The Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship blasts back into life this weekend as the Riponian Stages Rally [8 February] once again hosts the opening round of the ever-popular series.
Sponsored by Fuchs Lubricants for the eleventh season, the UK’s premier Historic Rally Championship builds on recent developments to the calendar and scoring structure, ensuring fierce competition across every category and giving all registered crews a genuine shot at claiming the coveted British Historic Rally Championship crown.
The new season contains eight rounds on a mix of both gravel and asphalt surfaces, and the traditional Yorkshire curtain-raiser provides the perfect stage for crews to launch their 2026 title campaigns.
Renowned for its fast, flowing forest stages and often wintry conditions, the Riponian has become synonymous with the start of the BHRC calendar, and this year promises no different.
A strong and varied field lines up for the season opener, with a mixture of proven champions, event specialists and eager title hopefuls all aiming to make an early statement. Former winners and past champions are well represented, alongside rapid local crews and returning challengers determined to hit the ground running in 2026.
Reigning champions Baz Jordan and Arwel Jenkins lead a gaggle of Category 4 [Cars Registered 1982 – 1990] machinery in their Mitsubishi Galant VR4.
After a consistent 2025, Jordan will be eager to repeat his title win, but he has George Lepley/Dafydd Evans to contend with in similar machinery. James Lepley and Tom Jordan are set to make their Category 5 [Cars Registered 1991 – 1999] debut, giving their Mitsubishi Evo IV its maiden BHRC outing and marking a third four-wheel-drive challenger in the series.
The Category 3 [Cars Registered 1975 – 1981] fight is likely to have a different look in 2026, with new challengers going into battle with fresh-faced newcomers.
Regulars Nick Elliott and Dave Price return for another attempt in their FIAT 131 Abarth, heading a resurgence of the Italian brand with BHRC debutants Jack Mathewson and Chris Williams kicking off their BHRC campaign in Yorkshire. A switch to a 131 for regular Adrian Hetherington and co-driver Hamish Campbell brings the total of three FIAT’s to the event in an exciting evolution of the category.
But for the Ford Escort MKII fans, there is plenty to be excited about with former champion Ben Friend joining forces with Osian Owen for 2026. Richard Hill/Patrick Cooper return after a season away, whilst 2025 Category 3 runners-up Paul Thompson/Josh Davison aim for a solid start to the year on home soil.
Category Two [cars registered between 1968 and 1975] will see the likes of Jeremy Easson and Mike Reynolds [Escort MK1] take on last year’s Category 1 champions Terry Cree and Richard Shores [BMW 2002Ti], Ben and Steven Smith [Porsche 911] and Tim Jones/Yvonne Walton [Escort MK1].
Six classic forest stages, including the ever-popular Cropton and Gale Rigg, will test crews throughout Sunday, with over 44 competitive miles in store before the champagne finish in Thirsk.
