Grizedale gets epic R2 battle and strong entry up front
This weekend’s 30th anniversary Grizedale Stages Rally will feature a huge battle in the R2 class, with Tommi Meadows and Finlay Retson joining the fray.
Meadows, who is a finalist of the John Easson and MSA Young Driver of the Year Award, will enter having been given the chance by Swift Caravans boss Peter Smith. Smith supports Matt Edwards in the BRC and Meadows will drive Edwards’ for-hire Ford Fiesta R2.
“I was expecting to go to watch after everything that happened this year,” said Meadows, whose Ford Ka is being rebuilt. “He [Smith] wants to help out young English drivers and I have to thank him. It’s just a oneoff then we’ll see. The problem is when I drive it I’ll want to go and get one…”
Meadows joins 2016 Junior 1000 Ecosse Challenge winner Retson, who has impressed in the BTRDA ST Trophy this year.
“We’re doing Grizedale and we’re hoping to do a few SRC rounds. It will be nice to get back out in the car,” said Retson, who tested the car last month. “It took some getting used to but I think I adapted to it fairly quickly.”
Retson and Meadows join Charlie Barlow ( MN, November 22) and Peter Bennett ( MN, November 15) in the class.
The front of the field is one of the most competitive the event has ever had, with BTRDA Gold Star champion Stephen Petch leading the way. He’s followed by Paul Bird, the new Proton Iriz R5 of Ollie Mellors and Rally GB National winner Tom Preston. Connor Mccloskey and Alan Carmichael are travelling from Northern Ireland to compete.
The Lake District event takes place on December 2.