Meadows gets R2 for BTRDA attack

BTRDA 1400 frontrunner Tommi Meadows will drive a Ford Fiesta R2 in competition full-time in 2019, with the support of Peter Smith.

Meadows was one of a number of drivers loaned a Fiesta by Smith, who supports many young drivers and his Swift Caravans concern backed Matt Edwards to the BTRDA and British Rally Championship titles last year.

Meadows finished second in class on Wales Rally GB after punctures, and third in class on the Plains Rally in his two R2 outings last season, while also taking fourth in BTRDA 1400S in a Ford Ka.

He will enter the R2 Rallye Cup and BTRDA Silver Star, both won by George Lepley in a similar car in 2018.

“George took the Silver Star win last year and that was a great achievement, and my focus for this year is to get as high up in the Silver Star as I can,” said Meadows.

“There should be some good competition to base ourselves against. It’s nice to be a known quantity, because with the Ka in the 1400s, we never really knew what we were up against with all the cars being different.

“I’ve done all of the BTRDA events now. The Cambrian [season opener] is not my favourite event, but it’s still good stages. I’m confident going in, knowing what to expect.”

Meadows is the son of 2000 BTRDA Gold Star champion Martin, who took the title while driving a Proton.