22 yr old Matthew Edwards from Llandudno in North Wales will tackle his third Cambrian Rally this weekend, as the budding young driver hopes to end a successful year on a high note just two years on from his rallying debut on the 2004 event. Edwards will be co-driven as usual by Newports Andy Murphy who is also coming to the end of a productive first year in the sport.With the event based in Llandudno, the entheusiastic pairing will be looking to capitalise on local knowledge and the confidence boost of a spirited drive on the recent Plains rally, and once again challenge for class honours whilst maintaining 3rd Overall in the ANWCC Forest Championship that Edwards has already sealed 5 class wins in this season.  

Being the final round of the popular BTRDA rally series, it will provide a stern test for the crew of the M.E.Rallysport Vauxhall Astra, giving good opportunity to compare progress against more experienced crews. “We are both really looking forward to this weekends event! It makes a change to not have the championship pressures on our shoulders as we have already achieved what we can this year in the ANWCC series, so its just going to be a case of have a go and see where we end up. It will be great to get back on home soil after the Plains result and im keen to once again test our partnership that is currently paying dividends in terms of pace and stage times. Andy has done a fantastic job this year in often trying circumstances and i doubt we would have had the success we have had if it wasnt for his proffessional attitude and approach.” On this third attempt at the rally that begun his carreer exactly two years ago, Edwards will be relying on the experience that he has patiently developed along with the car in that time, to come to terms with the famous and demanding forresty stages such as Penmachno, Clocaenog and the Great Orme, rellishing the challenge driving his self built machine. The team will also be supporting Cancer Research UK on this years event, selling stickers in and around the scrutineering and spectator areas to help raise money for the fund quite close to both crew’s interests. ALL proceeds will be going to the charity in memory of Clive Thomas who lost his battle with cancer 12 months ago, and would appreciate your support for this worthy cause.

M.E.Rallysport crew of Matthew Edwards and Andrew Murphy put in a polished and calculated performance on Saturdays SJR Motorport Plains Rally, to bring their trusty Astra home in a well deseved 12th overall in the competitive 1400 category, and 2nd in class.

The result comes at the end of a string of bad luck for the pair that has seen competitive stage times go to waste when niggling problems intervened on three previous occasions. Edwards achieved his objectives of a tactical run home to secure good points in the ANWCC Forest Championship, which he still secures a mathematical chance of winniing overall, but importantly has extended his lead in 3 classes.With the first two stages taking place on familiar ground, the duo were able to hit the ground running and attack the first real forest stage in the Aberhirnant complex, just south of Bala. Managing a spectacular run to set a time in the top 10 overall of the 1400 runners, the first part of the plan had gone well with the second part consisting of a similar pace through the following stage, despite suffering a distinct power deficit to class rivals.

“We’re both delighted with this result! It makes a change not to have to get out to fix it once in a while, and its fantastic for everyone who helps out prior to the events to have a car running like clockwork at last, and over these stunning stages! Its good also to have been able to realise the potential that our stage time have suggested on previous events, and actually cross the line in a position reflective of our performance.

Thanks obviously go to the service crew and everyon else who helps out, and especially to Andy who has persevered this year and deserves credit for this result aswell. To finish behind the likes of Gary Barlow and to have set some comparrable times today is also a great boost to our confidence, and a sign that we are working well together,” said the Welshman at the finish.The entheusiastic pair now head to the final round of the championship, The Cambrian Rally in North Wales on 4th November hopeful of another strong showing, this time on home soil.