Image courtesy of SJones Photography
Successful Sixth For Parry
31st October 2017
Llangefni rally driver Keith Parry successfully completed the recent 2-day national section of Wales Rally GB, finishing a credible 6th overall in his Subaru Impreza with Eryl Evans alongside.
The national crews took part in a ceremonial start on Eastgate Street in Chester with thousands of spectators seeing crews set off for the weekends stages. Saturday morning saw crews settle into the short Rally Fest spectacular, with a blast around Cholmondeley Castle to open the event.
The first forest stage wasn’t to go well for the KPMotorsport prepared car. The 14 kilometres of Aberhirnant caused damage to a rear suspension component which could not be repaired until the end of the day. “It isn’t too serious but means the car feels a little unsettled through the corners.” Explained Parry.
The following two stages of Dyfnant and Gatheniog were taken with the suspension problem in mind, before heading into the final stage of the day in Dyfi. “We’re quite fortunate we’re back in the service park now. We have to fix the rear suspension and I think we damaged a lower ball joint in that final stage.” Said Parry at Deeside. “It’s still been an enjoyable day. The boys will fix these now, so fortunate to have friends helping us on the event.”
Lying in 6th place overnight, three stages awaited the crews on Sunday in forests further north. First up was Gwydir and the slippery surface meant the crew didn’t get into the rhythm they were hoping for. “It was a very tricky stage. The game plan now is to maintain position in these next two stages.” Said Parry.
The final two stages were still full of eager spectators who had earlier seen Elfyn Evans claim his maiden WRC victory. “There are so many people, it’s excellent. Welsh flags and people cheering, makes it more important to finish.” With the support shown on the stages Parry and Evans felt more comfortable in the final two stages and put in times that saw them secure 6th overall as they headed to the finish ceremony in Llandudno.
“It’s been an enjoyable event, Eryl on the notes has been faultless and the guys at KPMotorsport have kept the car going over the past two days and we’re here in Llandudno to celebrate with our friends and family.” Parry added, “It’s also important to thank the organisers and marshals, these volunteers ensure the event runs smoothly and put up with some typically Welsh weather!”
Local duo back for World Stage
Llangefni rally driver Keith Parry returns to the hot seat this weekend as he takes his Subaru Impreza to Wales Rally GB, the penultimate round of the World Rally Championship.
Parry, with Aberaeron based navigator Eryl Evans, will be back in the KPMotorsport car after several months out of the driving seat. “We last competed in May but had a great test earlier this month.” Explained Parry. “We took the car to Sweet Lamb Rally Complex and spent the day dialling in new suspension settings. It has given me such great confidence in the car, the handling was completely transformed.”
Parry and Evans will be running car 208 in the national section of the event, where crews will tackle each stage of the Saturday and Sunday legs in the GD Components supported Subaru. “We first ran on the event in 2011, but our best memory must be winning the 2013 National event. We feel confident in the car after testing but we’re aiming for a top ten finish.” Said Parry. “With the involvement of friends and family in getting the car ready and looking after us over the weekend, the best reward for the team is to be on the finish ramp in Llandudno on Sunday afternoon.”
The main event starts on Thursday evening with the spectator special at Tir Prince Raceway, while Parry and the national crews will join in on Saturday morning competing on the forest stages of North Wales and the RallyFest spectacular at Cholmondeley Castle on Saturday afternoon.