Stourbridge-based Richard
Sykes’ preparations for his BTRDA Mixed Surface rally championship campaign
will continue next weekend when he takes part in Rally North Wales.
Since his last event in
February Sykes has done further testing in his new Bathams Brewery,
Boroughbridge Marina, G I Sykes and Body Clinic-supported Citroën DS3 as he
attempts to get to grips with the many changes from his previous car.
“We went to the Sweet Lamb
venue in Wales for a days testing,” said Sykes. “Callum Black, who has a lot of
experience of driving the DS3 in the British Rally Championship, came with us
and gave me some great advice so thanks to him for that.”
“By coincidence Callum
will be starting right in front of us on Rally North Wales and there are some
other DS3s out too so it will be interesting to see how our pace compares.”
“I’m privileged to get an
entry on the event. The rally was a round of the British Rally Championship in
2013 and 2014 but on both occasions it was cancelled which was very disappointing.
We won the BRC Challenge last time it ran in 2012. We will be rallying on some
of the classic Welsh forest stages which are also used on the UK’s World Rally
Championship round.”
“With Simon Taylor on
wedding duties Emma Morrison, who sat with me last year, will be in the
co-driver’s seat. I’m really looking forward to gaining some miles in the new
car. It’s been the most difficult car to drive that I’ve ever had but once you’ve
mastered it they sing. I just need to get used to it and get more miles under
my belt. This will be the last event we do before the championship starts so we
need to make the most of it. I've certainly got more experience of the car than I had on the last rally we did so hopefully I can keep all the wheels on the ground this time!”
The rally is based in
Dolgellau and the crews will battle over 40 miles of stages in Dyfi and
Gartheiniog forests.
Image courtesy S.Murray
Image courtesy S.Murray
