THE Minafon Garage / Terraclean Gareth Hall Memorial Rally held at Trawsfynydd was a real battle for Henri Cynwyl and co-driver, Dilwyn John, as they kept their cool for a podium finish.

The 18-year-old from Newcastle Emlyn remained top three throughout the 12 short stages to finish in third spot behind Sven Grube and Alfie Element in first spot and Jacob Neal and Russell Thompson in second.

The Trawsfynydd ranges known for their narrow and twisty roads tested both Henri and Dilwyn as they tackled the seventh round of the Mini Rally Challenge Championship.

Consisting of 12 stages in three loops over four stages and organised by Bala and District Motor Club, the event was a good test for the crew as they prepare for the closed road rally - Rali Ceredigion in Aberystwyth.

“I really enjoyed the rally. It was really challenging and to come third in class and 20th overall was great. Sven Grube won the Mini Challenge and I wasn’t far off. I was second after the first four stages but a caliper issue lost me several seconds but we move onwards positively to Rali Ceredigion,” said Henri.

Following a successful result on the Tour of Epynt Rally a few weeks ago on the Epynt Rangers, Henri remains first on the leader board of the Highest Placed Under 25 Driver in the Welsh Association of Motor Club Championship and hopes to remain there with three rallies left to go this year.

Two of Henri’s sponsors – Andrew Davies of Geraint Davies and Son and Dylan Davies from Cardigan were also competing on the rally but sadly did not finish due to suspension failure.

After competing as the youngest co-driver on Rali Ceredigion in 2025, Henri will this year compete there as the youngest driver, again teamed with Dilwyn. And, as Henri states, none of this would be possible without his sponsors and supporters, including his service team W1 Motorsport, Wil Parry and Dafydd Lloyd.

“Having such great sponsors on board who all phone, message and keep up to date with my rallying journey is just terrific. I really appreciate each and every one of them as well as the individuals who keep in touch with my mum asking for updates and wishing me well. Diolch yn fawr,” concluded Henri.