TEIFI Valley Motor Club member and 15-year-old Cardigan Secondary School pupil Henri Cynwyl will be taking part in the Junior F1000 Rally Club English and Welsh Championships this year.

Henri has already gained terrific support for this championship, not only from TVMC members but from the local community, individuals and businesses.

Formula 1000 was created in 2003 as a cost-effective way to enjoy rallying and has received Motorsport UK certification.

The Junior 1000 Rally Championship is the only one in the UK which allows drivers aged 14-17 to compete in rallies across the country.

“I’m just very grateful to everyone who has supported me, not only financially but by giving so much of their time,” said Henri, TVMC Junior Gymkhana Champion in 2022 and 2023.

“Castle Motors in Newcastle Emlyn have just been amazing, and both Mark Williams and his son James have pulled out all the stops to make sure that the car is ready.”

International driver James has been training Henri for the championship. He will also co-drive on some of the rallies.

“James has been brilliant taking me under his wing,” said Henri, who lives at Ponthirwaun, near Cardigan.

“It’s been a huge learning curve for me going from a Mazda MX5 to a Citron C1 with far less power.

“It’s coming together though and I’m just grateful to everyone for their backing, especially the sponsors who have been so generous and my family.”

The championship prepares drivers for competing in the British Rally Championship, BRC Challenge, BTRDA Rally Series, the Formula 1000 Tarmac Championship and Super 1000 Rally Championship.

 Some 17 crews will compete this year, with only a handful from Wales.

TVMC Chair Peter Lewis said the club was ‘delighted’ that Henri was taking part.

“Henri has attended the TVMC gymkhana series since he was 14 and has navigated on endless rallies including the Cilwendeg,” he said.

“He also marshals and helps out at events and is a credit to the club.”

Henri would like to thank his sponsors: Peirianwaith Emyr Jones Engineering, MW Motorsport, JW Motorsport, Castle Motors, Granant Precast Concrete, Home James Taxis, Composites Cymru, A P Agri Services, Eifion Page, Cilmeri Studios, Cardigan Secondary School and his main sponsor Geraint Davies and Son, Waste Disposal and Plant Hire.