Protyre News

Giant-killing is a phrase often used in rallying, but it’s certainly not misplaced when you talk about Will Mains and his exploits in a little Vauxhall Nova – as winning his class by over five minutes, narrowly missing out on a top 10 finish and winning the 1400 class title with a perfect score on the 2018 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship testifies.
 
And now the Llandysul driver is returning to Britain’s premier sealed-surface rally series – where Will has once again of choice of two super Novas to do battle in.
 
The Welshman only started rallying nine years ago, but in 2019 Will added the Asphalt Rally 1400 class title to his Welsh Tarmacadam and King of Epynt class triumphs, plus his FMP Rally Challenge overall title trophy.
 
Appearing in either a white or an orange coloured equally fast Nova, Will has recorded some astounding results on his Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship appearances.
 
Despite braking an engine mount early on in the Old Forge Garage Mewla Rally, and then going off on the final stage, he finished an incredible 11th overall in 2018 – just missing out on a top 10 position by 41 seconds.
 
He won his class on his first ever rally on the Isle of Man the year after, and then repeated his Epynt success by winning his class by 5 minutes 25 seconds on the 2019 Mewla.
 
Such was his domination of the 1400S class in 2019, that Will recorded five maximum scores from five starts to clinch the title with a perfect score.
 
“We are aiming to retain our 1400 class title this year and are looking forward to the exciting line up of events,” says Will.
 
“There is nothing better than seeing how well you can do by actually going out of your comfort zone and competing on new asphalt.
 
“The navigator’s seat has not been confirmed as yet, but both cars are ready to go – and with the Protyre tyre prizes again, it’s a big bonus if you win your class, so fingers crossed!”
 
Will is supported by Roy Thomas and Sons (PVC windows and doors), Emyr Jones Engineering, Ffostrasol Garage, West Wales Rally Spares and I P B Motors Ltd.