Hirst’s Payne in the behind…

At the age of 21, Elliot Payne is on the verge of becoming the first driver in the BTRDA Gold Star® Rally Championship’s 71-year history to claim the title on three consecutive occasions. However, the Reis Motorsport Insurance Motorsport UK English Rally Championship crown is far from a done deal, and the Filey-based Trackrod Forest Stages offers up the next opportunity for the battle to continue.

Courtesy of his victory on the 2023 event, he and co-driver Patrick Walsh (Fiesta Rally2) will be the first to leave the start on Saturday 28th September.

Having led the English Rally Championship throughout the summer, Matthew Hirst’s problems on the Woodpecker Rally allowed Elliot Payne to sneak back in front of him once more. Although the margin is a mere six points, the two drivers are not only fighting for overall honours but they are also in the same class, adding further interest to the eventual outcome.

Following the Trackrod, ERC contenders still have the Wyedean & Grizedale Stages Rallies to look forward to as they attempt to assert their superiority over others in their particular classes. Pat Naylor is 3rd but, with only 25 points (one maximum) between 1st & 10th placed drivers, nothing can yet be described as ‘safe’! One thing that is certain is that there will be a new name on the trophy this year – however, as to exactly whose will remain a closely guarded secret for several weeks yet!…