Sponsorship Spotlight: Ioan Thomas and the Next Generation of Welsh Rally Talent

Ioan Thomas and the Next Generation of Welsh Rally Talent

At BCC IT, we’re committed to supporting local communities across Wales – from businesses to emerging talent. Behind every one of our Sponsorship Spotlight features is a story of persistence, passion, and early influence. In this feature, we highlight Ioan Thomas, a rising rally driver in Wales, as we follow his journey through the junior rally championship and beyond.

Our sponsorships are about people, potential, and supporting the next generation within our communities. It’s something we care about. We’re proud to sponsor local talent and follow the journeys of those developing their skills through dedication and hard work. Regular readers may recognise our previous features following Ioan Lloyd’s rally journey – and in a similar spirit, we’re pleased to now share the progress of another promising young Welsh rally driver, Ioan Thomas.

With the 2025 motorsport season complete, we caught up with Ioan’s team to reflect on the year’s highlights, the lessons learned along the way, and what lies ahead for this promising young driver.

Driving Passion from an Early Age

Ioan Thomas’s journey as a rally driver in Wales was shaped from a young age, through watching and supporting his father, Eifion Thomas, competing in rally events across Wales and beyond over the years. As a result, his appreciation for the sport grew naturally, spending many hours following events on television – from the modern World Rally Championship to the iconic days of Group B rallying in the 1980’s.

Developing Confidence in Rallying

As his interest developed, so did his involvement, and Ioan began competing at just 14 years old, starting out in auto tests and gymkhanas, before quickly expanding within motorsport. As he gained experience, he developed strong navigating and co-driving skills, and from the age of 15, has taken part in numerous road rallies and stage rally events, achieving notable success, including class awards.

In particular, competing as a co-driver during Rally Ceredigion provided valuable experience at a higher level of competition. Alongside this, as a member of Teifi Valley Motor Club for the past four years, Ioan has consistently demonstrated his ability, winning the Young Navigator Award for three consecutive years.

The Junior Rally Championship

Having built strong experience as a navigator and co-driver, his ambition to compete behind the steering wheel came to fruition, as he moved into the F1000 British Junior Rally Championship in a fully rally-prepared Peugeot 107. The championship provides a competitive platform for drivers aged 14-17 and attracts young talent from across the UK.

The 2025 season featured 24 competitors across ten events held throughout Wales, Scotland, and England. With sponsorship support from BCC IT, Ioan was able to compete in all rounds – an opportunity he was especially grateful for.

A Strong Debut Season

Throughout the season, as his experience grew, Ioan’s rally driving continued to develop and impress, with strong performances, fastest stage times, and consistent results.

Across his debut championship season, he demonstrated clear and measurable progress, achieving an excellent 6th place overall in the championship. Ioan was also awarded the ‘Rookie’ Award, recognising the highest-placed newcomer, and the Welsh Trophy for the highest-placed Welsh competitor – a clear recognition of both his ability and potential, and a significant accomplishment in such a competitive field.

The Road Ahead in Rallying

Now aged 18, and with a strong foundation established as a young Welsh rally driver, Ioan continues to build experience and confidence within the sport. His progress throughout the 2025 season reflects both his dedication and the support of those around him.

Having grown up around the sport and having competed alongside his father in earlier stages of his development, this foundation has played an important role in shaping his journey, marking him out as a young competitor to watch. Looking ahead, he remains focussed on continuing to build his experience and will continue navigating this year, with a clear ambition to return behind the wheel in the years ahead.

Everyone at BCC IT wishes Ioan continued success as he progresses in the world of rallying. Supporting local ambition and determination is something we’re proud to be part of, and we look forward to following Ioan’s rally journey as he continues to develop over the coming seasons.