A NEW season beckons for rally maestro Aaron McClure as he gets behind the wheel in Wales today.

The Flookburgh ace kicks off his BTRDA Rally Series campaign in the Cambrian Rally, hoping for a successful year.

The All Floors Express/Yokohama-backed Mitsubishi E9 pilot will tackle the hotly-contested Production Cup and has his sights firmly set on victory at the Llandudno opener.

Having returned some impressive results in his first year driving the four-wheel drive machine, 21-year-old McClure is looking to better his fourth place in last year’s championship and is targeting a win in the NR4 class.

He will be joined by new co-driver Alex Kihurani, an American who brings a wealth of international experience to the passenger seat.

McClure is feeling in a positive mood ahead of his first competitive outing of 2016, and said: “I’ve never felt this good about the opening round of any championship before and that can only be a good thing.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always had to adapt to a new car or new events at the start of a season, but this time it’s a great feeling to be returning to an event I know, in a car that I’m familiar with.

“I love the stages in North Wales and they suit me really well. In fact, I was leading the cup on this rally last year before brake failure forced me out of the event.”

McClure is not phased about having to get used to a new co-driver either.

He added: “Alex and I had a really positive test in Wales a few weeks ago and we gelled instantly so I can put that to one side and really concentrate on driving.

“The car feels fantastic and we found a few things over the winter which would have hampered our speed a little.

“It would be nice to have a clean run this time round and simply let the stage times decide the winner.

“It’s such a close championship that you have to be right at the top of your game to win, so we are certainly looking to do just that.”

It has been a busy close-season for McClure, who has been looking for additional backing.

“I’m really honoured to have All Floors Express and Yokohama HPT Ltd continue our relationship in 2016,” he said. “I just can’t wait to get this year under way, I have a lot of unfinished business in the BTRDA and the main aim will be a win, nothing less.”

McClure is also supported by Fuchs Lubricants, IPD Motorsport Services, Camp Road Garage, Carcraft Body Repairs, Darce Tech Racing, Questmead, AMS and MCR Motorsport Media.