COUNTY ace Roger Chilman and Ludlow’s Shaun Gardener are among the favourites to win this weekend’s Wales Rally GB National Championship.

That’s the view from top-seed Nigel Griffiths, who triumphed in the inaugural national rally last year.

“I hope the likes of Roger Chilman and Shaun have an off day,” joked 46-year-old Griffiths from Presteigne.

“Roger Chilman will be among the favourites.

“Some of the best drivers come from the Herefordshire area and we’re in a 20-mile radius of each other.

“We all get on very well, we’re self-funded and people call us the Herefordshire mafia.

“Andy Burton, for instance, was best man at my wedding and he’s a great friend. It’s a huge shame that he won’t be racing but it might make it a bit easier.”

The two-day Wales Rally GB's National event is part of the FIA World Rally Championship and runs today (Friday) and Saturday.

It will cover 76 miles of competitive driving over some of the most famous forest stages in the UK.

Griffiths won the event last year - and said the triumph had been the highlight of his 29-year rallying career.

“The finish was in Cardiff Bay and it was a fantastic scene. We were absolutely thrilled. I have had quite a few seconds and thirds but not many race wins in my career.

It has been the highlight.”

He says it will be great visiting Dyfi, Gartheiniog, Dyfnant, Hafren, Sweet Lamb and Myherin.

Griffiths has driven his selfbuilt Subaru Impreza since 2004 and his co-driver is Ludlow Castle Motor Club’s Jonny Scott. He is excited about the prospect of following in the footsteps of some of the big names.

“The national rally is tagged on to the back of the international rally and we cover the same stages as the big guns,”

he said.

Griffiths has been without a sponsor and took part in four BTRDA events this season as Lyonshall-based Burton took the title.

He was ninth in the Wyedean Rally, fourth at Quinton and was leading in the Plains Rally when the car ran out of petrol.

Griffiths expects a tough battle ahead in Wales but has just secured a sponsorship deal for the rally with Kumho Tyres.

“Looking at the current entry list, we know we'll have our work cut out to win it again,”

he said. “I will be going first out this time - but I would rather be chasing.”

ANDY Burton’s iconic car has been retired ahead of this weekend’s Wales Rally GB National Championship.

Burton has had a fine season - he won the BTRDA Rally Gold Star Championship title with two events left.

But he conceded: “The engine has blown so sadly we won’t be racing in it again.”

The self-built Peugeot- Cosworth is being outlawed by the MSA.