Neil Howard Memorial Stages - (Mon) 31 May 21

Creighton/Regan unveil Junior British Rally Championship return

Posted: May 30, 2021 6:04 AM

FIA Junior World Rally Championship contender William Creighton will make a return to the Junior British Rally Championship in 2021 driving an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally4.

Creighton, a member of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy is fresh from a positive start to his World Championship campaign, securing fifth place at last month’s Croatia Rally and will now set his sights on the Junior BRC title in addition to his WRC aspirations.

The 23-year-old from Moira in Co. Down has been a two-time runner up to the Junior BRC title in the past, narrowly missing out on the coveted title in both 2017 and 2019. Last year’s campaign got off to the best possible start by winning the Cambrian Rally in Wales, before the pandemic halted the series.

Now, Creighton and co-driver Liam Regan will return to the UK to do battle with an impressive list of Juniors all eager to scoop top spot in the championship.

“We have come painfully close to the Junior Championship title both times now and its fantastic to get another shot” says Creighton.

“We had a lot of thinking time available to us during the off-season and of course, being able to launch a campaign in the Junior World Rally Championship is a real honour. But we also realise that coming back to the BRC in 2021 will help my career progression in more ways than one”.

This year's Junior BRC will see over 10 eager pilots fight for the title in Rally4 machinery and Creighton’s Croatian outing offered a re-evaluation of his plans this season.

“I was really happy with the finish in Croatia and of course points on the board are really important, but I`m also well aware there is work to be done and the BRC calendar fits right in as far as getting match fit is concerned.”

“We all know seat-time is invaluable so it will be a really important facet to my WRC season to get that in the Fiesta, but you know I need to get this BRC monkey off my back don’t I? Two-time runner up really doesn’t sound as good as it could, and I genuinely want to be a BRC title holder.”

“Looking at the entries this year, it's going to be ultra-competitive and that’s perfect for me. I want to be pushed and having events that are pretty much new to most of us ensures a pretty level playing field. It can only help to up my game and hopefully make me stronger when we head to the next WRC round. It’s going to be a busy season but I`m relishing the challenge.”

The opening round of the British Rally Championship takes place at Oulton Park Race Circuit in Cheshire.

Oulton opens 2021 British Rally Championship account

Posted: May 30, 2021 5:35 AM

One of the largest Motorsport UK British Rally Championship entries in recent times will head for the picturesque Oulton Park this Bank Holiday Monday for the opening round of the 2021 season, the Neil Howard Stages in assoc. with Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors (31 May).

The packed entry list will contain over 45 British Rally Championship contenders, all eager to open their account in fine style at the exciting new inclusion to the BRC tour, held entirely on a race circuit for the first time in its 63 year history.

In one of the most eagerly awaiting starts to the season, no less than 15 top-flight BRC1 crews in a variety of Rally2 machinery will line-up to do battle over the 56-mile – eight-stage event, with a further 13 Motorsport UK National Rally Champion title contenders throwing their hat into the ring for glory on the season starter.

Added to the four-wheel-drive heavy hitters, a dynamic and impressive line-up of ultra-rapid Junior and Academy drivers will kick-start their season at the Cheshire circuit, with a chance of winning a prize drive in a round of the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship, behind the wheel of a Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing i20 N Rally2.

Leading the BRC field away will be two-time British Rally Champion Matt Edwards, aiming to make history by taking a third title in a row, a feat never achieved in the championship’s history. Co-driven by Darren Garrod, the pairing have swapped their usual Ford marque for a Volkswagen Polo GTi in their 2021 campaign and have a swathe of rapid drivers aiming to spoil his record book attempt.

Rhys Yates returns to the BRC in his familiar Ford Fiesta Rally2, heading up a two-car M-Sport team, and fresh from a win at Snetterton earlier this month. The Chesterfield ace is eager to secure his maiden BRC event win and outright title and will be ably assisted in the co-drivers seat by James Morgan. Teammates and BRC newcomers Seb Perez and Gary McElhinney also pilot an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2 example.

Series newcomer Frank Bird will dovetail his GT World Challenge commitments with a BRC assault. Driving a Fiesta Rally2, his and co-driver Jack Morton’s circuit rally experience will put them in good stead for the season opener.

Welshman Osian Pryce is arguably one of the most experienced BRC competitors on the tour and makes his bid for glory in a Volkswagen Polo GTi. With Noel O’ Sullivan on the notes, the pairing will be looking for that elusive BRC silverware this season.

Josh Moffett and Andy Hayes lead a hugely impressive Irish contingent, all making the trip to this year’s BRC with the aim of taking the prestigious trophy back across the Irish Sea. Josh pilots a Hyundai i20 R5 whilst brother Sam and co-driver Keith Moriarty opt for the Ford Fiesta Rally2 for their campaign.

Garry Jennings makes his first foray into the BRC since the front-wheel-drive era in 2003 and heads up the National Rally Champion charge in his right-hand-drive Fiesta. Making the switch from his usual WRC machinery, Jennings has elected to “come to the BRC for the craic” but will undoubtedly be gunning for the National title this season.

Ollie Mellors and Max Freeman make a welcome return to the series, bringing the impressive Proton Iriz after a solid start to their 2020 campaign before COVID halted proceedings. Mellors has plenty of circuit experience in the Iriz but such is the quality of the entry, will wear number 11 on the door of the Malaysian machine.

Returnee’s to the series in BRC1 include Desi and Niall Henry, James Wilson and Joe McGonigle with the WRC cars represented by Stephen Petch and Thomas Preston in the National category.

Junior British Rally Championship contenders battle for WRC prize drive Close battles and explosive stage action are guaranteed in the Junior British Rally Championship, with 2021 seeing an impressive line-up of eager youngsters all aiming for the impressive WRC prize drive opportunity.

Two-time Junior BRC runner up and Junior World Rally Championship contender William Creighton heads to Oulton fresh from an impressive run at WRC Portugal last weekend. Driving a Fiesta Rally4, the Moira man and co-driver Liam Regan are one of the most experienced in the category, but face stiff opposition from a whopping 16 other future stars.

Scotland’s Finlay Retson was one of the first drivers in the UK to acquire a Rally4 Fiesta and will be putting that seat time and experience to good use with Rhys Stoneman alongside after a season of highs and lows in 2019.

Ruari Bell is another Junior WRC driver to return to the BRC and his experience on the world tour puts him well upfront of the battle to top honours. New co-driver Gareth Parry sits alongside in the similar Fiesta.

Irishman David Kelly makes his Junior BRC return after an impressive performance in the category at last year’s Cambrian Rally, securing a podium spot on the gravel in Wales. Dean O’Sullivan occupies the right-hand seat this season.

Fellow Emerald Isle driver Brian Brady also makes a BRC return in similar machinery with Eamonn Creedon on the notes. Like Kelly, Brady was present at last year’s Cambrian but suffered an off during the day and will aim to re-kindle the pace he had before retiring.

Eddie Lewis and Eammon Kelly also bring Fiesta Rally4 machinery to the event whilst Kyle White makes his BRC debut in the normally aspirated and older specification Peugeot 208. A dark horse in the proceedings, White and co-driver Sean Topping could well embarrass the more powerful, latest generation runners.

The Academy Trophy caters for those under 25 in the older specification front-wheel-drive categories with limited BRC experience and offers a prize fund of £6,000 in free entries to the 2022 Junior BRC for the winner. Fraser Anderson makes his British Championship debut in a Fiesta whilst Jonnie Mulholland makes a very welcome return to the series after tackling the Cadet pre-cursor in 2018.

Other championship contenders include Stuart McLaren’s Historic Opel Kadett, Donnie MacDonald returns in his Mitsubishi Evo IX, whilst two-time National Cup winners John Morrison and Peter Carstairs bring their new Fiesta to the series.

You can follow the event throughout the day with news, updates and gossip from the service area, broadcast across the BRC social channels.

Seeded Entry List (Revised 30 May 21)

Posted: May 17, 2021 5:45 AM

1 Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh (Ford Fiesta R5) [E2]
2 Matthew Edwards/Darren Garrod (VW Polo GTi R5) [BRC1]
3 Rhys Yates/James Morgan (Ford Fiesta R5 Mk II) [BRC1]
4 Frank Bird/Jack Morton (Ford Fiesta R5 Mk II) [BRC1]
5 Osian Pryce/Noel O Sullivan (VW Polo R5) [BRC1]
6 Josh Moffett/Andy Hayes (Hyundai i20 R5) [BRC1]
7 Sam Moffett/Keith Moriarty (Ford Fiesta R5 Mk II) [BRC1]
8 Kevin Procter/Derrick Fawcett (Ford Fiesta S2000T) [E2]
9 Mark Kelly/Neil Colman (Ford Fiesta R5) [E2]
10 Garry Jennings/Rory Kennedy (Ford Fiesta R5) [E2]
11 Oliver Mellors/Max Freeman (Proton Iris R5) [BRC1]
12 Desi Henry/Dale Furniss (Hyundai i20 R5) [BRC1]
14 Damian Cole/Dale Bowen (Skoda Fabia R5) [E2]
15 Niall Henry/Damien Duffin (Ford Fiesta R5) [E2]
16 James Yates/Tom Woodburn (Ford Fiesta R5) [E2]
17 Marty McKenna/Kaine Treanor (Volkswagen Polo R5) [BRC1]
18 Alan Carmichael/Claire Williams (Hyundai i20 R5) [E2]
19 James Wilson/Arthur Kierans (Hyundai i20) [BRC1]
22 Joseph McGonigle/Ciaran Geaney (Ford Fiesta R5 Mk II) [BRC1]
23 Stephen Petch/Michael Wilkinson (Ford Fiesta WRC) [E2]
24 Kev Furber/Colin Blunt (Peugeot 208 T16 R5) [E2]
25 Elliot Payne/Cameron Fair (Ford Fiesta) [E2]
26 Seb Perez/Gary McElhinney (Ford Fiesta R5) [BRC1]
27 Graham Coffey/Luke Barry (Ford Fiesta S2000T) [E2]
28 John Stone/Alex Stone (Ford Fiesta WRC) [E2]
29 Barry Morris/Tom Hutchings (Darrian T90 GTR+) [D]
30 Robert Hughes/Sion Cunniff (Ford Fiesta R5) [E2]
31 Joshua Davey/Tamsyn Davey (Darrian T90) [C]
32 Charles Payne/Aled Edwards (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) [E2]
33 Simon Bowen/John Cope (Ford Fiesta) [E2]
34 Brendan Cumiskey/Ronan O Kane (POLO R5) [BRC1]
35 Thomas Preston/Carl Williamson (Ford Fiesta WRC) [E2]
36 Alistair Inglis/Colin Inglis (Ford Fiesta R5) [E2]
38 Darrell Taylor/Stephen Mcnulty (Ford Fiesta R5 Mk II) [E2]
39 John Marshall/Scott Crawford (Ford Fiesta R5 Mk II) [E2]
40 Nigel Worswick/Paula Swinscoe (Ford Fiesta S2000T) [E2]
41 William Creighton/Liam Regan (Ford Fiesta) [BRC4]
42 John Morrison/Peter Carstairs (Ford Fiesta R5) [E2]
43 Paul Murro/Callum Cross (Ford Fiesta R5) [E2]
44 Mike Taylor/Martin Haggett (Talbot Sunbeam Lotus) [D]
45 Finlay Retson/Rhys Stoneman (Ford Fiesta Rally 4) [BRC4]
46 Ruairi Bell/Gareth Parry (Ford Fiesta Rally 4) [BRC4]
47 Martin Hodgson/Tony Jones (Ford Escort Mk II) [D]
48 David Henderson/Chris Williams (Ford Escort Mk II) [D]
49 Josh Payton/Jamie Vaughan (Ford Escort Mk II) [C]
50 Peter Jackson/Craig Simkiss (Ford Escort Mk II) [D]
51 David Kelly/Dean O Sullivan (Ford Fiesta Rally 4) [BRC4]
52 Joe Cunningham/Josh Beer (Ford Fiesta) [E2]
53 David McMullan/Marc Melhuish (Mitsubishi Evo 6) [E2]
54 Brian Brady/Eamonn Creedon (Ford Fiesta R2 T19) [BRC4]
55 Donnie MacDonald/Jamie Edwards (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [E2]
56 Neil Roskell/Daniel Roskell (Subaru Impreza) [E2]
57 Tony Robinson/Paul Spooner (Proton Satria) [E2]
58 Drew Gallagher/David Crosbie (Skoda Fabia) [E2]
59 Adrian Spencer/Lauren Hewitt (Subaru Impreza) [E1]
60 Ciro Carannante/Simon Coates (Porsche Cayman) [D]
61 Paul Walker/Jonathan Bennett (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [E2]
62 Nick Whale/Sally Whale (Ford Escort Mk II) [D]
63 Gary Russell/Fiona Scarrett (Mitsubishi Evo 6 RS) [E2]
64 Chris Ruck/Steve Harris (Opel Corsa) [B]
65 Ryan Burns/Stephen N Hallmark (Opel Corsa) [B]
66 Eddie Lewis/Dom Adams (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [BRC4]
67 Christopher Newton/Anthony Newton (Vauxhall Nova) [A]
68 Robin Adams/Ray Keith (Ford Escort) [C]
69 Ken Sturdy/Joe Sturdy (Talbot Avenger) [C]
70 Cathy Sewart/Colin Stephens (Talbot Sunbeam Lotus) [D]
71 Dave Holland/Neil Gater (Ford Fiesta R5) [E2]
72 Tony Simpson/Ian Bevan (Skoda Fabia R5) [E2]
73 Mark Bentley/Ed Bentley (Ford Fiesta Evo) [E2]
74 Greg Williams/Richard Edwards (Subaru Impreza) [E1]
75 Ashley Dickson/Stephen Joyce (Ford Fiesta R5) [E2]
76 Mark Peterson/Jim Bowie (Peugeot 208 R2) [B]
77 Nathan Evans/Rhys Williams Edwards (Renault Clio Cup) [C]
78 Kyle White/Sean Topping (Peugeot 208 R2) [BRC4]
79 Alex Cannon/Alan Carfrae (Ford Fiesta R2) [B]
80 Terry Pankhurst/Alex Allingham (Ford Escort RS2000) [H]
81 Darren Meadows/James Squires (Mitsubishi Evo) [E1]
82 Josh Evans/Callum Young (Renault Clio) [C]
83 Julian Hope/Neil Chambers (Mitsubishi Evo 7) [E2]
84 Paul Wedgbury/Neil Dashfield (Skodaru Fabia) [E2]
85 Antony Allery/Dan Tribe (Ford Escort RS) [C]
86 Jason Dickson/Martin Brady (Ford Fiesta) [BRC4]
88 Jackson Willett/Robert Burgess (Renault Clio RS) [C]
89 Seamus Morris/Jarlath Kelly (Darrian GTR+) [D]
90 Eamonn Kelly/Conor Mohan (Ford Fiesta Rally 4) [BRC4]
91 Zak Hughes/Ian Beamond (Renault Twingo R2 Evo) [B]
92 Kimberley Stuart Mather/Yvonne Mather (Chrysler Sunbeam Lotus) [H]
93 Paul Gorge/Daniel Hurst (Mazda MX5) [MX5]
94 Christopher Woodward/Tom Bowen (Renault R3) [C]
95 James Boland/John McCay (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [BRC4]
96 Steve Benton/Oliver Benton (Ford Escort Mk II) [C]
97 Rupert Flynn/Jamie Mactavish (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [BRC4]
98 Dave Roberts/Nigel Perkins (Ford Escort Mk II) [D]
99 Danny Davies/Liam McCallion (Vauxhall Corsa) [B]
102 Ben Wilkinson/Andrew Wilkinson (Peugeot 106 Maxi) [B]
103 Paul Steventon/Andy Caldwell (Ford Escort Mk III) [C]
104 Alasdair Stables/Neil Jones (Vauxhall Chevette HSR) [D]
105 Ben Smith/Steven Smith (Ford Escort Mk I) [H]
106 Matt Thompson/Howard Pridmore (BMW Compact) [C]
107 Fraser Anderson/Jack Bowen (Ford Fiesta R2T) [BRC4]
108 James Garner/Sophie Buckland (Ford Escort Escort Mk II) [D]
109 Chris McGurk/Liam McIntyre (Ford fiesta R5 evo) [E2]
110 Kevin John Williams/Andrew Davies (Vauxhall Chevette HSR) [C]
111 Ian Philip Skipp/Russell Joseph (Vauxhall Astra GSi) [C]
112 Thomas Barlow/Robert De Belder (Honda Civic Type R FN2) [C]
113 Ian Woodward/Anthony Rodgers (Ford Escort Mk II GAC) [C]
114 Roger Taylor/Paul Bevan (Ford Escort Mk II) [D]
115 Casey Jay Coleman/Grace O'Brien (Ford Fiesta R4) [BRC4]
116 Finlay Brock/Jonathon Kennedy (Ford Fiesta R2000) [C]
117 Keith Anglesea/Christine Pearson (BMW Compact) [C]
118 Danny Cowell/Jonathan Cragg (Ford Escort) [C]
119 Lewis Gatt/Ian Jones (Ford Escort Mk II) [B]
120 Steve Dolman/Julia Perry (Mazda MX5) [MX5]
121 Johnnie Mulholland/Calum Maguire (Ford Fiesta R2T) [BRC4]
122 Darren James Nugent/Liam Whiteley (Ford Escort Mk II) [D]
123 Richard Kay/Adam Kay (Vauxhall Corsa) [B]
124 Michael Stanley/Shaun Stanley (Subaru Impreza) [E1]
125 Pete Gunson/Jonathan Haynes (Vauxhall Astra) [C]
126 Mike Webb/Robert Bryn Jones (Ford Fiesta) [C]
127 James Hardy/Nick Wilkins (Nissan Micra) [A]
128 John Carroll/Rob Brook (Honda Civic EP3 Type R) [C]
129 Oliver Hunter/Mark Holmes (Ford Escort) [C]
130 Jonathan Jones/Jez Rogers (Ford Fiesta) [BRC4]
131 Rob Jones/Chris Cooke (Ford Fiesta) [A]
132 Steve Casey/Sam Casey (Peugeot 205 GTi) [B]
133 Mike Riley/Phil Gough (Ford Escort) [C]
134 Mike Watson/Adrian Lloyd (Ford Sierra Cosworth) [D]
135 Kevan Wilson/James Worth (Talbot Sunbeam Lotus) [C]
136 Howard Alexander/Martin Young (Ford Focus) [B]
137 Nigel Brain/Catherine Jenny Brain (Mazda MX5) [MX5]
138 David Forrester/Ian Nichols (Peugeot 205 GTi) [B]
139 John Wood/Richard Wood (Ford Sapphire Cosworth) [E1]
140 Stu Mclaren/John Anderson (OPEL KADETT GT/E) [H]
141 Daniel Poole/Irvine Holtom (Peugeot 205 GTi) [C]
142 Stephen Johansen/Lewis Griffiths (Mazda MX5) [MX5]
143 Kevin Gilgrist/Harry Stubbs (Ford Fiesta ST) [C]
144 Chris Cooper/Victoria Swallow (Mazda MX5) [MX5]
145 Kay Thompson/Charlotte Wainwright (Nissan Micra) [A]
146 Michael Jones/Phil Jones (Peugeot 205) [B]
147 Brendan Leonard/Matthew Baddeley (Ford Fiesta ST) [C]
148 Enda O'Brien/Ian Davis (VW Polo R5) [E2]
149 Kiaran Hankin/Peter Whiteside (Ford Fiesta R2t) [B]
150 Barrie Marshall/Oliver Marshall (Nissan Micra) [A]
151 Chrissy Palmer/Toby marshall (Mazda MX5) [MX5]

Classes
A - 2WD Cars up to and including 1400cc
B - 2WD Cars between 1401cc and 1600cc
C - 2WD Cars between 1601cc and 2000cc
MX5 - All Mazda MX5 cars between 1595cc and 2010cc
D - 2WD Cars above 2001cc
E1 - 4WD Cars fitted with a H-Pattern Gearbox
E2 - All other 4WD Cars
H - Classic Class
GT - GT cars in accordance with R46.4 or FIA R/GT Regulations
BRC1 - Cars competing in and complying with BRC regulations for BRC1
BRC3 - Cars competing in and complying with BRC regulations for BRC3
BRC4 - Cars competing in and complying with BRC regulations for BRC4
BRC5 - Cars competing in and complying with BRC regulations for BRC5

Entries Received

Posted: May 6, 2021 5:52 AM

www.rallies.info/webentry/2020/neilhoward/

Oulton Park to host British Rally Championship opener

Posted: May 6, 2021 5:45 AM

See:

2021 British Rally Championship

New Date - (Mon) 31 May 21

Posted: May 6, 2021 5:31 AM

Event will take place on Monday 31st of May (UK bank holiday)

Event Postponed

Posted: January 5, 2021 4:58 PM

"In light of the announcement made by the UK Government yesterday and discussion with Motorsport Vision and the relevant organising clubs, we have taken the unfortunate decision to call a temporary halt to 2020-21 calendar. That means that in addition to Round 2 being postponed, Round 3 at Cadwell Park and Round 4 at Oulton Park have also unfortunately been postponed.

We are currently working with Motorsport UK, Motorsport Vision and all organising clubs to explore all avenues to ensure the Championship resumes. We are working through a revised calendar of events to ensure all 8 rounds of the Championship can take place which will announce in due course."

NEIL HOWARD STAGES POSTPONEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT - NEW DATE - (Sat) 6 Feb 21

Posted: November 2, 2020 4:03 PM

"In light of the announcement made by the UK Government on Saturday regarding an impending England-wide lockdown, both Bolton-Le-Moors Car Club and Motorsport Vision have made the very difficult decision to postpone next week’s Neil Howard Stages in a/w Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors.

The event had been due to take place at Oulton Park on 7th November.

We are all understandably disappointed at having to make this decision with less than 7 days until the event, but given the changes in the situation, we are left with no other option. We wish to thank everyone who committed to the event, especially the many people who have given up hundreds of hours already in organising.

As a result of this decision, the event will move to its reserve date on Saturday 6th February 2021. We will now turn our attentions to ensuring the event can run smoothly then.

Further details about the event in February will follow."

The Organisers

Entries Received / On Line Entry / Regulations / Details

Posted: September 19, 2020 9:13 AM

www.rallies.info/webentry/2020/neilhoward/

Neil Howard Stages

Bolton-Le-Moors Car Club