With the unfortunate cancellation of the Malcolm Wilson Rally, the planned opening round of the 2026 Protyre Autocare BTRDA Rally Series, Rally North Wales now takes on the mantle of welcoming all contenders to Welshpool for their first taste of competition. The Wolverhampton & South Staffs Car Club-organised event was all set to join the BTRDA Series last year until the ravages of Storm Darragh at the end of 2024 led to it also being unable to run.

Having won Rally North Wales on the last four occasions, 2025 Fuchs Lubricants BTRDA Gold Star® Rally Champion Matthew Hirst (Fabia R5) begins the defence of his title with Jack Bowen installed in the co-driver’s seat. They are set to be joined in their quest by triple BTRDA Gold Star winners (and 2025 runners-up) Elliot Payne/Patrick Walsh (Fiesta Rally2), Daniel Sigurðarson/Asta Sigurðadóttir (Fabia RS), Alex Vassallo/Chris Lees & Liam Clark/Michael Gilbey (both Fiesta Rally2s) and a returning Ian Bainbridge/Andrew Roughead (Yaris Rally2), all pointing to a tremendous battle ahead!...

Following a season to forget, 2024 Gold Star Championship runners-up, Russ Thompson/Steve Link (Lancer EVO9), are back for more, as is Pat Naylor, now with Tom Bishop directing operations from the left-hand seat of his similar car. Moving up to four-wheel drive traction, 2022 BTRDA Bronze Star winners Pete Gorst/Mark Twiname have ditched their all-conquering Nova in favour of a Lancer as well!

Turning to the Protyre Autocare BTRDA Silver Star Rally Championship, it’s a case of  ‘many happy returns’! The RNW entry includes Boyd Kershaw (2015 Champion)/Keegan Rees & Rob Dennis/Andy Boswell (2017 Co-driver Champion). Partnering Natalie Robinson (Peugeot 208 R4), and hoping for some front-wheel drive success, we find another former Co-driver Champion, Sam Collis, whose victory came in 2014 with her dad, Matthew….

David Dobson (Manta) and Escort MkIIs for Geoff Phelps, class winner on three of the five events he entered last year, with Lucy Wilding, and Nick Dobson/Phil Sandham, will also be among those hoping to succeed David Henderson to the Silver Star title. Last year’s BTRDA Historic Cup runner-up Steve ‘Korky’ Ward (Escort MkII) is once again partnered by Champion Co-driver John Millington as their challenge begins, while also returning is Ben Jemison (Chevette HSR) who, during a limited campaign in 2025, had the cheek to beat them on the Border Counties!…

Having dominated his class in last year’s BTRDA Rallye R2 Cup and with an eye on the main prize for 2026, Riley Chester has jumped ship from Ford to Peugeot (208 R4), to be joined by Sam Mason and the aforementioned Natalie Robinson in similar cars. Oliver Phillips/Barry Young return in their Vauxhall Adam, while Michael Jenkins and Tony Simpson will be relying on Fiestas for their push for the title.

2025 Fuchs Lubricants BTRDA Bronze Star® Rally Champions Dylan Fowler-Bishop/Dan Evans (Micra) return for what will be, in their eyes, hopefully carrying on where they left off! However, once again, a glance at the RNW entry list graphically illustrates that, if their wish is to be granted, they’ll have to be on their mettle right from the word ‘go’! Dave & Freddy Brick (always good value in the forests!) and Geraint Williams/Ifan Rowlands will be relying on Novas for their challenge, Corsas are the choice of Chris Bush/Rob Bryn Jones and Stuart Spyer/Peter Williams, while Dale Glover/David Smalley finished no lower than 4th in the events they entered last year.

Six special stages await competitors on Rally North Wales and the first car is due away from the start in Welshpool at 07.31 on Saturday 28th March. Following successful completion of the route, crews are due to begin arriving back at the finish at the Seven Stars Car Park, Welshpool, from 15.45.

Full details of Rally North Wales : www.rallynorthwales.co.uk