^{Photo: Neil Dockray}

Round 2 takes the Goodyear British Off Road Championship back to an old favourite this weekend.  The ex-open cast coal mine near Glyn-Neath in South Wales has a bit of everything.  From rocky climbs to fast smooth gravel track, with river crossings and a few scary descents. If ever there was a venue to sort out the favourites from the also-rans then this is the one!

The tough Goodyear Wrangler MT/R control tyres, which all championship contenders use, will certainly prove their worth here.  This site with its many scattered rocks and fast tracks is well known for its ability to shred tyres.  Goodyear though are confident of their ability to stand up to the task.  

"With their unique "Durawall" sidewall strengthening system, we know that the Wrangler MT/R is capable of taking plenty of punishment.  There is no doubt that this site is hard on tyres, but the MT/R is one tough tyre."

Evidence that the MT/R is capable of delivering results was clear on Y Rali Bryn Cymru, the first round of our sister championship, the Goodyear National Hillrally Championship.  Three stages of the hillrally were held in the unforgiving terrain of the Seven Sisters complex and the results showed that Goodyear's Wrangler MT/R was more than a match for the conditions.  Julian Mendelsohn in his Bowler Wildcat 200 secured a career best result of third overall on the Goodyear tyres, despite this being his co-driver's first ever hillrally!

Julian will return for the second round of the Goodyear British Off Road Championship full of confidence in his vehicle and his abilities.  It is Paul Choat (Simmbugghini) though, who is most confident mood.  The reigning British Off Road Champion took a convincing win at the first round in Tunbridge Wells, but knows there is still a long way to go before he can relax.  Championship rivals Richard Kershaw in his Amaterati and Keith and Sally Lewis also with a Simmbugghini pushed Paul Choat hard at Tunbridge Wells and will be ready to do the same this weekend.

Keith and Sally will be especially keen to do well on this their home event, having retired on the first round with clutch failure whilst leading.

In the production based classes the giant killing Colin Read who stole an astonishing overall position and class win  in the opening round ahead of much more powerful rivals in the 1800cc Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin is returning for the second round with his eyes firmly set on achieving the seemingly impossible!  

"We are aiming to win the class again and improve on our previous overall placing  of 14th, explained Read. Although it will be a tough task against the more powerful purpose-built hybrid  machines, personally I shall be targeting a position inside the top ten."

The experienced Richard Hopkins with his Bearmach supported Discovery will be looking to extend his class lead in the Modified Production class and also make some inroads into the overall results.  He will be hounded as ever by the hard charging Simon Dowdeswell, who has rebuilt his Land Rover after rolling at the first round.  Tony Walmsley also in a Defender 90 is gaining experience and picking up speed all the time in his new vehicle.

Paul Clackett (Range Rover) will be looking to put his poor Y Rali Bryn Cymru performance behind him and will concentrate instead on beating Owen Timms' Scorpion Racing backed Defender 110.

Significantly more land has become available in the Seven Sister's complex over the winter so there is plenty of choice, and the event will be quite different to previous years!  Even the familiar tracks will have changed in character, because significant regrading has taken place in the weeks leading up to the event.

The event is situated on the A4109 between Glynneath and AberCraf  in South Wales and will be clearly signposted from this road.  Spectators are welcome - for more details check the website www.britishoffroadchampionship.co.uk or call Henry Webster on 0777 5655256.

First car will start at 1000 on Saturday and the event will conclude around 1600 on Sunday afternoon.

The organisers are looking for experienced rally/ off road marshals for the event.  If you can help then please call Chris Tomley (w) 01686 626641 or (h) 01686 650430.

Goodyear MSA British Off Road Championship

• April 20/21 Tunbridge Wells - A testing multi-terrain course provided a unique and privileged opportunity to compete across one of the finest country estates in Kent.

• June 15/16 Glynneath -  Blending Rally GB tracks with rutted fire breaks there is always a surprise at Glynneath and now with more land available in the already extensive complex, you ain't seen nothing yet!

• July 27/28 Perth, Scotland - A week after the fabulous Scottish Hillrally, the perfect opportunity to enjoy Scotland at its best.

• Sept 21/22 Swindon - Likened to the fast and furious terrain used on the Southern Hillrallies, hold on tight!

• October 26/27 Leeds - Another new site to off road motorsport and another new challenge for an exciting final round.

Check www.britishoffroadchampionship.co.uk regularly for more details, or call Henry Webster 0777 5655256

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