September 9, 2023
The JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion Rally set a new standard in the UK for rallying and sustainability in its quest to become a European Rally Championship event in 2024 and reach a coveted FIA Environmental two-star accreditation.
This year’s event showcased not only a fantastically well organised two-day rally, with a quality entry competing over 100 miles of challenging stages, but also made the event engaging and accessible to spectators and the community who supported it.
At the heart of the rally was the promotion of the sport and the event in innovative and sustainable ways. Alongside the use of carbon offsetting, the event’s carbon footprint was reduced through a compact route, and initiatives such as park and ride buses to bring fans to the spectator zones.
One highlight was M-Sport bringing their carbon-neutral fuelled Puma Rally 1 hybrid car for spectacular demonstration runs around the packed town centre stage, ahead of the two competitve passes made by the full field.
Another was the commitment to future offset 125% of the estimated unavoidable carbon emissions from the event. This commitment means that the JDS Rali Ceredigion is believed to have set a new record for any rally in the world, with the mitigation of 125,000 kg of CO2e of the full event’s carbon footprint.
By bringing rallying to the people of Aberystwyth and its surrounding area, with a professional approach to the event sponsors and a strong commitment to sustainability, the event delivered a highly impactful showcase of the benefits that rallying can bring to local communities.
After attending the rally, Carbon Positive Motorsport founder Paul Glass commented, “I was so happy to have been at this year’s event, not only to see some spectacular competition on the stages, but to experience first-hand how the event has created such engagement with sustainability and for the benefit of the local community.
“Carbon offsetting is not the only answer to mitigate our impact. The fundamentals of measurement and reduction are critical steps we also need to take – carbon offsetting should not be seen as a measure to avoid the need to act to reduce carbon emissions.
“As well as reducing future emissions, the fact is, we also need to remove carbon emissions already in our atmosphere. To help meet net zero climate change goals, we need to do both.
“Until technology makes it possible, affordable, and accessible for all to reduce their carbon emissions, high quality carbon offsetting such as we provide, will remain a valuable part of the solution, better than doing nothing at all.”
A consistent performance over the two days rewarded Carbon Positive Motorsport Ambassador Garry Pearson/Daniel Barritt with a credible fifth place and second place in the BRC.
Glass added, “Sport has been proven to influence the way people live their lives, and we can promote greater awareness through motorsport, to show everyone the need to take steps to reduce their environmental impact. Motorsport can be a catalyst for the good of climate change beyond that of an event, and that’s what was reinforced for me from this year’s rally.
“Not every rally in the UK will seek to achieve European Championship status or FIA environmental accreditation, but perhaps the biggest legacy for the sport in general from this year’s JDS Rali Ceredigion is in showcasing a winning formula for how our sport and events can be sustained in the future, by taking responsibility and contributing locally to a global issue.”
Osian Pryce, co-driven by Stephane Prevot, returned to UK competition to win the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion for the second time.
At the finish, a very satisfied Osian Pryce said: “It’s been a challenging rally, I’ve really enjoyed the driving and I’m delighted to have won. But I couldn’t have done it without everyone who has supported me, Melvyn Evans Motorsport for providing me with such a great car and Stephane for being part of the team.
“This has been a fantastic event. It’s great for the area, great for the sport and I applaud the organisers for all they have achieved.”
In response, Chairman of the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion organising committee Phil Pugh said: “I must congratulate Osian and Stephane on their impressive performance. I also congratulate every crew who collected an award, all those who made it to the finish and thank each and every competitor for joining us for what has been an amazing event. It’s surpassed our expectations and we hope those of others too.
“This rally is only possible because of the incredible team behind it; the marshals, officials, sponsors, partners and everyone who’s been involved.”
Merion Evans and Jonathan Jackson initially led the event, and after lost time with a puncture on SS2, finished the event only 23 seconds off the winner.
“Sustainability continues to be a core focus of every one of us involved with the rally and we are committed to find ways in which we can reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of our event. Finding permanent solutions to decarbonise the sport long-term is vitally important, while significant carbon offsetting through our partnership with Carbon Positive Motorsport delivers a near-term solution as we work towards carbon neutrality.”
Rali Ceredigion Overall Results
1: Osian Pryce / Stephane Prevot VW Polo R5 1:24:30.8
2: Meirion Evans / Jonathan Jackson VW Polo R5 1:24:53.7
3: James Williams / Dai Roberts Hyundai i20 Rally2 1:25:02.3
4: Callum Black / James Morton Ford Fiesta Rally2 1:26:18.1
5: Garry Pearson / Daniel Barritt VW Polo R5 1:28:19.0
6: James Ford / Neil Shanks Citroen C3 Rally2 1:29:29.1
7: Kevin Davies / Owain Davies VW Polo R5 1:29:57.4
8: Mark Kelly / Will Atkins Skoda Fabia R5 1:30:06.3
9: Andrew Purcell / Shane Buckley VW Polo R5 1:31:53.4
10: John Dalton / Gwynfor Jones Darrian T90 GTR 1:31:59.1
British Rally Championship Results
1: James Williams / Dai Roberts Hyundai i20 Rally2 1:25:02.3
2: Garry Pearson / Daniel Barritt VW Polo R5 1:28:19.0
3: Kyle White / Sean Topping Peugeot 208 Rally4 1:33:47.8
Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship Results
1: Callum Black / Jack Morton Ford Fiesta Rally2 1:26:18.1
2: James Ford / Neil Shanks Citroën C3 Rally2 1:29:29.1
3: Kevin Davies / Owain Davies VW Polo R5 1:29:57.4
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