Osian Pryce is celebrating the biggest moment of his career after he bagged the most sought after prize in world rallying.
The Machynlleth flier has earned two coveted drives in next year’s World Rally Championship after finishing second in his class on Rally Poland.
“This is what I’ve been working towards for so long,” said 23-year-old Pryce after the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy class battle with co-driver Dale Furniss.
“It’s unbelievable, what an incredible feeling. Dale, myself, so many people, we have all worked so hard for this moment – honestly, it still hasn’t sunk in yet that we’ve done it.”
Victory on the season opening Rally Portugal had set the duo up for their prize of two drives in the WRC2 – the feeder series to the WRC.
But Sunday’s third and final day of action on the roads around Mikolajki didn’t come without its moments.
Saturday’s scorching sunshine gave way to torrential rain and temperatures half of the 34 degrees, which took its toll on the soft, sandy stages.
“Today was undoubtedly one of the toughest days of my career,” added Pryce.
“The roads were absolutely horrendous. We were aquaplaning at 100mph and trying to get the car slowed down was almost impossible at times.
“To be honest, it was a bit of a lottery. We had a small problem on the first stage of the day and that cost us the lead and the chance to take a second win.
“After that, my focus was firmly on the finish. That was all Dale and I could think about.
“And now we’re here: what a fantastic week to be a Welshman – first the football and now my dreams come true!
“Like I said, it’s a fantastic feeling. But we can’t get too carried away, there’s another two drives on offer next time out in Finland!”
DMACK managing director Dick Cormack said: “Congratulations to Osian and Dale.
“They have driven a fantastic rally, backing up their win in Portugal with a solid, sensible and quick drive to win the first two prize drives for next season.
“We look forward to seeing the boys in an R5 car next season, but before then it’s back to the battle for another two drives in Finland.”