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Pritchard Heads for Isle of Man

Posted on Monday, 16 July 2007 10:17AM by

C2R2 Cup 2007 championship leader Jason Pritchard is certainly enjoying his championship campaign in what is his inaugural full season in rallying and his first taste of International rallying in Britain's premier rally series, the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship.

The eighteen year old Builth Wells driver benefited from others mistakes on the opening round the Pirelli International Rally, despite having some problems of his own. Jason and his Brecon co-driver Martin Jones piloted their Quick Motorsport prepared FCS Lasermail/North Road Garage Citroen C2 into 10th overall and take the C2R2 Cup win.

The 2007 MSA British Rally Academy member then contested round two, the Jim Clark Rally. The Welsh pair emerged from the rally having extended their lead in the C2R2 Cup 2007 by claiming the runners up spot.

In order to learn more about the sport, Jason has also contested some events outside of the championship and visited the Isle of Man earlier this year contesting the RBSi Manx Rally. He has also made the journey to Ireland to contest the Donegal Rally. Jason was pushing for the class lead but suffered mechanical problems which dropped him back to fourth.

Jason and Martin now return to the Isle of Man and the Isle of Man International Rally, which takes place 19th - 21st July and Jason feels the experience gained so far this season is helping his confidence.

"After doing the Manx in May as a test, we started using our own pacenote system and we managed to get a good feeling for the roads on the Isle of Man. I also gained valuable experience on the Donegal Rally, with Gareth Roberts sitting with me for the first time. We were a little disappointed to finish fourth as our pace was very encouraging throughout the weekend, but the competitive mileage is far more important to us on these test events than the actual results."

Jason is also keen to resume his championship campaign.

"I am now really looking forward to the challenge of the Isle of Man International Rally. It is the first time in the championship, where I have had some experience of the roads. After each rally in the car I am gaining more confidence in the car and in my driving ability and having some familiarity of the roads will also help, but I know there is still a lot more to come from both myself and the car."