MID Wales rally ace David Higgins took first place at Rallye Perce-Neige, the first round of the newly-formed American Rally Association National Championship.

The 143-mile stage rally, held in Maniwaki, Quebec, hosted over 40 international competitors on the snow-covered gravel roads in a gruelling single-day race.

Higgins, from Trefeglwys, worked hard to steer his Subaru WRX STI rally car to the top of the podium.

Subaru Rally Team Canada driver Antoine L’Estage, a seven-time winner of Rallye Perce-Neige, built an early lead over the first three stages, until mechanical issues hindered his pace.

Higgins and Subaru Rally Team USA team-mate Travis Pastrana, who closely trailed L’Estage during the first loop of stages, battled for the lead throughout the remainder of the rally.

Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew went on to win the event from Pastrana to make it a Subaru one-two.

“It was great result, it feels good to win in such harsh conditions and against such top guys,” said Higgins.

“This was the first ever ARA event, so I’m really glad we were able to get our names in the history books.

“The last loop of stages was hard work, the snow was coming down hard on one stage, there was a big snow ball inside the corner, we clipped it and smashed one of the lights, making the night stage even tougher.

“The hood pin was also damaged, so we had to slow down a little bit to keep the hood from flying open on stage. It was a challenge but it was all good in the end.”

Eight-time Rally America champion Higgins will continue on to round two of the ARA Championship, the Oregon Trail Rally, beginning 21 April at the Portland International Raceway.