Cambrian Rally – What to Expect

Posted on 27 October 2023

Established in 1955, the North Wales Car Club, convened in Llandudno to create what has since evolved into one of the premier motorsport organisations in the North-West. The crown jewel of the club’s events, the Cambrian Rally was initiated not long after the club’s inception, although the exact dates remain somewhat uncertain. Over time, the Cambrian Rally established itself as a top-tier road rally in North Wales and continues to uphold that tradition. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Cambrian Rally was part of the Motoring News Rally Championship, which included the finest road rallies in Britain. In 1977, the event transitioned into a forest rally, and the stages were primarily held in Clocaenog Forest, with the now-iconic Great Orme stage almost a mandatory inclusion. The club recently celebrated its Golden Anniversary year and takes great pride in its history in organising, administering, and participating in motorsport.

Nestled amid the rugged and breath-taking landscape of North Wales, the Cambrian Rally itself is a thrilling motorsport event that celebrates the essence of rally racing. With its rich history, challenging routes, and passionate participants, it has become a staple in the world of motorsport, drawing competitors and spectators from across the globe. It is an essential fixture in the British rally calendar and has earned its reputation as a cornerstone of the British Rally Championship.

In recent times, the Cambrian Rally has attracted an array of rally racing talents from professional to amateur enthusiasts. The event allows both modern and historic rally cars to compete, creating an exhilarating showcase of rally racing evolution. North Wales, with its diverse landscapes, offers an ideal setting and the rally course typically traverses some of the most demanding terrains, including gravel roads, tight forest tracks, and winding tarmac stages. Competitors must navigate these challenging routes with precision and skill, making it a true test of their driving abilities.

One of the iconic stages of the Cambrian Rally is the classic “Penmachno,” a forest stage known for its sweeping turns and technical sections. Another favorite among participants is “Crafnant,” a picturesque stage alongside Llyn Crafnant, offering stunning views alongside high-speed challenges. These stages, along with others, make the Cambrian Rally a unique and diverse experience for both drivers and spectators.

The Cambrian Rally competitors bring with them a wide range of rally cars, from the latest high-performance machines to vintage classics. These cars are divided into different classes, ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all participants. Each class competes for its championship title within the Cambrian Rally event, adding an extra layer of excitement.

The Bowler Teams will be competing in the Cambrian Rally Trophy Stages, and with nine Bowler Teams entered, this is the largest field so far this year to is sure to make for an exciting competition! The Teams will compete in seven special stages with a total distance of over 53 miles, all covered in one day.

At the moment, the main Bowler protagonists in the championship are Jorma Jokela and Miles Williams, however, the other teams have everything to play for at this stage. Paul White, Dan Beecroft and Dave Beecroft are all accomplished drivers and have been competing in the Baja series this year which means the battle for top honours at this event will be even more keenly fought. Vanessa Ruck has had more seat time and opted for a new system for pace notes in order to improve her times, Gareth Bent is returning after missing the last few rounds and rookie Ed Williams comes to this rally fresh from Bowler training just last week. Miles Williams, Ed Williams, and Richie Wynn-Williams all see this as their home rally, so will be keen to give a good performance. We also have the pairing of Matt Jackson and Sasha, as the zero car, so anybody out spectating will be able to see the defender out in the front of the field opening the course.

The Cambrian Rally is not just about the racers; it’s also about the dedicated fans and spectators who flock to North Wales to witness the action. The rally routes are often lined with enthusiastic supporters who come to experience the thrill of motorsport up close. While some spectators choose to watch the rally from designated viewing points, others prefer to venture deep into the forests to catch the cars in action, creating a thrilling and immersive experience for spectators and drivers alike!

So, if you’re in the North Wales area, be sure to pick a good spot to cheer on the Bowlers and be sure not to miss this exhilarating journey through the stunning landscapes of North Wales.

Keep up with the action over the weekend on our social media channels.