LEWIS Sim and Elliott Stafford are gearing up for the next chapter in their burgeoning rally career.

The Shropshire based crew, originally from Newtown and Forden respectively, have agreed a two year full sponsorship deal with ventilation system specialists Vortice UK and will be in action at the Red Kite Stages later this month.

Later in the year the crew take on the famous stages of the Wales Rally GB for the first time.

The duo have been competing for 18 months and currently sit second in the Welsh Road Rally expert class with two wins.

Sim said: “When the opportunity came around to take our rally careers into the forest with financial support from Vortice UK Ltd, it was a no brainier.

“We can’t wait for the opportunity and look forward to representing Vortice on worldwide scale in October when we take part in the inaugural Wales Rally GB.

“Receiving full sponsorship backing on a two year contract is unheard of in this sport for a crew with little experience.”

“Ultimately the dream would be to compete in the British Rally Championship.”

Meanwhile Aberangell’s Osian Pryce will be joined by Llanfyllin’s Dale Furniss at the Red Kite Stages in Neath later this month.

Pryce will be behind the wheel of a 1978 Escort Mk2 in the historic class.

Pryce said: “I’m looking forward to rallying somewhere I don’t know as it adds to the challenge.

“Fresh rallies always make you prepare that little bit harder and you really have to focus and get stuck in right from the word go.

“A top three finished would be good and a win would be great.”