Congratulations to Mark Welch, Q8Aviation Account Manager for UK/Ireland and North America, who has achieved runner-up position in the 2008 BTRDA Asphalt Rally Championship, one of the UK’s most prestigious rally competitions.

Q8Aviation sponsored Mark in the Championship, which comprised six one and two-day rally competitions at locations stretching from Cornwall to Northumbria.

Driving a Ford Escort Cosworth, Mark and his co-driver Andy Wynn came very close to snatching the trophy. In the penultimate race, in the Brecon Beacons, Mark finished third against a very high-class field putting them in second place in the overall Championship. However, mechanical problems in the last race meant that they were pipped at the post by the eventual winner, Chris Jones, in a Ford Focus.

Mark commented: “If someone had offered me second place in the National Championship at the start of the season, I’d have snatched their hand off. However, to have come so close to taking the top spot, I’m a little disappointed. So, it’s now our objective to try again this year and go one place better than in 2008!”

In November, Mark organised a Rally Day at the Rushmoor Arena in Hampshire for Q8Aviation customers and colleagues, to give everyone a chance to experience the excitement of rallying. Enthusiastic feedback from our customsers means that this is certain to become a regular feature in Q8Aviation’s calendar.

Mark is using the winter break to make enhancements to his Ford Cosworth, ready for the 2009 BTRDA Asphalt Rally Championship. The first round of the Champtionship will be held at Caerwent neat Chepstow in March. To follow Mark’s progress, visit www.asphaltrallying.com or www.mark2motorsport.com.