The East Riding Stages Rally 2025 is set to kick off the motorsport season in spectacular style on Sunday, 23 February 2025
The opening round of the Probite British Rally Championship (BRC) and the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship has a stellar entry list of top-tier drivers and teams, promising high-octane action across East Yorkshire.
Leading the charge is Chris Ingram, the reigning British Rally Champion, who brings his championship-winning form to the first round of the season. Piloting his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, co-driven by Alex Kihurani, Ingram will face fierce competition as he begins his title defence against a field packed with talent and determination.
Photo: Rally Media UK
Joining the lineup is Callum Black, the 2024 Asphalt Rally Champion, fresh from a dominant season. Known for his mastery of tarmac stages, Black, together with co-driver Jack Morton, will be one to watch as they return in their Ford Fiesta Rally2, aiming to continue their winning streak.
Photo: Rally Media UK
New to the event is Charlie Mathewson, a rising star and double Formula 1000 Junior Rally Champion. The 2025 East Riding Stages marks his first senior rally, a major step forward in his motorsport career. After excelling in the Formula 1000 Junior Rally Championship, which showcases young talent in 1-litre cars, Mathewson now faces the challenge of stepping up to senior-level competition in his Vauxhall Astra, alongside co-driver Ian Bass.
Adding further excitement is Matthew Hirst, a rising force in British rallying who has quickly made a name for himself with his raw speed and technical skill. Hirst, driving a Ford Fiesta Rally2, co-driven by Declan Dear, has delivered impressive performances across national rallies, taking victories in challenging conditions. Known for his fearless driving style, Hirst is widely regarded as one of the championship's most exciting prospects and a strong contender for the top spot.
Photo: Rally Media UK
For the first time, event founder Richard Vincent will compete on the rally, finally stepping into the co-driver’s seat alongside fellow Beverley and District Motor Club member Andy Rowe. After dedicating the past three years to establishing the event, Vincent will join double Flanders International Rally Challenge champion Rowe in his Mitsubishi Evo IX.
Rally legend Jonny Milner, a two-time British Rally Champion, will take to the stages in his flame-spitting Toyota Corolla WRC, with co-driver Duncan McMath. Milner remains a fan favourite, and brings a wealth of experience to the event.
Photo: Rally Media UK
The rally has also inspired a new generation of competitors, with a number of first-time drivers and co-drivers set to make their debuts this year, inspired by the accessibility of the East Riding Stages, which continues to act as a launchpad for fresh talent in British motorsport.
Local drivers include Ben Wilkinson, the 2024 BDMC Stage Rally Driver Champion, representing BDMC in his Peugeot 106 Maxi, and Ian Jarvis, taking on the rally in his Mitsubishi Evo 9, alongside co-driver Paul Train. Both drivers are looking to deliver strong performances in front of their home crowd.
Matthew Atkinson, Clerk of the Course, commented, "Hosting both the British Rally Championship and the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship in the East Riding is a significant milestone. I’m really looking forward to seeing the action unfold on the stages. With such a competitive lineup, it promises to be an exhilarating start to the 2025 season."
In addition to opening the British Rally Championship and the Asphalt Rally Championship, once again the event joins the AS Performance North of England Tarmacadam Rally Championship as round two, and also features in the Proflex Shock Absorbers ANCC Stage Rally Championship, the ANWCC Stage Rally Championship, and the SD34 Stage Rally Championship.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, 23 February 2025
Location: Beverley Saturday Market, Beverley Westwood, Holderness
Full Entry List: bdmc.org.uk/competitors
Get Involved: Volunteer as a Marshal at the East Riding Stages Rally
We’ve got a fantastic entry for this year’s rally, but we rely on dedicated volunteers to make the event happen. Marshals play a crucial role in keeping the rally running smoothly and safely.
Chief Marshal Jon Binns commented: "The recruitment of our orange army of volunteer marshals is going well. That said, we can always use more help, so if anyone is available to marshal, we’d be delighted to have them join us. It’s a great way to experience rallying up close while contributing to a top-tier motorsport event.”
If you’d like to be part of the action, sign up today via rallystageteam.co.uk or visit bdmc.org.uk/marshals for more information.
An Incredible Spectator Experience
The East Riding Stages Rally is an incredible experience for fans, whether you're a seasoned rally enthusiast or a first-time spectator. The free FanZone in Beverley’s Saturday Market is the perfect place to meet drivers, take a closer look at the cars, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
To see the action up close, the rally’s free-to-watch Spectator Super Special Stage across Beverley Westwood offers dedicated viewing areas with excellent access and clear views of the cars. Parking and spectator facilities are conveniently located nearby in Beverley town centre. For more information, visit bdmc.org.uk/spectators.
For more information, please contact our press officer
Peter Scherer petersch@live.co.uk
or visit our website www.bdmc.org.uk/east-riding-stages
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