Round 1: Melvyn Evans Tour of Epynt, 11 March

Melvyn Evans won the opening round of the championship, the Port Talbot MC-organised Melvyn Evans Motorsport Tour of Epynt, in his Subaru Impreza WRC.

It had been two years since the 53-year old Lampeter driver had driven the car, and six years since he last rallied it on Epynt, yet he and co-driver Mark Glennerster were quickly into their stride and won the event by 39 seconds.

Damian Cole had set equal fastest time with Evans on the opening two stages, despite ripping the handbrake out of the floor! Co-driven by Jamie Edwards, the six-time champion got his title assault off to a great start with a strong run to second. Jason Pritchard and co-driver Phil Clarke set a remarkable pace and finished third overall.

Results
1 Melvyn Evans/Mark Glennerster (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1h04m58s
2 Damian Cole/Jamie Edwards (Ford Fiesta WRC) +39s
3 Jason Pritchard/Phil Clarke (Ford Fiesta S2000) +1m46s
4 Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh (Ford Fiesta RS) +3m23s
5 Adrian Spencer/Matt Daniels (Subaru Impreza WRC) +3m36s

Provisional championship standings
1 Melvyn Evans – 30 points
2 Damian Cole – 28
3 Jason Pritchard – 27
4 Steve Simpson – 26
5 Adrian Spencer – 25

Image: Melvyn Evans and Mark Glennerster in action on the Tour of Epynt, courtesy of RallyGallery.com