March 4, 2003

HERE COME THE WELSH

On the first round of the Pirelli British Rally Championship, The Rally of
Wales, a rally team of four drivers and co-drivers will be representing
their country for the first time. The Welsh Rally Team has been put together
as part of the Welsh Rally Academy.

There are several areas that the academy aim to concentrate. Firstly, it's
main objective will be to discover future rallying talent in the form of
driver's and assist in their progression in the sport.
The idea was the brainchild of Mick Jones, a successful driver in his own
right having contested many rallies through the years and now keen to see
the academy succeed.

"I have decided to take a year out of the sport to help make this scheme
work. We have so much talent in Wales with the ability to go further than
their finances allow. So with the right guidance and financial support, we
would like to get a Welsh rally driver back into the World Rally
Championship and who knows we may even have a Welsh World Rally Champion. I
am willing to donate my time and some of my own finances to make it work, I
hope others who have wanted to encourage young talent will act in a similar
way."

Mick will be acting as Welsh Team Captain along with Welsh Team Manager,
Gwyndaf Evans. The pair will aim to manage the team and assist with driver
tuition for the academy.

Also involved in the venture will be Carl Williamson, who currently
co-drives rising young Finnish driver, Jari-Matti Latvala. Carl will also be
contesting the British Rally Championship through 2003.

"As organisers of the Welsh Rally Team we see the inception of a Rally
Academy in the the long term and aim to provide an extra avenue for WRC team
bosses to seek new talent. With the emphasis on age, the Welsh Rally Team
(WRT) aim to place promising drivers into the BRC before the age of 20
giving them the best possible springboard for the WRC. Obviously this is one
of our longer term goals, but we don't think it unrealistic to have a Welsh
driver regularly competing in the WRC within the next 3 years".

Welsh National Rally Co-ordinator, Gwyn Williams will also be assisting in
the academy with an array of projects.

"We want to give young talent a route to success, it will depend heavily on
donations to the academy for it to succeed. All our efforts are voluntary
and we would like to see others coming forward with similar commitment.
While any financial contributions will be gratefully received."

The Welsh Team has been initially based on two drivers from North Wales and
two from South Wales. The team will be led by Julian Reynolds and Ieuan

Thomas on the Rally of Wales in their Subaru Impreza. The rapid Narbeth
driver having achieved some fine performances in the latter part of 2002 and
will certainly be a title challenger for 2003. Reynolds is also keen for the
project to succeed and relishes the chance to represent his country.

"It's a great opportunity to represent your country in any sport, but to be
one of the first is a real privilege. The amount of talent in Wales will
certainly make this initiative worthwhile."

Dorian Rees is also confirmed in the line-up. The Llanybydder rallyman had
varied success in 2002 which included some impressive results in his little
Peugeot 106. Rees started 2003 behind the wheel of a four wheel drive
machine and has quickly shown pace on his first two rallies in the car. Rees
will be partnered by Patrick Walsh in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII.

"To be part of this project is a real honour for me and to be part of a team
that has the ability will be very rewarding in itself."

While the third driver will be Stuart Jones, fresh from his win on the
Rallye Sunseeker and claiming the Peugeot Winter Series in his Peugeot 206.
The young Welshpool driver along with co-driver Richard Edwards, have been
impressive throughout his first year of rallying and the Winter Series title
just reward for his efforts.

"It's a tremendous opportunity for me to learn from the academy and my team
mates and after the success of the Peugeot Winter series, its an added bonus
to be represent Wales at this level."

The fourth driver will be Super 1600 driver Simon Hughes, who has also shown
some natural talent at the wheel of his Renault Clio.

"It's good to actually see someone putting something like this together and
for someone to take notice of our efforts and ask us to be part of it is
amazing. "

The Welsh team will be attending the British Rally Championship Shakedown in
Nuneaton on Sunday 2nd March.

The organising team aim to monitor each drivers progress and will also be
looking to add to the Welsh squad and will regularly review the team. A test
session has been planned for Sunday 9th March 2003 to allow drivers who feel
they have the talent to progress, opportunity to attend and give some
insight to their ability away from the pressure of competition. The session
will also allow any interested parties to attend the day and talk with the
organising team about their plans for the future of the academy.

Drivers and co-drivers who want to know more about the scheme should speak
to Mick Jones on 07968 394691

While all other enquiries should be directed to Gwyn Williams on 07811
108857 or by email maxattackpromos@yahoo.co.uk