Spencer ECA

The first event of the season was the Wyedean Forest Rally on 14th February, which started and finished at Chepstow Racecourse and featured eight stages in the Forest of Dean. A trouble-free run in the slippery conditions netted the team a position of 38th overall in a field of 180 cars – many of them more powerful four-wheel-drive machines. More significantly, the team finished fourth in class and was consequently, the first front-wheel-drive car home, a result that saw them score points in both the Welsh Forest Championship and BTRDA Series standings. At the finish, Jamie said:

“Because of the conditions and the nature of the roads in the Forest of Dean, it was a challenging rally to start off the season and it was difficult to establish a good set up. However, I’m very pleased with the way things went, especially as the car ran faultlessly. I hope this is a sign of things to come and we have overcome the reliability issues that we experienced last year.”

The second event took place two weeks later on the 1st March, the Newtown-based Mid Wales Stages Rally comprising four stages over classic forest rounds in the region. The rally hosted round two of the Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Championship, with Jamie and Dave aiming for a good points haul to better their existing position after a solid result in round one.

Just before setting off for the first stage it started snowing and, although it didn’t pitch, it made the going extremely soft and slippery. Unperturbed, Jamie and Dave battled through the challenging conditions and survived a puncture on the final stage to become the first two-wheel-drive car home. Impressively, they also finished 12th overall on stages that were again, more suited to those who had four-wheel-drive at their disposal.

“After a few set up issues during the Wyedean Rally, we decided to try something different with the Dmack tyres and I’m really pleased that we did. They really suited the conditions, even though it was a tough day, so I’m delighted we got through it relatively unscathed although it was a shame about the puncture. I’m also pleased the car ran faultlessly for the second event in succession. It’s been a great start to the season so far.”

The next outing for the Spencer Sport team is the Rally North Wales on 28th March, an event that represents the third round of the Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Championship. Although registered for the BTRDA Rally Championship as well, the team has elected to miss round two – next weekend’s Cumbria-based Malcolm Wilson Rally – in order to re-prepare the car and not overstretch resources.

The Spencer Sport Rally Team is supported by its motorsport partners: Oil 4 Wales, Spencer ECA, Reeds Construction & Engineering, Brace’s Bakery, Anglian Plant Hire Dmack Tyres and Rugbi Industrial Supplies.

For further information visit: www.spencersport.co.uk

ENDS

About Spencer Sport

Spencer Sport is more than just a rally team. It is a motorsport campaign with a difference.

A division of Spencer ECA (Environmental Care Associates) based in Penrhiwllan, near Llandysul, Spencer Sport has been created to bring the passion, excitement and competitive edge that only sport can provide.

As well as its rally team, Spencer is involved with other sporting activities. These include the sponsorship of rugby teams local to the company in South Wales, together with an interest in the region’s two biggest professional rugby and football teams: Ospreys and Swansea City, with Spencer regularly running competitions to win tickets to see their matches at the Liberty Stadium.

The Spencer Sport rally team is designed to achieve results in terms of publicity and brand exposure for all of its commercial partners and supporters. It also creates an environment that encourages business-to-business connections between all parties involved.

Behind the team is a collection of industry professionals, ensuring that each opportunity is maximised. They provide support for PR, media, marketing, business development, hospitality and technical back up.

Photos: JMS Photographic