Interview with sponsor Hugh Hunter

Cambrian Rally media officer, Judith Phillips chatted to him about his involvement in the sport.

JP: What first fired your interest in rallying? Perhaps a family background in the sport? Or friends who were involved?

HH: From an early age I wanted to drive cars. I've no idea where this interest came from as no one in my family was involved in motorsport.

JP When and why did you decide that you'd like to participate in the sport?

HH. I was bought a day at Rallydrive in the early nineties, and managed to get through a number of days into the final 10. From then on there was no going back! I was hooked!!

JP: How did you acquire your first car and what was it?

HH: The first car I bought was a Sierra Cosworth 4x4 group N. I knew a local rally driver who had it and wanted to sell.

JP: Describe the experience of competing on your first rally?

HH: It's over 30 years ago now so I can't really remember what I was thinking. Fortunately for me I had the vastly experienced Andy Marchbank in the car with me so this definitely helped.

JP: How long did it take to progress through the sport to the level of being able to compete against some of the top drivers in the UK and win.

HH: I started rallying in 1993 and won my first gravel rally the Astra Stages in 1996. I won my first BTRDA National gravel rally in 2007, it was the Wyedean Rally.

JP: Of all the cars you have competed which one is your favourite and why?

HH: With out a doubt my Ford Focus 2001. An amazing car that i won most of my gravel rallies in and the 2008 BTRDA National Championship.

JP: When did you first compete on the Cambrian and how did you do?

HH: I first competed on the Cambrian Rally in 1995 and I retired on stage 6, I think.

JP: Can you describe the experience when you won the Cambrian for the first time?

HH: Probably the best feeling I've had in a rally car. We secured the championship at the same time as well. We arrived at the end of the last stage and the service boys and quite a few other people where there and made it a really special moment.

JP: You have said it's one of your favourite events. Why?

HH: Because it's my local event. Also, the Clocaenog, Alwen and Penmachno stages are just brilliant.

JP: Why did you and your business partner decide to step in and sponsor this year's event.

HH: We also stepped in a few years ago when the event was in need of a sponsor, so when I got the call this time we were more than happy to help out again. I've had a lot of enjoyment out of rallying so it's nice to give something back.