By Paul Evans

Competitors in the Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship are back in action on Sunday (March 4) on the Newtown-based Grooms Garage Mid Wales Stages.

Osian Pryce/Dale Furniss took maximum points on the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally two weeks ago but, in their absence, a number of their rivals will be looking to close the gap in the championship standings.

Among those are rapid Lampeter duo Dylan Davies/Llion Williams, who finished in fourth place on the opening round. Llangefni’s Keith Parry and Eryl Evans, from Aberystwyth, are two points behind them and will be looking to improve on that opening round performance.

Both pairings can expect a strong challenge, however, from Bryncrug driver Andy Davies, also in a Subaru Impreza, who will make his first Championship appearance of the year alongside co-driver Max Freeman.

The Group N standings are currently led by former champions Paul Davy/Roger Allen, while the two-wheel drive category once again looks set for a hard-fought battle between Barry Jordan and Newcastle Emlyn’s Paul Wakely.

Among the Escort crews will be Gary Smith and Newtown’s Jonny ‘Tad’ Evans while looking to uphold BMW honours will be 2017 two-wheel drive champions Andrew and Jamie-Lee Fox.

The Newtown and District Automobile Club-organised event starts on Sunday at 09.00 from outside Newtown’s Hafren Theatre. There are five gravel forest special stages before the finish ceremony at 15.30 back at the Theatre.

Spectators can see the cars in action at the Sweet Lamb Rally Complex.