News
Chris Ingram gives Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 its first UK win
CHRIS INGRAM and Alex Kihurani have given the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 its first victory in the UK by winning the 2024 Nicky Grist Stages – while Castrol MEM Rally Team stablemates Meirion Evans/Jonathan Jackson made it yet another double podium celebration for the Carmarthenshire squad with third in an identical car.
Chris set the fastest time through the opening Llyn Login stage, which was a remarkable achievement given that it was the first special stage that he’d ever driven in the Toyota. The Suisscourtage/Michelin-backed driver held a slender lead as he arrived back in Builth Wells for midday service and extended that advantage when the loop of four stages through Llyn Login, Monument, Halfway and Bowlsey were repeated in the afternoon. The 2019 FIA European rally champion finished 14.7 seconds ahead of second-placed Keith Cronin/Shane Buckley (Ford Fiesta Rally2).
It was also an excellent performance from Meirion, who continues to build his experience of rallying on the unfamiliar gravel surface. The morning’s stages were particularly loose, with patches of damp under the trees in Halfway making it even more tricky. After a cautious opening stage, Meirion held third at midday service and maintained that strong position after a confident and precise drive in the afternoon.
Chris Ingram said: “I’m delighted to give the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 its first win in the UK. We had a great battle with Keith Cronin, and Meirion [Evans] was really quick as well. We only did twenty miles testing at most in the car before the Nicky Grist Stages, so to jump in and be on their pace on our first rally in the car is very encouraging. I’m sure we’ll find some tweaks to get the Toyota more suited to my driving style before the next round of the British Rally Championship and to keep improving is the key. There is a lot to come from both me and this car, and the aim is to unlock that potential in the next few rallies. Today was perfect preparation for the remainder of the BRC and we’ll keep moving forward from here for sure.”
Meirion Evans said: “I was a little scrappy in the morning – it was just a case of finding my feet again on gravel. The surface was a bit inconsistent too and loose in places and it was easy to run wide, which is what we did a few times. We clipped both rear wheels on separate stages and we were lucky not to get a puncture because a wheel had bent a bit, but there were no real dramas apart from that. The afternoon was really nice. It was the first time that I’d driven a four-wheel drive car on dry gravel and on a surface that was much more consistent in the afternoon I felt like we were improving with every stage. I’m not going to find the pace of the top guys on what is still a very unfamiliar surface overnight, but I’m sure we will get there. We’re not a million miles away, but it will take a bit more work. As for the Toyota Yaris, it once again ran perfectly.”
The Castrol MEM Rally Team’s next appearance will be on the Voyonic Grampian Forest Rally (9 August), Round 4 of the 2024 Probite British Rally Championship.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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