The 2024 Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship kicked off with a splash last weekend, on February 11th, in Yorkshire, as the Riponian Stages Rally set the stage for an exhilarating new season of historic rally action.
Marking a return to a mixed surface format, this year's championship boasts a nine-round calendar, offering 11-point scoring opportunities with the best seven rounds counting towards the final score. The Riponian Stages Rally, situated in the picturesque landscapes of Yorkshire, served as the opening round, presenting competitors with challenging conditions that tested their skill and determination.
In the midst of treacherous, rain-soaked stages, the duo of George Lepley and co-driver Dale Bowen showcased their prowess behind the wheel of their Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 , clinching the victory. Their stellar performance saw them triumph over the competition, including Matthew Robinson's Ford Escort MKII, who secured maximum BHRC points while finishing in second place.
Adrian Hetherington rounded out the top three, demonstrating resilience after a streak of misfortune during last season's title pursuit.
Ben Friend and Cliff Simmons secured fourth place, while Nick Elliott and Dave Price completed the top five in their Fiat 131 Abarth.
Elliot Payne emerged victorious, claiming the overall event win in their Ford Fiesta Rally2. Payne showcased his skill and determination, securing back-to-back victories at the Riponian Stages Rally. Partnered with co-driver Walsh, the duo dominated the competition, finishing an impressive 50 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals.
Alister Ginley and Thorley Craig piloted their Fiesta R5 to a commendable second-place finish, while Stephen Peach and Michael Wilkinson clinched the final podium spot in their Skoda Fabia Rally 2.
The rally took an unexpected turn for Alan Carmichael and co-driver Claire Williams from the outset. A spin on SS1 Wass Moor cost them valuable time, setting them back by approximately 30 seconds and putting them on the defensive. Despite their best efforts to recover, their hopes were dashed when their new Hyundai I20 Rally2 encountered a critical issue. While traversing a ford just before Cropton, the vehicle suddenly cut out, leaving them stranded. Despite their attempts to restart the engine, they were unable to rectify the problem, ultimately forcing them to reluctantly abandon the rally.
Anticipation builds up for the upcoming rounds of the 2024 Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship, promising more thrilling action and fierce competition as crews vie for championship glory. With a diverse calendar ahead, featuring a mix of surfaces and challenging stages, the stage is set for an unforgettable season of historic rallying at its finest. The second round will be Rally North Wales on the 16th of March, offering a unique blend of excitement amidst the rugged Welsh terrain.
Images courtesy of Gary Fothergill (GF Rally Media) and Alex Stefan Photography
Written by Alice Ingram
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