The Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship makes its eagerly awaited return to gravel this weekend [30 August] for the Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Rally, the penultimate round of the 2025 season, and one that could well decide this year’s champion.
After the twists and turns of the Scottish Argyll asphalt, the championship heads back to a forest setting, with classic Welsh stages around Newtown, including legendary tests such as Hafren and Tarenig, providing a fitting battleground as the series enters the final phase of the year in the woods; just the Trackrod Rally Yorkshire remains after the weekend.
At the head of the standings, Barry “Baz” Jordan sits on the cusp of history. The Mitsubishi Galant VR4 driver has been the man to beat in Category 4 [cars registered between 1982 and 1990] this year, taking victory on every appearance.
With the BHRC’s category-based points system in play, it could be that Jordan and co-driver Arwel Jenkins can clinch the 2025 BHRC title, but the connotations across the categories are far-reaching so all eyes will be on the points-paying positions across the day.
In addition, with the Woodpecker’s fast gravel and unforgiving tests, Jordan will need to keep his consistency if he is to convert opportunity into glory.
The wider fight remains just as captivating. Category 3 [cars registered between 1975 and 1981] has been the most fiercely contested class of the season, with David Crossen/Ben Teggart, Daniel Mennell/John Roberts, and Will Rowlands/Emyr Hall each notching up wins in their Ford Escort MKII’s.
Category 2 [cars registered between 1968 and 1975] sees Drew Struthers/Iain Thorburn roll out their Hillman Avenger, and will be joined by Andy Wolfe/James Crook’s Escort MK1 in the category.
In Category 4, while Jordan is the favourite, he won’t have things all his own way. Paul Clayton and Veera Johnson bring out their trusty Peugeot 205 GTi for another points haul. The lighter, less powerful machinery may face a tall order against the four-wheel drive Galant, but on Welsh gravel, anything can happen.
Category 5 [cars registered between 1991 and 1999] sees Phil Hall and Nathalie Rutten return with their distinctive Skoda Favorit.
