ERC
ERC3 is for Eamonn as Kelly hopes for change of fortune
Eamonn Kelly holds first place in FIA ERC3 but hoping that lightening doesn’t strike twice on JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion.
Kelly, an event winner in the FIA Junior WRC Championship, led ERC3 overnight in Wales 12 months ago only to crash out early on the final day.
Heading to the overnight halt one year later, the Irishman leads with a commanding advantage in his Hankook-equipped Ford Fiesta Rally3 after Hubert Kowalczyk and points leader Tymek Abramowski both failed to complete Saturday’s itinerary.
“The times have been good and we have a substantial lead in ERC3,” said Kelly, whose last outing on Tarmac was in December 2024. “It’s a good base for us and hopefully we can improve. I’ve just done so much so much loose stuff and getting the confidence back on Tarmac with brand-new tyres… I know there is more left but step by step.”
Kowalczyk topped the ERC3 order after winning the Aberystwyth super special on Friday evening. He reached the midday service halt in the town trailing Kelly by 1min 39.5sec and before losing further ground when an engine issue struck his Renault Clio Rally3 during the afternoon.
Kowalczyk was in second place when he retired
© ERC
“It’s hard for sure,” said Kowalczyk, who is making his JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion debut. “I didn’t expect these stages were that fast. A small crest can be a small jump, the road is very narrow, some places were very slippery, very muddy, I tried to be fast but I am not happy about my pace. We are learning and we try to progress for sure.”
Tymek Abramowski started the Welsh Tarmac event leading fellow Pole Kowalczyk by 28 points in the provisional ERC3 standings and in the knowledge that he’ll be champion if he outscores his compatriot this weekend.
Driving a Fiesta Rally3, Abramowski was on course to do just that after reaching the finish of SS2 ahead of Kowalczyk in second place only for a technical issue to force his exit 24.2 kilometres from the start of SS3. The 19-year-old is expected to restart on Sunday’s deciding leg.
Abramowski remains on course for ERC3 title gold
© ERC
JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion continues tomorrow (Sunday) with a four-stage route over a competitive distance of 58.96 kilometres. The 14.00 kilometres of Nant y Moch is up first from 09:50 local time.
