By As I stated last year, for those located in and around East Yorkshire, the East Riding Stages Rally, represents a rare opportunity to watch public roads-based racing.
Over 120 driver-co driver crews took part today, with an eclectic variety of four-wheel machinery gracing Wawne, Coom Hill, Hatfield, Dunnington, Leconfield, Beverley, and the Beverley Westwood super special stage.
For the first time since the events’ inauguration in 2022, new names were added to the outright winners list.
Overall leaders throughout Mark Kelly/Will Atkins and their 1600cc Skoda Fabia, held off a spirited late challenge from James Williams/Ross Whittock, to finish on top, taking first by the slender margin of five seconds.
Callum Black/Jack Morton took third whilst respective Class H, Class D, Class C, Class A, Class B winners were Gareth James/Steffan Evans, Gordon Montana Morrison/Ian Parker, Jake Briggs/Harry Walshaw, Mark Constantine/Andrew Constantine, and Ben Wilkinson/Andrew Wilkinson.
Added, esteemed UK rally racers competing included fourth, fifth overall Kevin Davies/Owain Davies, Neil Roskell/Dai Roberts, Rob Swann/Darren Garrod in an ex-WRC Ott Tanak M-Sport Ford.
Third place finisher last year Elliot Payne/Patrick Walsh, David Bogie/John Rowan, Hugh Hunter/Rob Fagg, Jonathan Mounsey/Richard Wardle, James Ford/Neil Shanks, David Wright/Jane Nicol and reigning back-to-back event Champions, David Henderson/Chris Lees.
Receiving in general positive feedback from competitors, fans, marshals, the East Riding Stages Rally has firmly put Beverley to the forefront of petrolheads minds.
Fun, fun, fun is the way I would describe today’s activities, showcasing all that’s good about closed roads motorsport.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
