By Paul Evans
Richard Merriman has won the JD Tyres Welsh Tarmacadam Rally Championship title for a fifth time, although it was an extremely emotional victory this year as it came after the death of his long-time co-driver and friend Kath Curzon.
Since contesting their first event together in 2009, the dynamic duo had started 114 rallies, scored four major overall wins (including one on Epynt), won their class 41 times and recorded 75 class podium results.
They were leading both the drivers’ and co-drivers’ section of this year’s championship when Curzon fell ill.
Following discussions with the Curzon family, the Pontypridd driver finished the season off with Sam Weller co-driving in his rapid two-litre Vauxhall-engined Darrian T90.
Richard Merriman and Kath Curzon in the Vauxhall-engined Darrian T90.
And while Merriman went on to win his fifth drivers’ title, the 17-year old Brecon navigator won the co-drivers’ title for the first time, having also sat with drivers Ian Taylor (Mitsubishi Evo IX), David Chislett (Porsche 911SC) and Josh Jones (Peugeot 205) during the season.
“It was an emotional end to what was a successful season for the team,” said Merriman.
“We not only lost a true rally legend, but we also lost a dear friend. Kath joined our team fifteen years ago and we went on to accomplish many great results and made many happy memories.
“When Kath was taken ill before what turned out to be the final event of the season, I wasn’t sure how I would continue with the championship. However, with the encouragement and support from the Curzon family, I wanted to respect their wishes and finish the season.
“After speaking with Ian Taylor, he suggested that Sam Weller would be a great candidate – and after speaking with Kath about it we both decided this would be the best outcome. Sam was honoured to finish what Kath had started.
“This is my fifth time winning the overall Welsh Tarmacadam Rally Championship, and none of it would have been possible without the sponsorship and support of some great people.
“Barrie Jenkins has maintained the car and serviced for me since 2002. Over the past twenty-two years we have formed a great friendship and without Barrie I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.
“Thank you to Gareth Swan Roofing, The Roof Hub, Nick Silivestros at Touchline, Precision Roofing, Pontypridd Print Solutions and Colin Price Cars who have continued to sponsor me for a number of years.
“Also, a big thank you to Tim Duffee at Darrian Cars, John Reed at JRE Racing Engines and Sandy Brown for mapping the car without whom it would not have been possible.
“It’s a bittersweet end to our rally season, but we can only hope that Kath is looking down on us and is proud of what we have achieved.”
