Press Statement
Matthew Hirst will begin the defence of his Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship title when he contests the opening round of the 2023 series, the Get Jerky Rally North Wales, on Saturday 25 March.
The event has proven to be a successful launching pad for Hirst and co-driver Declan Dear, as both times they have won Rally North Wales (in 2019 and 2022) they have gone on to clinch the Welsh title.
Having recorded a perfect 150 points score to win the title last year, Hirst will return to the popular Welsh Association of Motor Clubs organised gravel championship in his all-conquering Pirelli-shod Delta Salvage Ford Fiesta R5+.
The competition is tough – and without doubt his rivals will be aiming to stop his run of success in the Welsh forests. The Welsh forests are once again the place to see a Subaru driven on the limit, with many challenging for the top spot.
Paul Walker/Geraint Thomas return in their unmissable Geoff Jones Motorsport-prepared Green Paw-backed example and are joined by Tommi Meadows/Laura Cooledge, Keith Jones/Sion Williams, Wug Utting/Bob Stokoe, Tom McKeown/Neil Thomas, Martyn Andrews/Steve Greenhill, Colin Griffiths/Sion Rowlands and Rob and Ashley Aslett in a fleet of Imprezas.
Crew also aiming for overall honours include David Tomlin/Keith Ashley (Axon Ford Fiesta R5), Simon Rogers/James How (Mitsubishi Evo 6), Colin Minton/Bonnie Papper (Ford Fiesta R5), Geoff Cottrill/Nathan Crewe (Mitsubishi Evo 9), Steve Hollis/Tim Currie (Volkswagen Golf R), Peter Baylis/Paul Godden (Mitsubishi Evo 9) and Daniel Moss/Samuel Davies (Mitsubishi Evo 10).
The Hockly Motorsport Welsh 2WD category is overflowing with talent and variety, with defending champions Boyd Kershaw/Keegan Rees returning with a new livery on their Flying Kiwi Ford Escort Mk2.
Other Escort Mk2 crews to keep a close eye on include Geoff Phelps/Colin Jenkins, Ricky Crone/Ifan Devine, Richard Warne/Chris Deal, Alan Horn/Ian Beamond, Tim Phelps/Elwyn Manuel and Rowan Moreton Wood/Hamish Campbell.
A full report of the event will be published on our website next week. A big thanks to British Rally Media who will be providing additional footage for this years championship.
