The 2026 Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship resumes at Get Jerky Rally North Wales next weekend [28 March], with the second round promising another spectacular chapter after the dramatic Riponian Stages Rally opener.

Based in Welshpool, the event blends classic forestry action with a fan-friendly format. Crews will return to the town centre for a mid-day regroup after the opening loop, offering spectators a rare chance to get up close to the cars and stars. Welshpool will also host the finish celebrations, where the champagne spray will round off what is expected to be a fiercely contested day.

Out on the stages, a brand-new six-stage route covering 45 competitive miles awaits. Crews will tackle the legendary Dyfnant and Aberhirnant forest complexes, synonymous with the glory years of Wales Rally GB.

Category 4 [Cars Registered 1982 – 1990] & Category 5 [Cars Registered 1991 – 1999]

Category 4 arrives in Wales with all eyes firmly on Riponian winners George Lepley/Dafydd Evans, who delivered a commanding performance on the Yorkshire stages in their Mitsubishi Galant VR4. Having set the benchmark last time out, Lepley will be aiming to continue that momentum on the classic Welsh tests.

However, the competition is set to intensify. Reigning 2025 BHRC champions Baz Jordan and Arwel Jenkins return to action in their Galant VR4 and will be eager to strike back immediately after missing Yorkshire.

Paul Clayton is also back in the mix, this time joined by Rebecca Lee in his Peugeot 205 GTi, whilst a potential wildcard entry from Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell in the spectacular BMW E30 M3 could add further intrigue. The pair proved hugely popular on the Roger Albert Clark Rally and, if they appear in Wales, will be ones to watch.

Meanwhile, the inter-category rivalry could once again come into play, with James Lepley/Tom Jordan expected to renew their on-stage battle in Category 5 machinery, adding another fascinating dynamic to the fight at the front, piloting a Mitsubishi Evo IV.

Category 3 [Cars Registered 1975 – 1981]

As ever, Category 3 looks set to be the most competitive and unpredictable battleground of the weekend.

Championship leaders Richard Hill/Pat Cooper head to Wales on a high after their Riponian victory and will be determined to defend their early advantage. But they face a stacked field of challengers, all capable of victory on their day.

Paul Thompson/Josh Davidson [Escort MKII] showed strong pace on home soil in Yorkshire and will be keen to go one better, while Damian Tourish/Kevin Duggan [Escort MKII] impressed on their BHRC debut despite mechanical setbacks and now arrives with valuable experience under their belt.

Frontrunner Ben Friend/Osian Owen [Escort MKII] will be looking to bounce back after their Riponian retirement, and the ever-consistent Nick Elliott/Dave Price [FIAT 131] and Adrian Hetherington/Hamish Campbell [FIAT 131] add further strength to an already formidable entry.

A late entry from the ultra-rapid Paul Barrett/Gordon Noble, and Michael McDaid/Harry Stubbs, both in an Escort MKII, could also well stir the pot.

Adding even more intrigue is the entry of former British Rally Championship frontrunner Tom Cave, who joins the category in a Ford Escort MKII alongside Keaton Williams. Cave’s experience at the highest level could make him an instant contender on the fast, flowing Welsh stages.

Category 2 [Cars Registered 1968 – 1975]

After a dominant performance at the Riponian, Ben and Steven Smith arrive in North Wales as the crew to beat in Category 2. Their Porsche 911 proved both rapid and reliable in Yorkshire, and a repeat performance would further strengthen their early championship position.

A different look to the chasing pack sees Tim Jones/Yvonne Walton in their Ford Escort MK1, Mark Tugwell/Steve Pugh in similar machinery, join Ian Beveridge/David Fox’s Toyota Corolla TE27 for the category fight.

With a classic route, a fan-friendly town centre return and a stacked entry across all categories, Rally North Wales is perfectly poised to deliver another thrilling round of the British Historic Rally Championship.

For more information on any of the Championships promoted by the RACMRC, please visit:

www.racrmc.org 

Photo: Smith/Smith - Category 2