Williams seals victory on the Isle of Man
Welshman James Williams won his first ever rally outright last weekend (10/11 May) by sealing victory on the Manx Rally on the picturesque Isle of Man. The Orange Amps driver expertly guided by co-driver Ross Whittock dominated the two day rally in their Hyundai i20 Rally2, finishing the rally four minutes clear of their nearest rival.
The Manx Rally was to play host to the second and third round of the Protyre Motorsprot UK National Asphalt Rally Championship and the trip across the Irish Sea to the motorsport haven was to be a three pronged attack for the team. Extend the lead in the Championship, gain important Tarmac mileage ahead of the next round of the British Rally Championship and the final goal was to try and win a first event outright.
Baked in glorious sunshine, James and Ross left the TT Grandstand in Douglas in confident mood. Seeded at car two, the 26-year-old who hails from Newcastle Emlyn rocketed out of the blocks winning the first four stages to open up a 48.3 second lead going into the evening lop of stages. As the sun set – the action got red hot as James and Ross pushed on in their turbo-charged, four-wheel-drive Hyundai to extend the advantage to 1m18 seconds at the end of the first day. Maximum points for Round 2 in the championship. Just one more day to go.
The Welsh wizard woke up in fine form, full of confidence – the Hyundai driver was almost untouchable as he went on to extend his lead with every stage – recording another three fastest times through the Saturday stages to lead the field home by over four minutes at the end of the rally.
“I am over the moon, pretty speechless if I am honest. We were really looking forward to this rally with no real pressure and we just loved every mile of this rally. Ross and the whole team did a phenomenal job all weekend and without all by sponsors and backers, and my parents and family for backing and believing in me – this wouldn’t have been possible.
“I was a little nervous before SS1 as I haven’t been here in over five years, so just wanted to get into this rally quickly. After SS1 and seeing the timesheets, I relaxed and from there I really felt in the groove, and just felt at one with the car and pacenotes. Everything was perfect!
“I wanted to get that first win monkey off my back as it has been there for a while and I am delighted to do it on the Isle of Man – such an iconic motorsport location. It still feels strange - but I love that feeling and I really want to repeat it very soon! I am delighted to also extend my lead in the Asphalt Championship and that’s now three wins on the bounce. I hope to make it four next time out.
“The British Rally Championship is the next event for us and I hope to take this form forward and challenge for a podium up in Scotland.”
The next event for James, Ross and the Orange Amps Rally Team will be the Jim Clark Rally, the third round of the Probite British Rally Championship and round four of the National Asphalt Championship at the end of May.
James would like to thank his team of loyal partners: Orange Amps, Fast Forward Logistics, Hyundai Power Products, Rally Cover, Pirelli, Performance 1st Coaching, Composites Cymru, West Wales Lubricants, Palletline, Craftric Technology, Speedline Corse, Castle Designs, Charlies Stores, ND Civils, Progressive Safety Equipment, Huw Morris Plant Hire , Hide Away Wales, West Coast Finance, Ceir Castle Motors and Vital Equipment. If you would like to become a partner, get in touch with the team today – jameswilliamsrallying@gmail.com.