
Ieuan Roberts & Bonzo Bain were exhausted by the finish!

Another big slide from Will Arrowsmith & Matthew Farr
Craig Jones & Peter Chappelle water skiing.

PEMBREY

2008-10-06T21:08:00.002+01:00

Ieuan Roberts had a few exhausting problems!

Alwyn Arrowsmith retells the story of the big skid.................
Lewis and Cardell show boating............well something like that.

Well, I haven't spoken to everyone but here's the story as I know it.

Very wet before the start of the rally but the 8 and a half crews who turned out for BMC had a good day even with their problems!

Sara & Jonathon Williams shared the driving and 7th overall was a fantastic result in the Honda.

Wayne Palmer & Garth Ralphs 12th overall despite a puncture, spirited drive!

Stuart Cardell was sat with Peter Lewis in the red Anglia and finished a fine 31st overall.

Craig Jones & Peter Chappelle 35th even after a couple of punctures. You will get a clean run one of these days Craig!

Will Arrowsmith and Matthew Farr 40th after breaking down with a broken battery lead and then rearranging both rear quarter panels!

Alwyn & Wayne Arrowsmith 44th overall, the Papa of the clan enjoyed himself in the immaculate Escort.

Ieuan Roberts and Bonzo Bain 47th overall and the exhaust fell off three times!

Commiserations to Mark Hatton & Becky Hatton, off on stage 1 trying to get out of the way of a faster car and also to Phil Jones and Ian Jury who lost electricity generation but finished the Trophy Rally unlike Mark whose day got worse with headgasket failure!

VATANEN & GRIFFIN

2008-10-05T07:23:00.002+01:00

Mark Griffin had the chance of a lifetime prior to the recent McRae Stages to ride with rallying icon Ari Vatanen. The former World Champion took Mark for a run at a test session set up the day before the event.

PATRIOT PICS FROM EDP

2008-09-30T18:30:00.002+01:00

EDP Photo News have kindly supplied pictures of Sara Williams' championship winning outing at Caerwent at the weekend. http://www.edpphoto.com/

TRACKROD & PATRIOT SUCCESS.

2008-09-29T20:13:00.002+01:00

It was a good championship weekend for two young Brecon Motor Club drivers at the weekend. Jason Pritchard continued his charge up the table of the Citroen Cup with a maximum points haul on the Trackrod International Rally of Yorkshire. The only scare on the way to 15th overall was an overheating engine on the penultimate stage but a careful run into the finish ensured the Citroen C2 lasted the distance.

Elsewhere, Sara Williams won her championship class with a faultless drive on the Patriot Stages at Caerwent. Her Brecon Motors Honda Civic didn't miss a beat all day on the way to 32nd overall. With the championship wrapped up a decision now has to made whether to contiue on tar or take to the gravel of the forests.

Next outing for Sara and 7 other BMC crews is the Peter Lloyd Stages at Pembrey next weekend.

TWILIGHT & SEPTEMBER AUTOSOLO

2008-09-07T21:12:00.002+01:00

First of all the Twilight, well done to Mike Jones & Robin Moses on 9th overall, even if Robin navigated like a t*sser! His prognosis, not mine. The event took in Caerwent and Cwmcarn for the day sections before more Caerwent in the dark and a lanes section. A lot of crews went OTL, Martin Leonard and Chris Phillips certainly had plenty of time to chat between cars when they marshalled! The rally was won by Richard Jerman and Iwan Jones.

The autosolo. On a chilly day we had our lowest turnout so far but with a later start it was probably just as well. Wayne Palmer aired his Vauxhall engined Escort and got all the tests right as well to take a good win. Craig Jones took second in the borrowed VW Golf of Martin Leonard with Mike Jones 3rd in the Pug and Abergavenny's James Vaughan 4th in a Nissan Micra. The points need to be worked out but Craig is looking favourite for the series win. Look out for details of next years events.

Ulster podium.

2008-08-26T20:00:00.002+01:00

BMC's Jason Pritchard did his Citroen Cup aspirations no harm at all at the weekend finishing the Ulster Rally just 30 odd seconds behind talented Irish hotshot Martin McCormack. After a steady start Jason racked up some excellent times on unfamiliar roads and impressed in the company he was in. Below is the official PR report issued.

Photo: geoffmayesmedia.com

20 year old Welshman Jason Pritchard ensured that his championship is well and truly back on track after a highly competitive run on the ultra tricky Ulster Rally last weekend, where the Builth Wells resident secured the runner up position in the Citroen C2R2cup.

Jason, who is co-driven by Welshpool based George Gwynn in the North Road Garage supported Citroen C2R2, was returning to Ireland for the first time since a violent crash on the West Cork Rally. Any concerns that the pair might have had about their performance on the technical Irish lanes were well and truly put to rest this weekend. With the rally counting toward both the British and Irish C2R2 series this would be the most competitive round of either championship.

The pair adopted the same strategy that had worked so well on the Isle of Man back in July, and settled into a comfortable pace on Friday night. Jason was not altogether happy with the handling on the car and quickly adjusted the little pocket rocket to suit the conditions. Whilst a puncture on the final night time stage cost the pair quite some time they still returned to Armagh at the end of day 1 fourth amongst the C2’s, and a mere four seconds behind Irish pace setter Martin McCormack.

After a team meeting Jason and George made a conscious decision overnight to consolidate their position and when the weather turned nasty for the final six stages the pair were glad to not need to push hard, eventually returning to the ceremonial finish as the runners up in both the Irish and British C2R2cups.

What a brilliant way to put our gremlins to bed. The rally went perfectly, the car was faultless, with the C2 performing brilliantly for me, and George was spot on. The series is now looking quite exciting and I can’t wait to head back to the Trackrod.

Jason and George are now both in the thick of their respective title battles and with three rounds left to go (the season ending Wales Rally GB counts as two events) it really is all to play for.
The crew are back in action on Saturday 27th September for the Pickering based International Rally of Yorkshire.

2008-08-26T19:33:00.002+01:00

The 2008 Eventsigns Mewla Rally provided a mixed bag of fortunes for our club members. With Eian Pritchard and Martin Jones away in Ulster looking after Jason's Citroen Cup aspirations it meant that someone else could claim the top Brecon Motor Club kudos!

After a troublesome Flatters Wayne Palmer and Garth Ralphs were looking for a better weekend and this time the car behaved to bring them home in a very respectable 26th overall. The difficult conditions favoured their lower powered car and driving skill was a more defining factor. It will be interesting to see them go next year now the car is 'sorted' for Epynt.

Ed Lloyd joined the club for the hillclimb this year and with son Matthew was a nice different sight in the now tired looking TR8! They finished in 38th position but an unfortunate error on one of the triangles cost them a lot of time and places.

Sara Williams was out for championship points on this one and despite removing an over tight LSD in the week before managed well enough to finish 42nd. The differential should be back in by the Tour next march so look out!

Phil Jones and Ian Jury enjoy their rallying and despite a near standard Peugeot 205 GTi they always look to be trying. Their efforts were rewarded with 64th place and a relatively trouble free rally.

The only non finishers were Craig Jones and Peter Chappelle in the orange Peugeot. If nothing else, the car was still in one piece at the end of the day with no panel damage and no mechanical parts failed. They also learnt a valuable lesson that will help them greatly in the future. When at service put fuel in the car and don't rely on the service crew to think of everything!! Don't worry boys it could have been far worse...............................

LLYS Y FRAN DRAMATIC DAY OUT!

2008-07-20T21:34:00.002+01:00

Four BMC members ventured to Llys y Fran on Sunday to help marshal, here are a few snaps from the day out.

Azimghur and Pacemaker

2008-07-19T15:05:00.002+01:00

Last weekend saw two crews from the club out and about competing. It really should have been three but Wayne Palmer's Escort was struck with mechanical problems the day before the Azimghur Stages at Colerne airfield.

Sara Williams did make it to Colerne and took a very respectable 24th overall in the usual Honda. Next outing for Sara will be '00' car on the Flatters in readiness for the Mewla which is one of her championship rounds.

Mike Jones and Robin Moses had a go at the Pacemaker Rally in their Peugeot but a couple of 'pitstops' kept them down the order in 31st overall. Robin is now preparing hinself for his first flirtation with special stage rallying when he and Mike contest the Harry Flatters Rally along with quite a number of other local crews.

JULY AUTOSOLO

2008-07-09T18:15:00.002+01:00

Just to make things interesting the July autosolo was held in wet weather conditions, something that hasn't happened before this year. A decent turnout of 17 crews braved the heavy showers and enjoyed a competetive day out. Once again it was Craig Jones who set the standard but James Chappelle equaled his time on the first test before taking a 'wrong test' later in the day. Alwyn Arrowsmith was also right up there but a couple of wrong tests put paid to a decent result. It was however, refreshing to see Will Arrowsmith complete an autosolo with no mistakes bar a quick donut and take the sideways Escort to 3rd place. Mike Jones took the runner up spot but will be hard pressed to take the championship after some early season 'difficulties'. Josh Jones was fourth, probably still having nightmares about his 2 wheeling hillclimb incident while last months winner Mark Hatton couldn't get in the groove and finished fifth. There were other heroic performances, Alex Jones and Lisa Price had great finishes and Robin Moses could have been quick if he could have reached the pedals and found the right handbrake lever! Kevin Tweedy debuted the Mini he has built and new member Mark Bufton was performing well until his Astra's clutch started playing up.

Remember, no solo next month, Harry Flatters instead! Next solo first Sunday of September, let's make it a big one.

DENNIS MOTORSPORT EPYNT HILLCLIMB 2008

2008-06-28T09:23:00.002+01:00

Well, what a weekend! It tipped down on the ranges on Saturday as we set up, thanks to all, especially the Jones family and Kevin Tweedy, but despite a very strong wind Sunday was fine. I just hope I can remember all the club members who competed, there were very many so here goes....................

The Arrowsmith clan made an apperance in full with Alwyn in the Escort, Will in the 4 door and Wayne in the shopping Peugeot 306. Like most club members they were going to be hard pressed to be in the awards with the kit present but looked to be enjoying the day even if Will was up until 4am fixing the car after a disasterous 1,000 lanes Rally. Mike Jones was the other 1,000 Lanes man and he narrowly missed out on the awards, maybe a can of Red Bull would have helped! Mark Hatton wheeled the Clio out again and enjoyed the social and friendly nature of hillclimbing when he blew a spark plug, didn't have a spare and was approached by trident Engineering's Gareth Griffiths who did and enabled him to continue. The Jones clan, Phil, Craig & Josh had an eventful day to say the least, Phil blew the motor on his 205 so shared Craig's car, Craig took a class award (well done) and Josh was caught on camera trying to 2 wheel the chicane! Wayne Palmer wheeled the Rover out for a look as his new Escort isn't yet ready and Eian Pritchard came hot foot from winning the Rally of the Midlands with his Impreza WRC. Despite his best efforts the purpose built hillclimb Impreza of Rob Hariman had the better of the WRC car with a new hillrecord of 57.82. Even Graham Richards was out on this one and put the Welsh Rally nightmare behind him to start enjoying motorsport again. Gary Williams came for another look in the Subaru Sport Wagon and had a steady day without drama. Event sponsor Brian Dennis also had an eventful day, the motor wasn't back with him until Saturday and despite blowing the radiator cap on one run he still managed a superb 2nd in class behind the super quick Westfield of Brian Jones.

It's all over for this year, hopefully we can sort out 2 dates for 2009!!

RALLY OF THE MIDLANDS AND THE 1,000 LANES

2008-06-26T22:08:00.002+01:00

Even with the club hillclimb in full swing at the weekend there were key officials helping and competing on events elsewhere. On the Rally of the Midlands Eian Pritchard took his Subaru Impreza WRC to a clear victory with Jason Pritchard finishing 13th overall in the Citroen C2 despite losing his way on a stage and picking up penalties. Sara Williams continued her good run of recent form with a useful 25th overall in the Civic despite the presence of the Old Man as 'sack of spuds'! Hillclimb assistant Clerk of Course Stuart Cardell was out with Peter Lewis again in the red Anglebox and took 3rd overall ahead of some faster machinery.

Meanwhile in the deepest depths of the Swansea Valley Mike Jones and Robin Moses (with Peugeot) were plotting for one of their best results to date on the Braces Bakery 1,000 Lanes Rally. With a recently fitted LSD they thrived in the conditions and came home in 7th position overall. Will Arrowsmith didn't have such a good night and after damaging the gearbox in Walters Arena was forced to stay up 'til 4am to fix the car in time for the hillclimb!

Carnival Stages

2008-06-18T20:40:00.002+01:00

The recent Carnival Stages at Abingdon saw another encouraging result from young Sara Williams in the usual Honda Civic. Despite the obvious handicap of the fatherly advice of from her co-driver, Sara managed avery good 19th overall and 6th in her class.

Next events are Azimghur and the Mewla.

JUNE AUTSOLO

2008-06-01T17:20:00.002+01:00

The June autosolo produced a surprise winner with Mark Hatton who has struggled with car and memory before coming through with the Clio Williams ahead of Craig Jones who did well to fight back to second place after collecting a cone penalty. Mike Jones had then taken the initiative but a wrong test and the resultant penalty wrecking his chances. Will Arrowsmith was going well but the chance to showboat took him down the order and it was left to Dad Alwyn to uphold family honour with third place. There were many mighty drives from the 20 drivers who supported the event and all seemed to have enjoyed this, the third round of the BMC autosolo series.

Big thanks must go to James & Peter Chappelle plus respective partners for their help and also to Robin for running the start and Chris Summerfield and helpers for manning the finish. (HOVAC)

BUSY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND FOR BMC CREWS

2008-05-27T18:46:00.002+01:00

Brecon Motor Club members had a busy weekend with the majority heading to Millbrook for some asphalt action. Coming off best was Martin Jones who sat with Tim Wilson in his Escort taking a top ten place in the National Rally. Sara Williams was trying a new co-driver and recorded a steady finish in the Honda on her first visit to the venue.

In the Clubmans event Chris Phillips accompanied the larger than life Bernhard Charles in the recently refurbished Escort but once again ran out of luck with mechanical problems. Stuart Cardell was with Peter Lewis in the Anglia once again, the event serving as learning exercise, the main problem encountered being a lack of grip. They did at least finish.

Elsewhere Jason Pritchard was away up to Scotland for the Jim Clark Rally and despite his recent setbacks he fought his way to the finish. Below is the official media message;

Young Builth Wells resident Jason Pritchard drove through the pain barrier on last weekends Jim Clark International Rally to score sixth place points in the C2R2cup just six weeks after smashing his right foot in a non-rallying related accident.

Jason, who is co-driven by Welshpool based George Gwynn in the little North Road Garage backed Citroen C2R2, only received the all clear from his doctor 5 days before the rally began, and had to rely on crutches to help him around the service park. Despite the obvious pain Jason was more than happy to be back in a rally car and drove sensibly, gradually raising his pace throughout the rally so that, by the end, he was setting top 3 times.

A faulty oil temperature sensor and throttle problems hampered the young British Rally Elite member on Saturday afternoon, forcing him to stop and try and restore the car to full health mid stage before eventually super rallying overnight to ensure the car was properly fettled ahead of Sunday’s stages.

My foot is really sore at the moment, but at least I have got some championship points on the board. It was good to get back out in the car which, apart from the throttle problems, ran perfectly, so a big thank you to Quick Motorsport for preparing her. This was the first rally for George and I and we got on really well in the car.

Jason and George will next be in action at the Rally Show at Chatsworth in two weeks time before contesting the third round of the 2008 British Rally Championship, the Rally Isle of Man in July. During this period Jason will focus on bringing his damaged foot back to full strength.

MAY AUTOSOLO

2008-05-11T16:54:00.002+01:00

Well, what a difference a month makes. Snow and freezing conditions were encountered when we last visited the Concrete Road, this time it was factor 25, water and sun hats!

Twenty two competitors turned up for this the second round of the club autosolo championship and winner of the previous round, Phil Savage was under pressure from the baying army of Peugeot 205's. Craig Jones started the way he meant to go on with fastest time on the first short simple test with Mike Jones and Will Arrowsmith just a second behind. Craig held sway at the front for the rest of the day and even when he made an error on the final test his margin was large enough to ensure a 6 second victory. No doubt the recently fitted LSD helped a little! Brother Josh was closest at the end having a good day in his 205. Alwyn Arrowsmith upheld family honour in his immaculate Mk2 Escort while Will was fast at times but let the the crowd influence his driving style resulting in the odd wrong test! Young James Morgan ahd a storming day despite not having passed his driving test yet and two wheeled his 1,000cc Micra to a solid fourth place setting consistently good times despite an excursion into the undergrowth. Mike Jones was next up, putting his wrong test nightmare behind him from last time but was heard mumbling things about fitting an LSD! Phil Savage overcame heater matrix problems and a watching family to take sixth.

BMC would like to thank all who supported the event and the Chappelle family for the catering and cone service, not to mention the computerised results service! Many thanks also to Robin Relic Moses for running the finish control. Next autosolo is Sunday june 1st.

WELSH RALLY 2008

2008-05-07T19:07:00.002+01:00

A number of BMC crews were out and about on the Welsh Rally last weekend but fortune was not with any of them. Top club seeds Eian Pritchard & Martin Jones succumbed to drive problems with their Subaru Impreza WRC and were out by the second lap. Chris Phillips accompanied Bernard Charles in the revitalised Escort but a spin near the start and a heavy landing soon after deranged the steering and they had to cruise to retirement through the first 21 mile special stage. Fairing even worse, Graham & Stuart Richards sufferes apalling luck when their Mini died at the start of the first stage and then refused to fire again. Things for this pair can only get better! Upholding club honour, Wayne Palmer and Garth Ralph coaxed the venerable ex Johnny Williams Rover 216 to 32nd overall despite taking a notional time on the first stage when Pat Jerome's Lancer caught fire. Hopefully things will go better for all these crews next time.

April Events News

2008-05-05T09:44:00.002+01:00

Another late news post! Apologies, lots happening at the moment.

The month started well with the hillclimb entry filling to capacity (80) leving us wondering if a 2 day event or a second date might be a good idea for next year.

In the road rallying world Mike Jones & Robin 'of Cradoc' Moses contested 2 events. The first was the Rali Bro Teifi and despite the intrepid pair suffering from man flu they completed the day section tests well. Unfortunately the car then suffered from a bout of Pug flu and went no further. The Night Owl was the next outing, based in Aberystwyth this was a classic event and the pair hoped to collect some useful WAMC points. It was not to be however as various problems and a fail kept them in the lower reaches of the leader board. Better luck next event!

The autosolo was the other event organised by the club and on a Baltic day 17 crews turned up for a day of fun competition. Consistency was the name of the game and it was Phil Savage who was rapid and made no mistakes. No doubt the contest will hot up with some different quicker tests on may 11th.

WEST CORK WOES

2008-03-21T08:06:00.002Z

Brecon Motor Club was represented on the 2008 West Cork Rally by Jason Pritchard in his Citroen C2 Cup car. The intention is to contest the Irish Citroen series in order to gain more experience. Unfortunately the red mist was down on the first stage and Jason left the road terminally. Despite this setback the team are ready to contest the Pirelli International next month. Full story will appear on here.

GREMLIN 2008

2008-03-09T14:54:00.002Z

Despite attracting a smaller entry than usual, the Old Forge Garage Gremlin Rally proved to be a big hit with competitors. The event was won by Peter Collins and Llinos Jones in a Vauxhall Astra but performance of the event came from BMC crew Will Arrowsmith & Matthew Farr who finished 3rd overall in their very nice Escort and bagged a pile of points in their Welsh Championship quest.

Other crews to finish were Mike Jones and Robin 'Crikey' Moses in the Peugeot in 15th overall and Harold & Alex Jones in their Escort who were contesting their very first rally.

Tales of woe came from the other crews, Phil Jones & Ian Jury retiring with an oil leak and Matthew Davies & David Thomas succumbing to a broken fuel line.

Last but not least, a big well done to James & Denis for putting all the work into making the event a success.

TOUR OF EPYNT

2008-03-09T14:44:00.002Z

We had a few crews cruising the Ranges last weekend for the Tour of Epynt with varying degrees of success. Eian Pritchard & Martin Jones made a relatively rare appearance and took their '99 Subaru to a solid fourth place behind Dalton, Kynaston and Lloyd but ahead of John Price's Metro 6R4.

Sara Williams had the services of Mark Fisher for the day and he pushed her to a decent result in the Honda despite bursting a Proflex shocker before the start and having to use standard items.

Wayne Palmer was out in the ex Williams Rover but the engine just wasn't up to it on the day and decided to fail.