Ford leads quality East Riding Stages Rally field
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The seeded entry list for the 2026 East Riding Stages Rally has been announced. With the cream of British rallying represented throughout the order, this year’s rally promises quality from car 1 to car 160.
Leading the field away, James Ford/Neil Shanks are one of the UK’s most accomplished rally crews. A former BTRDA champion and a regular front runner on national events, Ford combines outright speed with experience and consistency. His presence at the head of the field underlines just how competitive this year’s East Riding Stages Rally is set to be.
Last year's winners celebrating on the podium - who will take the crown this year? Photo: Rally Media UK
Among the standout entries are key event sponsors who continue to back the rally both on and off the stages. James Sparrow of Sparrow Recovery lines up in his spectacular Subaru Impreza WRC and these iconic machines are always crowd favourites. Sparrow Recovery plays a vital operational role in the event, supporting vehicle recovery and logistics throughout the weekend, ensuring that the rally runs safely and efficiently. James’s continued commitment both as a competitor and sponsor is hugely valued by the organising team.
Ken Sturdy of Spectrum returns in his striking Avenger, having finished and impressive 60th overall in last year's British Rally Championship field. Spectrum produces the rally’s essential paperwork, including the detailed road book used by every competing crew, forming a crucial part of the event.
The rally’s charity partnership is represented by ambassadors Paul Train and Ian Jarvis, who will compete while supporting this year’s chosen charity, Marie Curie Cancer Care. Volunteers will be collecting for Marie Curie on Saturday night at the ceremonial start and again on Sunday at the Westwood stage, giving spectators the opportunity to contribute while enjoying the action.
At the sharp end of the field are several leading contenders from the Motorsport UK Protyre Asphalt Championship. The East Riding Stages Rally remains a key round for championship competitors, and their presence guarantees a high speed, hard fought battle for honours across the weekend.
Beyond the headline names, there is plenty for rally fans to get excited about throughout the order. Phil House’s Aston Martin brings something truly different to the entry, adding style and variety among the more traditional rally machinery. The seeded list also includes rapid Escorts, modern Rally2 machinery, and a strong mix of historic and modified entries, ensuring there is something to thrill every type of rally enthusiast.
Clerk of the Course Matthew Atkinson said:“This is one of the strongest seeded entry lists we have ever produced. From James Ford at car 1 right through the field, the quality is exceptional. We are proud to welcome back our sponsors, championship contenders and charity partners, and we are looking forward to delivering a safe, competitive and exciting rally for competitors and spectators alike.”
About the East Riding Stages Rally
Spectator information for the East Riding Stages Rally is available at www.bdmc.org.uk/spectators, where you can find everything you need to plan your visit, from hotels to parking.
For the first time, we are offering reserved parking on the Westwood, close to the stage. You can also follow our social media channels throughout the weekend for live updates, key information, and the latest news from the event.
The East Riding Stages Rally continues to work with Carbon Positive Motorsport to mitigate the event’s carbon footprint and spectators are invited to offset their own travel as part of the rally’s commitment to supporting the long-term sustainability of motorsport at carbonpositivemotorsport.com
Spectator Guide
The rally takes place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February. For your safety, please remain in official viewing areas and follow the marshal's instructions at all times.
Timetable
Saturday 21 February
18:00 Ceremonial Start at North Bar Within
18:15 Westwood Superspecial Stage
Sunday 22 February
08:30 Ceremonial restart at the FanZone in Beverley Saturday Market
11:15 Westwood Superspecial Stage
15:00 Ceremonial Finish and Awards Presentation at the FanZone
Access
The Ceremonial start, the Westwood Superspecial Stage and the FanZone in Saturday Market are all within walking distance.
Access for wheelchair users is step-free from the Fanzone and North Bar Within, all the way to the Westwood Superspecial Stage.
Care should be taken near Saturday Market between 16:00 and 19:00 while the market traders are packing up.
Parking
Parking is available to reserve close to the Westwood Superspecial Stage at £10 per car. Town Centre Parking can be found at these locations - please do not park in Beverley Saturday Market on Saturday evening while the market traders are packing away.
Further spectator information for the East Riding Stages Rally is available at www.bdmc.org.uk, with updates and key information shared across the rally’s social media channels throughout the weekend.
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