It was a close competition at a recent Efailwen motor vehicle test.
Two north Pembrokeshire farming colleagues and best friends, Owain Rees and Rhydian Davies, locked horns last weekend at the Teifi Valley Motor Club’s Production Car Autotest.
Despite the fierce competition, Rees triumphed, securing the top spot with a slim one-second lead over Davies.
The competition, hosted at Rhosfach, Efailwen, courtesy of the Jenkins family, saw more than 40 competitors vying for victory under a magnificent midday sun.
Rees navigated six demanding tests with Kimberley Davies by his side, including a reversing into garage task, dodging cones, intricate stop-start exercises, and manoeuvring around tight farm structures.
Owain Rees, a father of three, expressed his surprise at his victory.
"I was shocked to have won it.
"I didn’t think I’d be anywhere close to the top five.
"It was a close battle all day and an enjoyable one, but I’m over the moon to have won it," he said.
Veteran driver Alex Garton, behind the wheel of his trusty Mazda Mx5, secured a victory in the over 50s category, followed closely by Emyr Dolau and Huw Griffiths.
Amy Owens was the unmatched champion in the Ladies Section (clinching fifth place overall), outpacing Anwen Francis and first-time competitive driver, Angharad Stoddart.
The Junior Section also saw fierce competition among seven participants.
Henri Cynwyl managed to scrape past Curtis Griffiths in the final test for first place.
Third place went to Llyr Mathias despite a series of penalties.
The event’s organiser, Emyr ‘Dolau’ Davies, who also celebrated his birthday on the day, lauded the competitors and venue.
He said, "The tests required competitors to be fast and clever as they were tight in places.
"There was certainly variety.
"Everything has been a success and with some 40 or so cars competing, it’s been great.
"Thank you to Rhosfach, the marshals and everyone else who all pulled together to ensure the event was a huge success."
The event finished with a remembrance drive around the farm in memory of Ianto.
The TVMC would like to extend its appreciation to its sponsor, Arjay Factors from Cardigan, and Sue Davies for the trophies.
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