Rally North Wales Makes Triumphant Return with Exciting New Format
The highly anticipated Get Jerky Rally North Wales is set to roar back onto the motorsport calendar on Saturday, March 28, marking a significant comeback after its unfortunate cancellation in 2025 due to severe storm damage. This year's event features a fresh format, a meticulously revamped route, and one of the most impressive entry lists in recent memory, effectively setting the stage for what promises to be a blockbuster 2026 edition of the rally.
Event Details and Fan Engagement in Welshpool
Organised by the Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Car Club, the rally returns with renewed energy and is once again centred around the Livestock Market service area in Welshpool. In a move to reconnect with the local community, the event will include a mid-day regroup and end-of-event celebrations in Welshpool town centre, offering fans a unique opportunity to get up close to the cars and drivers. Welshpool will play a central role throughout the day, hosting rally headquarters and service at the Livestock Market, while the Seven Stars Car Park becomes a key focal point for spectators.
Challenging Stages and Competitive Route
Crews will tackle a demanding schedule of six stages covering approximately 45 competitive miles. The iconic Dyfnant and Aberhirnant forests will provide a classic Wales Rally GB-style challenge, with both stages being used twice during the day. This repetition promises demanding conditions and plenty of high-octane action for both participants and spectators. The first stage is scheduled to kick off at 8.30am, with spectator parking available at £10 per car, which includes a programme.
Star-Studded Entry List and Championship Contenders
A top-class modern entry is heading to mid-Wales, spearheaded by British Rally Championship event winner Max McRae, who arrives with co-driver Cammy Fair for a crucial pre-season outing. McRae will be keen to follow in the footsteps of his father, Alister, who claimed victory on this very event back in 1998. Another major contender is Welshman Meirion Evans, fresh from confirming his 2026 British Rally Championship campaign with the Castrol MEM Rally Team. Evans and co-driver Dale Furniss will pilot their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 and are expected to be firmly in the fight for outright honours on home soil, leading the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship contingent.
The supporting championships ensure depth throughout the field, with Protyre BTRDA Rally Series leader Matthew Hirst and co-driver Jack Bown in a Skoda Fabia R5 aiming to continue their strong run. They face stiff opposition from competitors such as Alex Vassallo and Chris Lees in a Ford Fiesta Rally2, Icelandic duo Daniel Siguroarson and Asta Siguroarson in a Skoda Fabia Rally2, and the in-form Elliot Payne and Patrick Walsh in a Fiesta Rally2, all of whom bring serious pace to the event.
Historic Championship and Additional Categories
The Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship contingent is once again out in force, with Category 4 spearheaded by Riponian winner George Lepley and co-driver Dafydd Evans in their Mitsubishi Galant VR4. A potential entry from Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell in the spectacular BMW E30 M3 adds further excitement, as this fan-favourite pairing proved their pace on the Roger Albert Clark Rally and would be a major attraction if they take the start in Wales.
Category 3 promises to be the most fiercely contested division of the weekend, with championship leaders Richard Hill and Patrick Cooper arriving full of confidence after their Riponian victory. A standout addition to the entry is former British Rally Championship frontrunner Tom Cave, who joins the category in a Ford Escort Mk2 alongside Keaton Williams, with his experience and speed making him an immediate contender for category honours.
Additional championship fights will play out for the ANWCC Forest Rally Championship, West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge, TCS Plant Rally Challenge, and Mini Cup Stage Rallying Championship, ensuring competitive action across the board.
Family-Friendly Activities and Ceremonial Finish
From around noon, the town centre will host the mid-rally regroup alongside family-friendly entertainment, including a treasure hunt and even a Guinness World Record recreation attempt. The ceremonial finish and champagne celebrations will round off the day from approximately 3.45pm, with all activities offering free access for spectators. For more information, visit the official event website at www.rallynorthwales.co.uk.
