The East Riding Stages Rally roared into action on Sunday, the 25th of February, with over 120 crews igniting the stages with a diverse array of four-wheel machinery. From the challenging routes of Wawne, Coom Hill, Hatfield, and Dunnington to the picturesque stretches of Leconfield and the Beverley Westwood super special stage, the rally showcased the thrilling essence of motorsport.
Mark Kelly and Will Atkins emerged as the dominant force amidst the fierce competition, steering their Skoda Fabia R5 to victory by topping the timesheets on an impressive six out of the ten stages. Their remarkable performance catapulted them to the pinnacle of the rally, securing a well-deserved triumph.
Hot on their heels were James Williams and Ross Whittock, piloting the Hyundai i20N with precision and skill. Their commendable effort saw them clinch second place overall, a mere 5 seconds adrift from the leaders, Kelly and Atkins.
Completing the podium with a strong showing were Callum Black and co-driver Jack Morton, who navigated the challenging terrain with finesse and determination. Despite finishing 27 seconds behind the leaders, their podium finish marked a commendable achievement in the fiercely contested rally.
The East Riding Stages Rally garnered widespread acclaim, with competitors, fans, and marshals alike praising the thrilling spectacle witnessed on the tracks. As the rallying community converges on Beverley, the rally has firmly established the town as a prominent hub for petrolheads, further solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination for motorsport enthusiasts.
Images courtesy of Alex Stefan and Gary Fothergill
Written by Alice Ingram
