Having finished third in 2024 and runner-up by just 2.6 seconds last year, Meirion Evans returns to the Nicky Grist Stages (Saturday 11 July) determined to finally claim his maiden major gravel rally victory aboard the Castrol MEM Rally Team Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
Co-driven by Dale Furniss, Meirion came within touching distance of victory last year, after losing 12 seconds with a spin on the opening stage.
He has already finished runner-up on two Welsh gravel events this year (Rally North Wales and the Severn Valley Rally) and with the second half of the British Rally Championship beginning on the Grampian Forest Rally in August, the Nicky Grist Stages provides the perfect opportunity to continue his gravel preparations.
“I always look forward to the Nicky Grist Stages,” says Meirion.
“The stages are some of the best and having them on the doorstep makes it a rally I find hard to miss. It’s a nice format and without championship pressure it’s a great opportunity to build the sharpness on gravel again”
Meirion will face strong opposition from Protyre Autocare BTRDA Rally Series title contenders Elliot Payne/Patrick Walsh (Ford Fiesta Rally2), Daniel Sigurdarson/TBC (Škoda Fabia Rally2) and Russ Thompson/Stephen Link (Ford Fiesta Proto) – to name but a few.
The leading Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship crews will also be in action, including Liam Clark/Michael Gilbey (Ford Fiesta Rally2), Dan O’Brien/Liam Regan (Ford Fiesta Rally2) and Bob Morgan/Ade Williams (Škoda Fabia R5).
Also aiming for victory will be the reigning BTRDA and Welsh champions Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear in their Pirelli-shod Delta Salvage/Witham Motorsport/Speedline Corse Škoda Fabia R5.
Organised by Quinton Motor Club, the event features 44 competitive stage miles across Monument (named Ian’s Monument in memory of the event’s Chief Marshal), Crychan (named ‘Bowlsey’ in honour of the late Pete Bowles), Halfway and Route 60.
Seeded Entries close at 8pm today (Friday 26 June) and Final Entries close on Wednesday 8 July.
