ABERYSTWYTH co-driver Gareth Parry and Scott Faulkner produced a superb performance in the Mitsubishi Evo 9 at the Nicky Grist Stages as they claimed the Group N honours within the Pirelli Welsh Forest Rally Championship.

The duo finished in 12th position in the overall standings, and second in the N4 class, after a faultless drive throughout the day on the Builth Wells-based event.

“Scott and I were extremely happy with how the day ran, and we’re over the moon with the result,” said 20 year-old Parry, a member of Dovey Motor Club.

“I had top Under 23s Junior competitor for the fourth time in a row, and with two rounds remaining, the Group N title is possible in the Welsh Championship.

“I’d like to say a massive thanks to all those involved who make it all possible, and of course our continued sponsors.”

Following their top three overall result on the Red Kite Stages three weeks earlier, Faulkner and Parry and were hoping to continue their good form.

Although the long stages and no ability for auxiliary service on the Red Kite meant that they had struggled with tyre wear, the shorter stages and an auxiliary service made this a small issue this time.

Pushing from the word go on the new Llyn Login stage, with plenty of blind crests, the crew took a strong lead of 13 seconds in the Group N Championship.

A few seconds were traded over the following three stages, which gave Faulkner and Parry a lead of 11 seconds heading into service halt. The crew were delighted with how the morning had gone, and everything had ran as hoped.

Knowing the deficit between the class positions, they pushed on again on the second run of Llyn Login and gained a further 10 seconds over their opposition.

Again, seconds were traded over the final three stages, and they finished in 12th position overall and second in class - which meant sixth overall in the Welsh Championship with the Group N win.

Parry also secured top Under 23s Junior competitor for the fourth time in a row, and with two rounds left, the Group N title honours might just be on the cards.

• The following day saw Gareth Parry competing on the Holrus Targa Rally in Tregynon with his father William, who had not done an event since 2016.

In an Escort Mk2 from Tsalta Motorsport the aim was to have a fun day.

“It took a few tests for dad to get back into it, but we were soon on the lock stops,” said Gareth. “A couple of minor issues that could be easily fixed meant we had a good steady run all day, again with an excellent result of 13th overall.

“I can definitely say we both thoroughly enjoyed our day and that Tsalta Motorsport and NADAC did an awesome job.”