By Paul Evans

Teenage rally star Tom Llewellin finished fourth in class and 46th overall (out of 113 starters) after a great drive on his first ever gravel rally.

The 17-year old Pembrokeshire driver, son of double British Rally Champion Dai Llewellin, contested the Nicky Grist Stages at the wheel of a Peter Gwynne Motorsport Suzuki Swift.

Co-driven by Dale Bowen, the reigning MSA Junior Rallycross champion emerged from a very hot and dusty opening stage sixth in class and 64th overall, and from there worked his way up the leaderboard in impressive style.

Despite a minor problem when a bump dislodged the ECU on stage six, Llewellin upped his pace to eventually emerge 46th overall and fourth in class after all eight stages had been successfully completed.

“We had an awesome day and thoroughly enjoyed our first ever gravel rally,” said Llewellin. “We were lying fourth in class and swapping times with R2 Ford Fiestas but, unfortunately, we hit a bad bump on stage six which upset the connection on the ECU and cut the power which dropped us some time. We got it all sorted for stage seven and finished the day fourth in class and 46th overall which we were really happy with and can’t wait to get back out in the woods again. A massive thanks to Dale on the notes, the entire Peter Gwynne Motorsport Team and all my sponsors, family and friends for their support.”

Llewellin now returns to the MSA British Rallycross Championship in two weekend’s time where he will continue his campaign in the Swift Sport Series at Croft in North Yorkshire.