Osian Pryce and Dale Furniss leads the way at the end of Day 1 of the Roger Albert Clark (RAC) Rally at Wales.
Six stages awaited the drivers at a frosty morning but that didn’t put off Pryce who leads going into Day 2 of the event.
At his first attempt at the bi-annual event in 2021, Osian was closing in on a potential win when a front stub axle sheared on the Walter’s Arena stage, forcing him out just four stages from the end. He then led in 2023, before an engine oil leak forced him out at mid-distance.
He takes a 17 second lead over Matt Edwards and Sian Williams in the MK2 escort with 2023 RAC Winners Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell a further two seconds back in third in there BMW M3.
The tricky weather conditions played its part though and there where some early retirements along the way.
Mark Higgins and Carl Williamson in the big Triumph TR7 V8 stopped in the penultimate stage of day. The crew were trying to fit a new alternator and belt and make it to the end of the day.
Car #100 was out of the rally with a fire taking control of the Escort. Huw and Avarina Jeffreys are ok, and with the help of fellow competitors and spectators they managed to stop the blaze.
Four time NI Rally Champion Jonny Greer and Niall Burns had to retire at stage 3 in the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth.
