Rhidian Daniels is on the verge of clinching the class B10 title in the 2019 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship, and if he does he will give a very big ‘Diolch Papa Daniels’ in praise of the invaluable support he has received from his father.
The Welsh phrase means ‘thank you father Daniels’ and it is proudly emblazoned in vinyl on the back of Rhidian’s Citroën C1 Max. Health issues might have prevented his father travelling to all the events this year, but his support, encouragement and the odd bollocking has helped guide Rhidian to four magnificent class wins this season.
Co-driven by Tomos Whittle, the west Wales driver only needs to finish this Sunday’s Ford Parts Cheviot Stages Rally to clinch the B10 title – having finished runner-up in the class last year.
“2019 to be fair has been one of the best seasons for us as a team,” said Rhidian. “Having spent years developing the car, we felt comfortable going in to the Championship this year and fortunately from the off the results have been there to back it up. We have had some small mechanical gremlins which cost us a good result on the Isle of Man and in Northern Ireland, but that’s rallying as they say and every other event has been brilliant, with the car constantly improving throughout the year. I’m always changing things to try and improve the car – it is so much fun to drive now and the results are there to reward us for all the hard work.
“We only need a finish this Sunday’s Cheviot Rally to take the class Championship title which would be the icing on the cake for us and make all the stress, hard work and money spent worthwhile!
“I have to give a massive shout out to the whole team, family and friends that go above and beyond so that we can have our fun. It would certainly not be possible without everybody that has given their time and knowledge over the years. A big thank you to Owen from OLLE Precision Engineering, as the car would most definitely not be to the high standard it is today without this man!
“For me the quote of the year is ‘Diolch Papa Daniels’. I would never ever be in this position without him and due to ill-health he has not made every event this year, but he’s always there in the background cheering me on and giving me shit at the same time!”
Rhidian is sponsored by JJ Aggregates Ltd, West Wales Rally Spares, Rick’s Bodyshop and ISJ Engineering Ltd.