After a ceremonial start in Welshpool town centre on Friday evening the competitive action of the opening BRC Challenge championship round kicked off on Saturday morning with the Penllyn stage near Bala. Heavy rain in the hours before the rally had made the forest tracks treacherous and conditions were not ideal for Becky to get used both to a new car and new co-driver Kaz Watts.
"The course was extremely slippery on the first stage, it was like driving on ice in places", said Becky. "We took a cautious approach and got to the finish of the stage without any major problems."
The crews headed to the Dyfnant stage next which was followed by the popular Woodyard spectator stage. Becky continued to build her confidence in the KC, Princes Quay Shopping Centre, Bardahl Oils, Rally4Real, Songasport and Peart Auto Services-backed Fiesta and she had a good run through both tests to lie third in class.
"I enjoyed the Woodyard stage, it’s not very long but there are always loads of spectators there which really adds to the atmosphere of the event. I liked getting the car airbourne at the finish line jump as well although we didn't have it marked as a jump in the notes so it was a bit unexpected!"
After a service halt in Welshpool Becky faced the daunting Gartheiniog stage which, at nearly 16 miles long, was the longest she has ever undertaken in her rally career. With the tracks drying and her knowledge of the car improving Becky enjoyed a clear run through the stage which saw many fellow competitors crash out or suffer terminal mechanical problems.
The event ended with two stages in Dyfi forest which Becky completed with no problems and she maintained her third in class as the crews crossed the finish line back at Welshpool.
"I’m delighted to get a finish on my first event in the Fiesta, it was a very tough rally and I still have a lot of learning to do as the new car is hugely different to my old one. I'm now looking to build on the experience I have gained on this event."
"My main priority for the rally was to get to the end in one piece and I’m pleased to have achieved that. Thanks to all my sponsors for providing the support which let me do the event – it was great to see Mark Conway from KC cheering me on in the stages!"
Becky will next be in action on the Pirelli Challenge event which is based in Carlisle and takes place at the end of April.
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