HRCR Masters the Wilson

After a frustrating start to the West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge, which saw the opening two rounds cancelled due to storm damage in Wales, the championship finally roared into action at the Malcolm Wilson Rally in Cumbria. Thanks to the event organisers stepping in to accommodate the Reis Motorsport Insurance supported series, a handful of committed crews took on the smooth forest stages in what turned out to be perfect rallying conditions.

Wheeler & Pickavance Take Top Honours

Despite never having rallied in these forests before, Baz Wheeler and co-driver John Pickavance emerged as the top performers of the day. Their run was nearly derailed when they got baulked on one stage, a setback that could have been costly had Stefaan Stouf managed to close the gap. Stouf, while not registered for the Challenge, had Guy Weaver on the notes, and with just six seconds separating them at the finish, it was a battle to the very end.

Rounding out the top three Challenge crews were Lee Ashberry and Ian Jones, who enjoyed a trouble-free run in their stunning Group 4 Ford Escort RS1800.

Class Wins & Strong Performances

It was a long journey north for Dave Peters and Andrew Richards, but the trip paid off as they secured maximum class D3 points in their Ford Escort RS2000. Similarly, fellow Southwest-based crew Freddy Camp and Stephen Spear had an impressive outing, taking top points in class C2 in their Mk1 Ford Escort 1600, putting themselves in a strong position for the season ahead.

Dixies Challenge Up Next

With the first round now in the books, attention turns to the Dixies Challenge in early May, where a much larger field of Stage Masters Challenge crews is expected to compete. With momentum building, the championship is finally hitting its stride—expect more classic rally action in the coming weeks!