UK top 40 artist John Newman to make debut on Newtown’s Rally North Wales
Chart-topping music artist John Newman is set to make his rallying debut on the Mid Wales Stages this weekend.
The 27-year-old from North Yorkshire, who has three number one singles, will drive Gwynnespeed Rally champion Ross Leach’s Subaru Impreza. Leach runs the Forest Experience testing venue where Newman has been preparing for his rally debut.
Newman has tested a Ford Escort extensively, but has only done limited testing in the B13-spec Impreza.
“I think this year, if not next year, he will do some BTRDA events,” said Leach. “It all depends what he’s doing with his music. He has a couple of mates interested in having cars built as well.
“I’m building another Subaru for him. He’s using mine until his is done. He’s done a fair amount but he hasn’t driven this car much yet: I think he may have done one lap in the Subaru. He went in the car for five minutes and loved it.”
Newman will be partnered by MSA Academy co-driver Keaton Williams, who is no stranger to helping people outside of rallying. He has previously co-driven downhill mountain bike world cup winner Gee Atherton in his Ford Fiesta.
“It will be good for the British rallying scene if he does do some more events,” said Williams. “I just have to make it as easy as I can and make sure that he enjoys it.”
The Mid Wales Stages returns for 2018 having cited financial reasons for not running in 2017. The event features 45-miles of stages in the Hafren forest and Sweet Lamb in Mid Wales.
The event has garnered 65 entries, with Martyn England and Sacha Kakad’s Ford Fiesta R5s set to headline the entry. British Rally Championship frontrunner Tom Cave also competes in an older-spec Impreza.