Welsh drivers Meirion Evans and Osian Pryce strengthen British Rally Championship title challenge

CASTROL MEM Rally Team secured its second double podium finish in as many rounds of the 2026 British Rally Championship, with Welsh crews Meirion Evans/Dale Furniss and Osian Pryce/James Morgan finishing second and third on the Jim Clark Rally.

The Borders event, held on Friday and Saturday (May 22 and 23), covered 100 stage miles and proved another strong outing for the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 team.

Lampeter driver Meirion Evans delivered a fast and consistent performance, setting the quickest time on stage two and recording six second-fastest stage times. He was third overnight, just 18.7 seconds off the lead, despite starting one night-time stage with his Toyota’s lamp pod disconnected.

Evans moved into second place after Saturday’s opening daylight stage and held the position to the finish, collecting another valuable haul of championship points.

Osian Pryce, from Machynlleth, made a flying start by setting the fastest time on the opening stage and led the rally early on. He was second at the overnight halt, but his hopes of victory were hit on stage five after a delay at the start left him launching into the Polwarth test on cold Michelin tyres.

The 2022 British Rally Champion overshot, then lost around 25 seconds when he was unable to select reverse, leaving him stranded up an escape road.

Pryce then focused on securing third place and ended the event on a high by setting the fastest time on the tenth and final stage.

A win and a third place from the opening two rounds keeps Pryce at the top of the BRC drivers’ standings, while Evans is just four points behind after two second-place finishes.

Evans said: “We were really strong on the Jim Clark Rally last year, so we came here with hopes that we could fight for the win. We were close, but no cigar.

“Two second place finishes in the BRC so far this year is good. I just need to start winning now.”

Pryce said: “We were fighting for the win but ended up having to consolidate the points available, and I’m not too disappointed with third given how things unfolded.

“We’re still leading the championship, so now the focus shifts to the next round and coming back fighting on the Grampian.”

Week 5 of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League delivered some emphatic wins, standout individual performances and movement at the top of several divisions as clubs battled for early-season momentum.

Top performers:

• Jon Mansbridge (Saundersfoot) – 120
• Ethan Hall (Carew) – 60
• Charlie Arthur (Cresselly) – 6-19
• Alan Webster (Neyland) – 30 & 4-20

Division 1 table

Top performers:

• Jack Harries (Pembroke) – 102
• Steve Mills (Johnston) – 59* & 4-8
• Jack Jones (Llanrhian) – 66*

Division 2 table

</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 3 results</strong></summary>

Division 3 table

</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 4 results</strong></summary>

Division 4 table

</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 5 & 6 results</strong></summary>

Division 5

• Cresselly III beat Hundleton II by 81 runs
• Llangwm II beat Llanrhian II by 9 wickets
• Whitland II beat Pembroke Dock II by 85 runs

Division 5 leaders:

1. Cresselly III – 86 pts
2. Whitland II – 72 pts
3. Llanrhian II – 67 pts

Division 6

• Neyland III beat H’West/Cresselly by 9 wickets
• Haverfordwest IV beat Kilgetty II by 8 wickets
• Laugharne II beat Whitland III by 143 runs

Division 6 leaders:

1. Whitland III – 71 pts
2. Lamphey II – 56 pts
3. Neyland III – 55 pts

Expanded Rali Ceredigion event to bring elite rally drivers, historic cars and millions for the local economy

THE ROAR of rally engines will return to Mid Wales this autumn as the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion makes its much-anticipated comeback from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6.

Now firmly established as one of the biggest events on the UK motorsport calendar, the rally will once again bring world-class competition to the roads of Ceredigion and Powys, with drivers competing across three major championships.

The event will host rounds of the FIA European Rally Championship, the British Rally Championship and the European Historic Rally Championship, the latter making its first appearance at the Welsh event.

Organisers say the addition of historic rally cars will add a new attraction for spectators, with iconic vehicles from previous generations expected to take part alongside today’s top competitors.

Expanded programme planned

Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 event will begin with a ceremonial start and rally showcase on Aberystwyth promenade on Thursday evening (Sept 3), before competitive stages get underway across Mid Wales throughout the weekend.

The rally has grown into a major tourism and economic boost for the region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and putting local communities, businesses and landscapes in front of an international audience.

Figures from last year’s event showed a total economic impact of £11.6 million, including an estimated £5.59 million in direct spending, with businesses across the region reporting increased visitor numbers, overnight stays and higher spending.

Council backs return of event

The Leader of Ceredigion County Council, Cllr Bryan Davies said: “We’re proud to welcome Rali Ceredigion back to the county for 2026. The event continues to grow year on year, bringing significant benefits to our communities, local businesses and the wider economy.

“With an expanded programme and the addition of the European Historic Rally Championship, this year’s event promises to attract even more visitors to the region.

“As a council, our focus is on working closely with organisers and partners to ensure residents are well informed and that the event is delivered safely and successfully for everyone.”

Organisers are working alongside Ceredigion County Council, Powys County Council and emergency services to ensure the event is delivered safely, with details of road closures, timings and routes expected to be released in the coming months.

Historic rally cars to join line-up

Rali Ceredigion Director Charlie Jukes said organisers were excited to expand the event once again.

He said: “The addition of the European Historic Rally Championship is a fantastic development, adding even more variety and appeal for fans, with a wider range of iconic rally cars expected to take part.

“Rali Ceredigion continues to grow in scale and reputation and we’re proud to work alongside local authorities, partners and communities to deliver an event that showcases the very best of the region and generates a significant positive impact.”

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to plan ahead, with community engagement activity expected to begin before the summer.

Photo caption:

Rally return: Last year’s JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion attracted thousands of spectators and delivered a major boost to the local economy (Pic: Supplied).