Sunday 18 March 2012

Sykes keen to maintain title charge on Bulldog Challenge rally

Rally driver Richard Sykes will continue his quest for the 2012 BRC Challenge rally championship title next weekend when he contests the Bulldog Challenge event.

Stourbridge's Sykes made an excellent start to the season on the opening round of the championship, taking second place on the Rallye Sunseeker Challenge in his Bathams Brewery, G I Sykes Ltd, Boroughbridge Marina and Silverstone Tyres-supported Citroën C2 R2 Max, and he is keen to put in another good performance on the Welshpool-based round two.

"The Sunseeker went really well for us, the pace at the top of the leaderboard was very quick so I was delighted to finish second," said Sykes. "My aim for this season is to take the BRC Challenge title so I need another strong result next weekend."

"I'm really looking forward to the event, it uses some of the classic Welsh rally stages such as Dyfi and Gartheiniog and they are sure to provide a tough test for all the crews. With every second counting in the BRC Challenge we'll have to be fast right from the start to be in with a chance of taking a top position."

Sykes will be partnered by co-driver Simon Taylor on the event which will start from Welshpool at lunchtime on Saturday. The BRC Challenge crews will face an opening loop of three stages in Dyfi and Gartheiniog forests and then three further stages in Llangywer, Penllyn and Dyfnant before heading back to Welshpool for the finish. The rally will be preceded by a ceremonial start in Welshpool town centre on Friday evening.

Image courtesy John Evans