The 2025 Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship (BHRC) is set for a spectacular conclusion this weekend, as the Trackrod Rally Yorkshire brings the curtain down on a season that has delivered ultra-close competition and a notable first for the series.
With its iconic stages in and around the Dalby forest complex, including the traditional blast through the woods under the cover of darkness on Friday night, the Trackrod remains one of the most evocative events on the calendar. A staple of British rallying history, it has often provided decisive moments in championship battles, and 2025 looks no different.
At the penultimate round, the Woodpecker Rally, Barry “Baz” Jordan and Arwel Jenkins etched their names into BHRC folklore.
Steering their Mitsubishi Galant VR4, they wrapped up the overall championship crown with a round to spare. In doing so, they became the first crew to win the BHRC title in four-wheel drive machinery, a landmark moment for a series long dominated by two-wheel drive heroes.
While the top spot is already secured, the championship is far from settled. The fight for the remaining podium places overall, and the still undecided category titles, means the Trackrod will carry major significance.
If one battle defines the 2025 season, it is Category 3 [cars registered 1975–1981]. Four different winners across the campaign have ensured a constantly shifting title race, and fittingly, it will all be decided in Yorkshire.
Local driver Paul Thompson, partnered by Josh Davison, leads the standings thanks to relentless consistency, scoring points on every round and never putting a wheel too far wrong.
That measured approach means he starts the finale with just a half-point advantage over fellow Yorkshireman Dan Mennell. Mennell, co-driven by John Roberts, has enjoyed a breakout season, regularly mixing it with the quickest Escort MkII crews and proving himself as one of the championship’s rising stars.
Behind them, David Henderson, who impressed with his speed earlier in the season, still has an outside shot at stealing the title should misfortune strike the leaders. With David Crossen absent, Henderson’s chances have improved, though he will need both pace and luck on his side in Dalby.
Category 2 [cars registered 1968–1974] is also finely poised. Tim Pearcy and Andrew Boswell arrive in Yorkshire with the narrowest of margins over Drew Struthers and Iain Thorburn.
Their Ford Escort Mk1 and Hillman Avenger respectively, have traded blows throughout the year, and the Trackrod will serve as the ultimate decider.
