The M.E. Rallysport Showground Stages returned to the sunny but damp Royal Welsh Showground on January 17th, kicking off the Welsh rally season with a vibrant club-level competition that tested drivers and navigators over a series of tight stages. The event, organised by Newtown & District Automobile Club and supported by M.E. Edwards Rallysport, once again showcased grassroots motorsport in a lively and spectator-friendly format.
Held entirely within the Showground site, the rally featured five stages, each run twice over the course of the day. The layout provided a compact but demanding rally environment, with a total distance of 43.19km.
In a tightly fought contest across a broad field of competitors, Dan Evans and Karolina Griffiths emerged victorious in their Vauxhall Nova, recording a cumulative time of 51:18 to take the overall win. Second place on the podium went to Dylan James Davies and Llion Williams in their Ford Escort MK2, finishing just under a minute behind the leaders. Rounding out the top three were Joseph Palmer and Steve McPhee in a Nissan Micra.
Notable class performances included Osian Jones and Llyr Davies topping Class 9 in another Nissan Micra, while David Iwan Jones and Nigel Roberts led Class 3. Awards also recognised the highest FWD finisher, best under-26 driver, and the crew judged to have shown the most spirited performance throughout the day.
In addition to the main rally field, the event also hosted a Cross Car competition, giving drivers in lightweight, single-seat cars a chance to tackle the same stages in a single pass format which was a crowd-pleasing addition.
The Showground Stages continue to play a key role in the Welsh rally calendar, attracting a mix of seasoned club regulars and newcomers to the sport. With its accessible venue and close spectator viewing, the event serves both as a springboard for aspiring drivers and as a showcase of grassroots rallying’s enduring appeal.
Organisers and volunteers were widely praised for their efforts in delivering a safe, smoothly run competition that kicked off the 2026 season in style. Their work ensures that events like this remain a highlight for the local motorsport community early in the year.
