Wales Rally GB Wins Major Award

Dayinsure Wales Rally GB has been presented with the coveted Tom Pryce Memorial Trophy 2018.

The award commemorates Wales’ greatest racing driver who tragically lost his life during the 1977 South African Grand Prix and is presented annually by the Welsh Motoring Writers to an individual or undertaking with a relationship to Wales for an outstanding contribution in the world of transport: land, sea or air.

Backed for many years by the Welsh Government and title sponsored for the past three by the UK’s leading temporary vehicle insurer, Wales Rally GB is one of the jewels in the FIA World Rally Championship calendar.

As well as showcasing the spectacular Welsh countryside and coastline to huge audiences around the globe, the rally was recognised for its economic impact bringing significant investment into the local economy.

The event made history earlier this month by staging World Championship motor sport on closed sections of British public roads, most notably on the streets of Llandudno.

“Welsh sporting prowess is headline-grabbing stuff at present and Dayinsure Wales Rally GB has put this aspect of motor sport here up there with soccer, rugby and cycling as unequivocally world class showing the country at its best. The concluding road section around the Great Orme, Llandudno during this year’s rally was truly spectacular,” said Huw Thomas, Chairman of the Welsh Motoring Writers.

The prestigious Trophy was presented to Ben Taylor, Managing Director of Wales Rally GB, by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Gwynedd Edmund Bailey at a special prize-giving evening held at the Quay Hotel & Spa, Deganwy which overlooks the historic and picturesque Conwy estuary.

Wales’ F1 ace Tom Pryce who was tragically killed in South Africa.

“This is a huge honour and one that I’m delighted to receive on behalf of the entire team,” enthused Taylor. “It takes an enormous effort from so many people throughout the year to put together these four days in October, and this award is due recognition for all of them.

“We are extremely proud of what we have achieved in recent years, not just in the creation of a world class rally but also in the development of an event that takes its place alongside other great Welsh attractions and makes such a significant contribution to the people, communities and businesses of Wales.”

Wales Rally GB joins a rich roster of past winners which in recent years includes both Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas MBE and Elfyn Evans who became the first Welsh driver to win a round of the FIA World Rally Championship when famously triumphing on home soil in 2017.

The date for next year’s edition of Wales Rally GB has been confirmed as 3-6 October.