The Severn Valley Stages made a spectacular return to the British rallying calendar this weekend [11 April], delivering a thrilling 51st edition of the rally and providing the curtain-raiser to the 2026 Motorsport UK British Rally Championship.
Based in Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells, the popular gravel event, supported by Axon Commercial Catering Equipment, welcomed almost 120 crews and featured a stacked entry list across multiple championships, including the Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship, Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, HRCR Stage Masters and TCS Plant Rally Series.
After a packed ceremonial start in Llandrindod Wells on Friday night, which saw the public mingling with the stars and grabbing autographs, crews tackled over 50 miles of demanding stages, which were headlined by the iconic Myherin complex. Seven tests in total included a punishing 18-mile finale, providing a dramatic conclusion to the day’s action.
And the weather would play its part too during rally day. Spells of sunshine were interspersed with ravaging snow, hail and rain to add to the challenging conditions and make the surface a treacherous offering for the drivers.
It was a dream return for Osian Pryce and co-driver James Morgan, who stormed to victory on home soil in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Adding to Pryce’s 2024 victory at the Severn Valley Stages, the Welshman was locked in a fierce battle throughout the event and proved beyond doubt his pace and experience on the Welsh gravel to secure a memorable win.
“Honestly, I’m very happy”, exclaimed Pryce at the finish.
“It’s so good to be back! It’s much easier coming back here with the title in hand; you can just relax and enjoy it! James and MEM have done a great job in getting me comfortable in this car. I think that’s been the key, and you know, to set a fastest time for the first time out in the car, I’m more than happy with that. From my side, I’ve got a bit of work to do with my driving to get used to the car, but no, I’m very happy”.
Pryce faced stiff opposition from fellow Welshman and teammate Meirion Evans. With Dale Furniss alongside in their Yaris, the pair pushed hard throughout the day, keeping Pryce on his toes. Evans’ strong form, evident in his recent Rally North Wales success, ensured he kept the pressure on, offering up an intense battle at the front, eventually finishing second.
Garry Pearson and Hannah McKillop led the M-Sport Ford charge in their Ford Fiesta Rally2, rounding out a competitive podium after recovering from an early spin. Making his Severn Valley debut, Max McRae impressed on his first outing at the event. The son of 1995 BRC champion Alister, Max, co-driven by Cammy Fair, continued his rapid rise in the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 to take fourth, which could have easily been higher, but for a puncture on the fourth test.
Scottish Rally Championship front-runner Scot MacBeth, with Ross Whittock alongside, also featured strongly, rounding out the top five in their Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. Liam Clark and Michael Gilbey took the Interclub category win and top Welsh Championship points.
In the Historic category, the event delivered its usual spectacle as Marty McCormack thrilled fans with his BMW E30 M3. Continuing its development on gravel, McCormack and co-driver Barney Mitchell took back-to-back British Historic Rally Championship wins.
Organised by Midland Manor Motor Club, the rally’s return after a year’s hiatus was warmly received by fans, who lined the forests at Sarnau and Myherin to witness the action firsthand. The ceremonial start and finish at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells once again proved a popular hub, bringing competitors and spectators together to celebrate the event’s return to action.