Historic Podium For Edwards

Making his debut in a historic specification Opel Kadette GTE, Matt Edwards from Colwyn Bay demonstrated his driving talent by taking an incredible 3rd overall at the weekends Rally North Wales.

The event was split into two sections, with Edwards tackling the historic section and aiming to acclimatise quickly to the new car which had been supplied by long time supported Swift Group. “It will be very different to the Mitsubishi we are campaigning in the British Rally Championship, but its always good to get some seat time and we are looking to help develop some new DMack tyres throughout the day.” Said Edwards, who was joined for this event by regular navigator Will Rogers.

With tricky weather conditions leaving wet mud and standing water, Edwards settled into the Chris Birkbeck prepared Kadette with a time that would put him fifth after the first stage. “We really enjoy these classic Welsh stages, we have fond memories in here and the car feels really good this morning.” Explained Edwards at the service halt, having completed three stages as the rain continued. “The only problem we had was the screen misting up, we then realised I hadn’t turned the heating element on properly.”

The second loop of stages was to be a repeat of the opening three, and with conditions worsening the DMack tyres were really to be put to the test. Holding fourth place the Welshman was keen to bring the car home and a late scare with two stages to go was cause concern for the crew as a misfire hampered progress. This did not hold them back though, as they claimed one more position to leave them with a podium finish and class honours. “It’s a great finish to the day, the car drives really well and we felt at home straight away. We have to thank Pete Smith of Swift Group for letting us use his car, and to DMack for providing some excellent rubber for the conditions.”

Edwards and Rogers head to Belfast this week, as the second round of the British Rally Championship takes in the Circuit of Ireland Rally and will be Edwards’ first International rally, as the event also welcomes Irish and European Championship competitors. Discussing his Mitsubishi Evolution and event plans, Edwards told us “We’ve had a rebuild of the engine, so we’ve been limited with our intended testing, we have some data to work with but not from this car. The aim for the weekend is points, to try and maintain our class lead in the British Championship.”