Rallying UK

11/07/2025

NICKY GRIST STAGES: A vibrant Service Park atmosphere in Builth Wells this evening, basking in flawless sunshine ahead of tomorrow’s action. Good luck to all the crews!

🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Nicky Grist Stages |BTRDA Rally | Motorsport UK

11/07/2025

𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀

𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴

𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘮 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘥’𝘴 𝘕𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴, 𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 𝘔𝘌𝘔 𝘙𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮’𝘴 𝘛𝘰𝘺𝘰𝘵𝘢 𝘎𝘙 𝘠𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘙𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺2. 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 30º𝘊, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴. 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵.

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William Creighton will lead the field into Saturday's Nicky Grist Stages as top seed, returning to the Mid Wales gravel - this time behind the wheel of the Castrol MEM Rally Team's Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. With temperatures expected to exceed 30ºC, competitors face not only fast and technical gravel stages, but also punishing heat.

Creighton, who currently leads the British Rally Championship, confirmed the decision to enter this BTRDA event, was motivated by the need for additional experience on gravel surfaces. "We've only done one rally on gravel so far this year - it went really well and the car feels great, but just getting that extra bit of seat time will hopefully help us heading into the Grampian Rally," he said. "Hopefully get an opportunity to try some things this weekend. Overall, we're not far away and we had a good result in the last event."

The rally carries personal significance for the 27-year-old from Moira, County Down, who recalled previous outings at the Nicky Grist Stages in front-wheel drive R2 cars. "I have really good memories of this rally... So, to come back now and run number one on the door, is a privilege. We've come a long way."
Saturday's anticipated weather forecast has drawn comparisons with southern European rallies, and Creighton acknowledged the additional challenge posed by the heat. "It's going to be extremely warm in the car tomorrow. So we'll stay well hydrated and stay focussed from that point of view to try and get the most out of the day."

Talking about the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, Creighton noted the car's capabilities but stressed the narrow margins between Rally2 machinery. "There's very little between all the cars... it comes down to which car has its strength on a particular surface or a particular rally. Toyota continue to work and try and make improvements to try and keep up with everybody else. That's how tight it is at this level."

With three rounds remaining in the 2025 British Rally Championship, Creighton remains cautious yet optimistic. "We have our eyes on the championship, but we've got three events to go, one huge event in Ceredigion. So there's a lot of driving still to do. We just have to keep on the path that we're on and hopefully just keep punching in good results to get good points for the championship."

The Nicky Grist Stages takes place on Saturday 12 July, based in Builth Wells, with eight gravel stages across classic Welsh forest roads.

📷 Images by Rallying UK

🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Castrol | Melvyn Evans Motorsport | William Creighton | Motorsport Ireland | MIRallyAcademy | Nicky Grist Stages | BTRDA Rally | Motorsport UK

10/07/2025

𝗣𝗿𝘆𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗥𝗔𝗖 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻

𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴

𝘖𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘺𝘤𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 2022 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴, 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘙𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘈𝘭𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘙𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳. 𝘋𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘌𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘙𝘚1800 𝘔𝘬2 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘔𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵, 𝘗𝘳𝘺𝘤𝘦’𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵.

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Osian Pryce will make his return to competitive rallying on this weekend's Nicky Grist Stages as he begins preparations for an end-of-year assault on the Roger Albert Clark Rally. The 2022 British rally champion will pilot a Ford Es**rt RS1800 Mk2, constructed and run by Wales Motorsport.

The outing marks Pryce's first forestry rally since the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally last October. In the interim, he has been focused on developing The Leading Edge, a professional rally driver tuition business that has gained considerable traction.

The timing of the Nicky Grist Stages aligns with Pryce's build-up to the RAC Rally, which starts on 19 November in Carmarthen and concludes in Carlisle five days later, covering 36 stages and 360 stage miles. The event holds particular significance for Pryce, who won the Nicky Grist Stages in 2022 during his 100th career start.

Earlier this week, the Machynlleth-born driver tested the Wales Motorsport-prepared Es**rt and reported feeling at ease in the car. Pryce is aiming to complete unfinished business on the RAC Rally, having led the 2023 event after the opening leg in Wales before retiring in Scotland.

Armed with a new car and team, Pryce is targeting a place among the elite group of modern RAC Rally winners, a list that includes Malcolm Wilson OBE, Gwyndaf Evans, Mark Higgins and Marty McCormack.

Commenting on his news, Osian Pryce said:

“I’m excited to be returning to competition on this weekend’s Nicky Grist Stages, driving a brand-new Wales Motorsport Ford Es**rt RS1800 Mk2.

“We’ve completed a short shakedown with the car and straight from the first few corners it felt so comfortable and a dream to drive. They don’t come much nicer than this. I must give a big thanks to Meirion Evans and the team for supplying me with a fabulous car.

“I can’t wait to get going, as we build up to the much-anticipated RAC Rally at the end of the year. I’m looking forward to working with like-minded people as we tackle some smaller events in preparation for the big five-day event in November.

“Co-driving for me on the Nicky Grist Stages will be Phil Pugh, with Dale Furniss back in the hot seat for the other events."

Meirion Evans, director of Wales Motorsport said:

“Both personally and as a company we have been looking forward for quite some time to have the opportunity to work with Osian. His vast experience and knowledge will be very valuable moving forward for us a company, so we are extremely excited by what the future holds.”

📷 Image by Osian Pryce Rallying

Osian Pryce
Wales Motorsport
Nicky Grist Stages
Roger Albert Clark Rally
Philip Edward Rees Pugh
Dale Furniss Co-Driver

09/07/2025

✱ When Phil Pugh calls the notes for Osian Pryce on next weekend’s Nicky Grist Stages, he will join a select echelon: co-driver to five British Rally Champions during his career.

His previous partners?

Guy Wilks, Gwyndaf Evans, Elfyn Evans, and Mark Higgins.

A remarkable CV - now crowned with Pryce.

08/07/2025

✱ A quick note for WRC followers—inspired by another corner of elite sport...

Every sports fan appreciates the beautiful, moving picture-postcard that is the Tour de France. Yet each year, Le Tour also reminds me of the enduring power of audio. As ever, I follow the superb live TV feed—but I also simultaneously tune in, via my iPhone, to the excellent Radio Tour coverage: the crackling, on-the-road live radio service brought to life by the inimitable Sebastien Piquet. It delivers instant updates, critical context, and real-time drama—often ahead of the cameras.

This long-standing tradition, dating back to 1930, demonstrates that audio remains a vital storytelling medium in live sport. In 2025, it is anything but redundant—still relevant, dynamic, and immersive.

There’s a lesson here for WRC Promoter. Visuals matter, of course. But to truly convey the nuance and immediacy of rallying, intelligent live audio must also play its part in telling the story of the World Rally Championship.

Listen and learn. Please 🙏

07/07/2025

✱ Announced today....

From 1 August, the United States will impose a 25 % tariff on all cars imported from Japan and South Korea.

The expected Rally USA round of WRC was 'sold' to us as an opportunity to boost manufacturers' (Toyota and Hyundai) access to the U.S. market. That's now not going to happen.

So where does this move leave Toyota and Hyundai's appetite to compete there in WRC?

Answers on a postcard please to...

President Donald Trump on Monday placed a 25% tax on goods imported from Japan and South Korea, citing persistent trade imbalances with the two crucial U.S. allies in Asia.

06/07/2025

This is very disappointing news... 👇

Knocked Back, Not Knocked Out!

We’re gutted not to be running this year’s rally—no one feels that more than the team. But with so much uncertainty, we had to make the tough call. We couldn’t ask competitors, volunteers, or fans to commit financially, especially when there was a real risk of cancellation. For some, choosing our event could have meant missing out on championship points elsewhere. And with some crews travelling from overseas, the stakes—and the costs—were even higher.

We’ve been genuinely humbled by the outpouring of support over these past few months. That only made it more important to protect those who back us—our competitors, marshals, sponsors, and fans—from avoidable losses.

But this isn’t the end. Far from it. Planning for the next Hills Ford Stages has already been underway for some time. We’re in active discussions, exploring new ideas, and shaping an event we know you’ll be excited for.

This is just a pause, not a full stop. Stick with us—big things are on the horizon.

02/07/2025

𝗘𝘅-𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗥𝗦𝟭𝟴𝟬𝟬 𝗠𝗸. 𝗜𝗜 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟰𝟴 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀

𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴

𝘈 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘵 1976 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘌𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘙𝘚1800 𝘔𝘬. 𝘐𝘐, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘔𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘺'𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 1977, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 £160,000 𝘵𝘰 £185,000 𝘢𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘓𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴.

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A rare 1976 Ford Es**rt RS1800 Mk. II, once owned by the Ford Motor Company as a press vehicle, is set to be auctioned by Historics Auctioneers on 19 July at The Summer Serenade sale at Windsorview Lakes, with an estimate of £160,000 to £185,000.

Built as one of only 109 examples, the Es**rt RS1800 Mk. II is an icon of rallying heritage, renowned for its lightweight agility, powerful Cosworth BDA engine, and success in the World Rally Championship. This particular car, chassis number GCATSA04069 and registration ONO 804P, was first registered to Ford on 19 May 1976. It is one of just five RS1800s retained by Ford for press duties.

Following its press use, the Es**rt was sold in 1977 to a private owner, whose family retained it for nearly five decades. A comprehensive restoration was undertaken in the late 1980s by Colin Beverley, an RS1800 expert. After years in storage, a further restoration was completed under Beverley's advisory, bringing the vehicle to a condition described as better than new. The car now presents in excellent order, finished in Diamond White with a black cloth interior, and has covered just 24,186 miles from new.

With fewer than 50 miles driven since its most recent rebuild, the car remains in exceptional mechanical and cosmetic condition. It is consigned for auction by Stewart Banks and marks its first public sale in 48 years.

The RS1800 Mk. II’s competition pedigree, including the 1981 WRC Drivers' Championship win by Ari Vatanen, solidifies its place in motorsport history. This example offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most celebrated rally homologation specials of its era.

✱ More detail can be read by clicking here: https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-1976-ford-escort-mk-ii-rs1800/?lot=17725&so=0&st=&sto=0&au=92&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=0&pp=96&pn=1&g=1

📷 All images by Historics Auctioneers

01/07/2025

𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝟯𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗰𝗥𝗮𝗲’𝘀 𝗪𝗥𝗖 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴

𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘤 𝘕𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘨𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘵 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘩 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 30𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘤𝘙𝘢𝘦’𝘴 1995 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘙𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘸𝘰-𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘯 19–20 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘺, 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘔𝘤𝘙𝘢𝘦’𝘴 𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘶 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘻𝘢 ‘𝘓555 𝘉𝘈𝘛’, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺.

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Classic Nostalgia at Shelsley Walsh will honour the 30th anniversary of Colin McRae's 1995 World Rally Championship title on 19-20 July 2025, with a weekend of motorsport heritage and celebration.

The Subaru Impreza 'L555 BAT', the car that took McRae to victory on the 1995 RAC Rally, will lead proceedings as the event pays tribute to one of rallying's most iconic figures. The car will feature in demonstration runs and a special startline photo call alongside other machines driven by McRae, offering fans a rare chance to witness these vehicles in action.

A highlight of the event will be a Q&A session with members of McRae's original Prodrive team, including engineer David Lapworth and chief mechanic Alan McGuinness, who will share insights from the 1995 season. McRae's father, Jimmy McRae, and co-driver Derek Ringer are also expected to attend.

The 1995 season saw McRae become the youngest World Rally Champion at the time, sealing his title with a decisive win on home soil. His fearless driving style and magnetic personality helped elevate rallying to new heights of popularity, with over a million spectators following the RAC Rally that year.

Commenting, David Richards CBE, Chairman and Founder of Prodrive said:

“In the world of rallying, Colin stands out as one of those drivers’ people will never forget. His raw talent and total commitment endeared him to fans, and this lasts to this day”.

David Lapworth, Prodrive Technical Director added:

“If in doubt, flat out” wasn’t just Colin’s approach to rallies, it was to everything!

Another highlight will be the presence of the 1996 Rallye Catalunya-winning Subaru Impreza Group A, N1 WRC, driven by Lapworth, which marked McRae and Ringer's final event together and secured Subaru's second manufacturers' title. Attendees can enter a draw to win a passenger ride in the car, with proceeds benefiting the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Alongside the tributes to McRae, Classic Nostalgia 2025 promises a full schedule of competitive hillclimb runs, historic rally cars from Ralli22, Formula One demonstrations commemorating 75 years of the F1 World Championship, and a return of crowd-favourite V8 NASCARS.

Visitors can also explore the Classic & Sports Car Concours, enjoy live music, and view exhibits at The Art of Motorsport Gallery. A Spitfire flypast will take place on both days, while the RAF will be on-site engaging with the public.

General admission is priced at £25 in advance and £30 on the gate, with free entry for children under 16 when accompanied by a paying adult. VIP Start Line Club packages offer premium hospitality options for those seeking an enhanced experience.

Limited-edition merchandise including a commemorative T-shirt and poster will be available, marking the anniversary of McRae's landmark title.

More information is available at www.classicnostalgia.co.uk

📷 Image by Prodrive

Shelsley Walsh
WRC - FIA World Rally Championship

26/06/2025

Oh yes! Don’t miss this summer treat! 🙌

25/06/2025

𝗥𝗮𝗹𝗶 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀

𝘉𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴

𝘖𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘑𝘋𝘚 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘙𝘢𝘭𝘪 𝘊𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 2025 𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺’𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘐𝘈 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘙𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘙𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱. 𝘚𝘦𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 5–7 𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘊𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘺𝘴, 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳.

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The fifth edition of the rally will offer 190 kilometres of competitive asphalt stages across Ceredigion and Powys, including new tests through Rhayader and a regroup in Lampeter. The revised route is designed to enhance accessibility for local communities and provide broader economic and engagement opportunities.

The rally weekend begins on Friday with the Pendam shakedown and qualifying stage, followed by a high-speed competitive opener through the streets of Aberystwyth. Saturday’s itinerary includes a challenging double run of three stages – Cwm Elan, the 34 km Y Diafol, and Mydroilyn – with service in Aberystwyth and another pass through the town centre stage.

Sunday's action concludes with two loops of Nant y Moch and Mynnydd Bach, with the latter hosting the ERC power stage before the finish celebrations return to Aberystwyth.

The event will again run a national rally alongside the international contest, open to both homologated and non-homologated cars. Fan engagement will be bolstered by official spectator zones and the return of the Rali Show and Rali Engage initiatives, including activities at the Aberystwyth Bandstand.

Rali Ceredigion continues to focus on environmental sustainability, working with Carbon Positive Motorsport to deliver certified carbon offsetting. The rally will also deploy alternative fuels for its organisational fleet, aiming for a significant cut in emissions.

First held in 2019, Rali Ceredigion has rapidly established itself as the UK’s most prominent asphalt rally, with previous winners including Osian Pryce and Hayden Paddon.

Commenting on the 2025 event, Andy Gilmore, Clerk of the Course, said:

“We’re looking forward to building on the success of last year’s event, as a new addition to the FIA European Rally Championship, with a refreshed and challenging route that encompasses the best that Ceredigion has to offer.

“Once again fans are set to witness an exciting battle as the top British drivers take on Europe’s championship stars, with some local Welsh talent also looking to capitalise on the home advantage. There’s even a new 34 km stage to test crews even further.

“Roads across Ceredigion offer a unique challenge to competitors and this year’s route will also visit new areas such as Rhayader and Lampeter, allowing us to create opportunities for greater engagement with local communities and continuing to deliver significant economic benefits to the region.”

Meirion Evans, British Rally Championship front-runner, said:

“As soon as we finished last year’s Rali Ceredigion, I was already looking forward to this year’s event – it’s always a tough, but enjoyable, challenge and one that we always really enjoy. Competing at home on some stunning Welsh roads against Europe’s top rally drivers is always a great feeling.

“We struggled a little last year as we were finding our feet with the new car, but we’ve built good speed this year, things are moving in the right direction and I’m relishing the opportunity to have a proper go on our home stages.”

📷 Images by Rali Ceredigion

21/06/2025

Timo.
What a guy.
🙌