Returning rally ace Matt Edwards of Llandudno claimed a commanding class victory on this weekends Woodpecker Stages based in Ludlow.

Having not done a gravel event for nearly twelve months, Edwards was joined on the event by experienced navigator Phil Clarke for forty-five competitive stage miles of the fast paced forests of Radnor and Haye Park.

Leaving the start line of Ludlow Race Course, the Swift Group-backed Ford Escort Mk 2 was ready to go having undergone a summer re-fresh with Geoff Jones Motorsport. “We’ve put a lot of preparation into today, the car looks and feels good and we’re keen on putting in a good result for our supporters.” Said Edwards.

The opening stages saw Edwards take five seconds from his nearest rival, a local to the area, taking a lead in both the historic and two-wheel drive sections of the rally. “The first stage was really slippery, the early morning showers really made it tricky in there. The second stage was longer, much more flowing and we were able to push hard.” Explained Edwards at the first service point.

The third stage of the day featured the mammoth 11.5 mile Radnor stage, Edwards was committed to keeping his momentum going as the DMack tyres worked well on the Escort. “It’s great to know the tyres are working at their best, you can be so much more confident in everything that’s coming at you.” Said Edwards as he continued putting in stage times comparable to the top competitors in the modern machinery.

The rest of the day was more of the same, Edwards and Clarke maintained the lead in class while attacking the stages in fine fashion. “The Geoff Jones Motorsport prepared car hasn’t missed a beat all day. The stages have been great and to return to the forests and take away a result like this is great for the team.” Said a jubilant Edwards at the finish of the event.

Edwards took victory in the historic and two-wheel-drive section of the rally by over a minute.taking an incredible twelfth place overall. Next up for Edwards will be the Tour Of Hamsterley, where he will revert to his modern MERallySport prepared Mitsubishi Evolution for the County Durham based event.