06/07/2026
SHROPSHIRE CO-DRIVERS SHINE IN SCOTLAND
Two rally co-drivers from Shropshire were on the podium in the latest round of the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship, a season-long competition that concludes on the Shrewsbury-based Hills Ford Stages in September.
Phil Clarke from Church Stretton and Jack Bowen from Ludlow were both in the overall limelight on the Argyll Rally in south west Scotland when they took first and third respectively in the Protyre Championship standings alongside their respective drivers.
Clark, probably the most experienced rally co-driver in Shropshire, was with Jason Pritchard from Builth Wells in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 while Bowen was partnering Aberystwyth-based Aled Wyn Morgans in a Ford Fiesta Rally2.
The Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship is the premier asphalt rally championship in the UK. The Hills Ford Stages will be the seventh and final round of the championship that takes in events in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Shrewsbury-based rally on September 19-20 is likely to be the title decider.
The connection between Clarke and Bowen goes beyond their home county, as Clarke has been something of a mentor to young Bowen through their local Ludlow Castle Motor Club as Bowen has progressed his impressive career in co-driving. Although rivals on the rally, they were delighted to share the podium celebrations when the Argyll Rally finished on the seafront in Dunoon.
Both Clarke and Bowen will be in action on the Hills Ford Stages and the two co-drivers are part of a strong contingent of Shropshire-based competitors who are lining up to enter this ground-breaking rally.