The Hills Ford Stages continues to attract strong national and regional backing, with eight championships confirming their support for the 2026 event.
The breadth of championships reflects both the confidence placed in the rally and its appeal across a wide range of competitors, from modern national contenders to historic and club-level entries.
Among those confirmed is the Protyre Motorsport UK National Asphalt Championship, which will once again see the Hills Ford Stages play a key role in the title fight.
Paul Wakely, Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship Co-ordinator, said:
“We’re greatly looking forward to this year’s Hills Ford Stages, as it will bring a wonderful new challenge for competitors and a fitting finale to the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship. It has always been an extremely popular event with our contenders, and with titles up for grabs it’s guaranteed to be an exciting championship showdown.”
Historic competitors will also be well represented, with the HRCR Stage Masters Championship, Roger Albert Clark Historic Asphalt Championship, HRCR Mini Cup, and HRCR Category 1 Championship all confirmed.
From the HRCR Stage Masters perspective, organisers commented:
“We are so pleased that the Hills Ford Stages is back for 2026. Our competitors simply loved it last time — it’s a great challenge while retaining a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.”
The Roger Albert Clark Historic Asphalt Championship will see the Hills Ford Stages host the finale of its inaugural season.
Championship manager Colin Heppenstall said:
“We’re delighted to be finishing the first season of our new historic asphalt championship on the Hills Ford Stages. It looks like being a very successful event and is well placed for lots of competitors. Congratulations to the organising team for rebuilding the rally in a new region — we can’t wait.”
Strong regional championship support comes from the JD Tyres Welsh Tarmac Championship, which will contest the Hills Ford Stages as a double-header event, offering two points-scoring opportunities.
Rob Baldwin, Welsh Association of Motor Clubs Secretary, said:
“Competitors are looking forward to the challenge of a rally set in an area not previously used, with the event forming a double-header and providing two valuable points-scoring opportunities.”
The popular ANWCC Mini Challenge also returns, continuing to provide an accessible route into stage rallying.
Dave V Thomas, Championships Manager, commented:
“ANWCC is pleased and amazed by the enthusiasm from competitors and organisers for the Mini Rally Challenge. It’s an excellent way to get into stage rallying at an affordable level and we see it going from strength to strength.”
Completing the line-up are the TCS Plant Rally Challenge and Celtic Micra Challenge, both welcoming the opportunity to be part of the event.
A spokesperson for the championships said:
“We are delighted to be part of the exciting plans for the 2026 Hills Ford Stages and applaud the forward-thinking approach being taken, recognising the benefits the event will bring to the region.”
Dan, Clerk of the Course for the Hills Ford Stages, said:
“Having eight championships supporting the 2026 event is a real endorsement of the rally’s rebuild. It reflects the confidence competitors and officials have in the event, and we’re focused on delivering a challenging and rewarding rally for everyone involved.
Championships
Protyre MSUK National Asphalt Championship
HRCR Stage Masters Championship
Roger Albert Clark Historic Asphalt Championship
HRCR Mini Cup
HRCR Cat 1 Championship
JD Tyres Welsh Tarmac Championship
ANWCC Mini challenge
TCS Plant Championship and Celtic Micra Challenge
The Hills Ford Stages organising team expects further announcements in due course as preparations for the 2026 event continue.
