By Paul Evans

Osian Pryce says that his co-driver Dale Furniss will be a force to be reckoned with when he contested this weekend’s Manx National Rally – driving a road-rally spec Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The 30-year old navigator from Llanfyllin has contested a number of night events as a driver. However, his only previous stage rally as a driver was the recent Ormco Jurby Stages, in which he finished the Isle of Man airfield event in an impressive third overall and first two-wheel drive car.

Furniss says that contesting the Manx National as a driver is a dream come true, although it will be by far his biggest challenge behind the steering wheel. He’ll be co-driven by 18-year North Wales navigator Sion Williams.

“Dale is certainly no slouch behind the steering wheel,” says Pryce. “Most co-drivers don’t want to drive on a rally, their thrill comes from doing a perfect job in the navigator’s seat, but Dale is happy to swap seats and he’s a pretty good driver too. The Isle of Man stages are a real challenge, but he’s got experience of driving down narrow and bumpy lanes and I think he’ll do well. There is absolutely no chance that I’ll ever co-drive for him mind you, but I’ll be there on the Manx to watch and support him – and I’ll be standing well back when I hear his Golf GTI come towards me at full chat!”

“From a very young age I’ve always wanted to do the Manx, and having done it as a co-driver I wanted it to be my first proper stage rally as a driver,” said Furniss. “I’ve done some road rallies and one single-venue stage rally, but there is no comparison really. I’m just happy to be competing, and I’m looking forward to getting around the route and hopefully reaching the finish.”

The Manx National Rally takes place on Friday and Saturday (10-11 May).

Furniss is supported by Europlas, JD Tyres, D James Electrical, Pant Glas Body Repairs, SJ Williams civil engineering and Corkills Garage.