Osian Pryce surged to victory at the Rallynuts Severn Valley Stages, reigniting his bid for a second Probite British Rally Championship title. The event, held on Saturday, April 13th, unfolded over 62 miles of challenging stages, attracting a diverse array of competitors to the rugged terrain of Wales.
Pryce, accompanied by co-driver Rhodri Evans, delivered a masterclass performance behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta Rally2. The duo stormed through the iconic stages of Myherin and Hafren Sweet Lamb, captivating the fans who braved rain and thick mist to witness the action first hand.
William Creighton's debut on gravel with the Ford Fiesta Rally2 proved fruitful as he clinched a satisfying second place. Despite the challenges of adjusting to his new machine this season, he showcased remarkable adaptability on the rough terrain, mounting a strong challenge against Pryce. His determination paid off as he secured his second consecutive BRC runner-up spot, firmly cementing his position in the championship contention. Creighton's impressive performance underscores his potential to make a significant impact in the ongoing title race.
Chris Ingram and co-driver Alex Kihurani, rounded out the podium in third place, despite their strong start, adding another layer of intrigue to the championship battle. Ingram's performance, alongside Pryce's victory, ensured that the title race in the Probite British Rally Championship has been thrown wide open.
James Williams got to grips with his Hyundai i20 N Rally2, securing fourth place with Ross Whittock on the notes. All the signs were there for progression that season as top three times came during the day, and he was in a prime position to grab a podium if the front-runners faltered.
Garry Pearson and Daniel Barritt made up for a tricky start to their BRC campaign in Lancashire by sealing fifth overall in their Fiesta Rally2, while Meirion Evans and Jonathan Jackson gave the Yaris Rally2 its UK debut on the gravel, taking sixth.
Seb Perez and Gary McElhinney demonstrated formidable performance in their Porsche 911, securing a convincing victory in the Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship. Perez engaged in a spirited battle with former British Rally Champion Mark Higgins throughout the day. However, with four fastest stage times out of seven, Perez sealed his inaugural win in the championship.
Despite a determined effort, Higgins and co-driver Phil Pugh had to settle for second place, achieving the Triumph TR7 V8's highest championship finish to date.
Adrian Hetherington, accompanied by Dan Petrie on the notes, overcame a challenging season start in his Escort MKII to clinch the final podium position. Hetherington now leads the championship standings after his performance on the rally.
Matthew Hirst and co-driver Declan Dear showcased exceptional skill in their Delta Salvage/Witham Motorsport Ford Fiesta R5, securing maximum points in both the Protyre BTRDA Rally Series and the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship.
Despite challenging and constantly changing conditions, including heavy rain and slippery surfaces, Hirst's performance stood out.
Elliot Payne and co-driver Patrick Walsh secured second place in the Protyre BTRDA Rally Series and seventh in the Probite British Rally Championship, despite opting out of Friday's recce.
Rob Wilson, accompanied by co-driver Martin Haggett, delivered an impressive performance in their Mitsubishi Evo 7, clinching third place in the BTRDA Rally Series. Wilson also claimed second place in the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, with Russ Thompson and co-driver Stephen Link rounding out the podium.
The Rallynuts Severn Valley Stages proved to be a thrilling spectacle, with Osian Pryce's commanding victory reigniting his pursuit for a second Probite British Rally Championship title. Alongside Pryce, standout performances from William Creighton and Chris Ingram, added layers of excitement to the event.
Seb Perez's dominant display in the British Historic Rally Championship, alongside Matthew Hirst's double triumph, further highlighted the diversity of skill on display. As the dust settles on the challenging Welsh stages, anticipation mounts for the next thrilling instalment in the BRC saga, The Beatson's Building Supplies Jim Clark Rally.
Images courtesy of Rob Sayer and Alex Stefan.
