Pritchard returns to Manx for treble bid

Reigning British Historic Rally champion Jason Pritchard will defend his Manx National win this year, aiming to become the first driver to win the event three times in a row.

Pritchard – son of fellow competitor Eian – will attempt to win the event in the same Ford Focus WRC he used to win last year.

“We’ll definitely be doing it as no one has ever won the Manx three times in a row before,” explained Pritchard, who opened the first historic counter of the year – the Red Kite – with a win.

“Dad [Eian] used the car on the Tour of Epynt and I’ve converted it back to my Manx settings now, so it will go up to [preparers] P& R Benn for a final check.”

Pritchard believes that more outings could be on the cards in the modern machine, but the Manx remains the priority.

“This year is the first year dad has said there may be a chance to do more in the car, but we’ll have to wait and see. We’re just focusing on getting to the end of the Manx first and we’ll go from there.”