2026 STAGE LOCATIONS REVEALED
For months we’ve talked about a new home and a new chapter for the Hills Ford Stages.
Now, for the first time, we can show you where that chapter will be written.
The action begins on Saturday 19 September at Weston Park, where the Hills Ford Stages Rally Festival brings the rally together for an afternoon of motorsport, displays, activities and four competitive stages within the spectacular Weston Park estate.
Then, on Sunday 20 September, the rally heads onto the closed public roads of Shropshire, with five stages creating the Sunday route through some of the county’s most spectacular countryside.
Cressage. Clee Hill. The Lawley. Dorrington. Linley.
Five very different stages. Five communities welcoming the rally. And with each stage run twice, ten competitive tests will help decide not only the winner of the Hills Ford Stages, but potentially the outcome of several championship battles.
The weekend’s stages are backed by businesses whose support is helping us bring the event to Shropshire:
- Weston Park – GSF Car Parts
- Cressage – Lacey & Owen Architectural Services
- Clee Hill – Get Connected
- The Lawley – R.A. Swann Ltd
- Dorrington – Thomas Panels & Profiles
- Linley – M.A.R Motorsport
heir names stand alongside the communities, residents, farmers, landowners, volunteers and motor clubs whose cooperation has made this event possible.
Today we’re revealing the overall location of the rally stages. Detailed spectator information for Sunday, including official viewing locations, parking and access instructions, will follow separately.
Please do not attempt to identify unofficial viewing locations from this overview map. The safest — and best — way to enjoy the rally will be from the official spectator areas we are preparing for you.
Saturday at Weston Park. Sunday on the closed roads of Shropshire.
The 2026 Hills Ford Stages is almost here.
One weekend. Two very different days. One very big rally.
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DriveWise at Hills Ford Stages | Advanced Driving at Weston Park
The Best Drivers Never Stop Learning – Discover DriveWise at the Hills Ford Stages Rally Festival
What separates a good driver from a great one?
It isn’t the car they drive, how long they’ve held a licence or how many miles they’ve covered.
It’s the willingness to keep learning.
That simple philosophy is at the heart ofDriveWise, an exciting new attraction at this year’sHills Ford Stages Rally Festival, where visitors will have the opportunity to meetShropshire Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists (SAMM), part of IAM RoadSmart, alongside a range of organisations dedicated to improving road safety and driver education.
SAMM has fully embraced the DriveWise initiative and, together with its partners, is creating an engaging and interactive activity zone at Weston Park. Each organisation will showcase its own specialist knowledge through practical displays and hands-on experiences, inspiring visitors to discover that learning never stops and that every driver can continue building the skills, confidence and awareness that make our roads safer.
Taking place atWeston Park on Saturday 19th September, DriveWise brings together rallying, road safety and advanced driving in an engaging, hands-on environment designed to inspire drivers of every age and level of experience.
Whether you’re preparing for your first driving lesson, have recently passed your test or have spent decades behind the wheel, DriveWise demonstrates that becoming a better driver is something we can all continue to develop.
Professional rally drivers are often admired for their speed, but ask any championship-winning crew what makes the real difference and the answer is rarely bravery.
It is observation.
Preparation.
Planning.
Discipline.
The world’s best drivers never stop learning.
The precision and discipline that make championship-winning rally drivers successful are exactly the same qualities that help make Britain’s roads safer every day.
Visitors to the DriveWise Zone will be able to discover how advanced driving develops observation, anticipation and planning, helping drivers recognise hazards earlier, make better decisions and enjoy greater confidence behind the wheel.
Many drivers are surprised to discover that advanced driving isn’t about driving more slowly or taking the enjoyment out of motoring. Better observation and smoother vehicle control can lead to less stressful journeys, improved fuel economy, reduced wear on vehicles and, in some cases, lower insurance premiums.
DriveWise will also featurePathfinder Under 17 Driver Training, where young people can experience driving before reaching legal driving age in a safe and controlled environment, building confidence and responsibility long before they begin driving independently.
Visitors will also be able to meetShropshire Fire and Rescue Service, whose crews witness first-hand the consequences of serious road traffic collisions, andMidlands Air Ambulance Charity, whose critical care teams provide lifesaving treatment at the roadside across the region.
Together, they share one simple message.
Passing your driving test isn’t the end of learning.
It’s only the beginning.
The Media Officer for the Hills Ford Stages Rally said:
“DriveWise is about celebrating great driving, not just great motorsport. Every organisation involved shares the belief that we can all continue learning throughout our driving lives.
Whether you’re preparing for your first lesson or have been driving for forty years, there is always something new to discover. If visitors leave Weston Park inspired to become even safer, more confident drivers, then DriveWise will have achieved exactly what it set out to do.”
DriveWise forms part of theWeston Park Rally Festival, taking place alongside four competitive rally stages, manufacturer displays, trade stands, family attractions and thePATHWAYS – Discover
Because the best drivers never stop learning.
Become the driver your family is proud to travel with.
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Shropshire Council Approves 2026 Hills Ford Stages Rally
The organising team of The Hills Ford Stages welcomes yesterday’s decision by Shropshire Council’s Cabinet to grant the necessary Motor Race Order and Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) required for the 2026 event to proceed.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Cabinet for taking a balanced, democratic approach that carefully considered all perspectives throughout the process.
We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many residents, communities and motorsport supporters who have shown unwavering encouragement over recent weeks. Your messages, comments and public support have been invaluable.
We will continue to work with those who have raised concerns or objections regarding the event and seek suitable mitigation measures where possible and proportionate.
Our focus now turns to delivering an event that Shropshire can be proud of – a top-class closed-road rally that showcases the sport at its best while bringing meaningful benefits and opportunities to the local communities who host and support it.
We invite everyone to follow our official channels as we move into the next phase of planning. We have plenty of exciting updates to share via our website and Facebook page as we continue building the next chapter of The Hills Ford Stages.
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Hills Ford Stages Rally 2026 – Sponsors & Motorsport Support
Returning Sponsors Back the Hills Ford Stages for 2026
The Hills Ford Stages is proud to confirm the continued support of several long-standing partners as we look ahead to the 2026 event. These returning sponsors have been with us throughout the rally’s journey and continue to play a vital role behind the scenes, helping us give more back to competitors, volunteers, and the wider community.
For the Hills Ford Stages, sponsorship has never been just about branding. It’s about partnerships, shared values, and supporting those who back us to deliver a a real impact for all — both on and off the stages.
M.A.R Motorsport “We are delighted to continue our involvement with the Hills Ford Stages. Motorsport is at the heart of what we do, and the team’s professionalism and relationship management has been second to none. Supporting events like this helps drive the passion and excitement of rallying forward.”
R.A. Swann
Returning once again as a key supporter of the rally, bringing with them a deep connection to motorsport. Managing Director Rob Swann competes internationally, and that passion for rallying has translated into meaningful support for the event. As both sponsors and competitors, they understand what makes a rally work.
Cherry Rock A familiar name to the rally, Geoff Phelps of Cherry Rock has been a quiet but crucial supporter for many years. A respected competitor and a great friend to the team, Geoff knows first-hand what it takes to both run and compete on these roads. We hope to see him back out on the stages again in the future.
Clerk of the Course Dan said: “It’s great to have sponsors who support the event for a variety of reasons — whether that’s because they compete themselves, want to give back to a local event, or see real value in building long-term partnerships. Our returning sponsors are a huge part of what allows us to keep improving the rally year on year.”
As preparations continue for 2026, the Hills Ford Stages team would like to thank all returning partners and our friends for their trust and continued support.
And there’s more to come — we’re busy finalising several additional sponsors and partners and can’t wait to share those announcements with you soon.
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Knocked Back, Not Knocked Out!
We’re gutted not to be running this year’s rally—no one feels that more than the team. But with so much uncertainty, we had to make the tough call. We couldn’t ask competitors, volunteers, or fans to commit financially, especially when there was a real risk of cancellation. For some, choosing our event could have meant missing out on championship points elsewhere. And with some crews travelling from overseas, the stakes—and the costs—were even higher.
We’ve been genuinely humbled by the outpouring of support over these past few months. That only made it more important to protect those who back us—our competitors, marshals, sponsors, and fans—from avoidable losses.
But this isn’t the end. Far from it. Planning for the next Hills Ford Stages has already been underway for some time. We’re in active discussions, exploring new ideas, and shaping an event we know you’ll be excited for.
This is just a pause, not a full stop. Stick with us—big things are on the horizon.
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Bosbury Celebrates New Play Area with Rally Team in Attendance
The Hills Ford Stages Rally team joined the celebrations at the opening of a fantastic new play area in Bosbury, hosted by Bosbury and Coddington Group Parish Council.
The ribbon was cut by British mountain biking champion Liam Killeen, with around 150 local residents turning out to enjoy the sunshine, smiles and a fun-filled Easter egg hunt for the children.
“We know we only played a small part in sponsoring the play area,” said Dan, Clerk of the Course. “But it’s great to see something tangible and meaningful come from our support for the parishes that help make the rally happen.”
The play park has already become a well-used and much-loved space, with the Parish Council receiving brilliant feedback from local families.
Other contributors to the project included Platform Housing Group, The Helping Hand Company, The Oak Inn Staplow, Tesco Stronger Starts, The Bell Inn Bosbury, Haygrove, Adhisthana, Sarah Hawkins, Anne & John May, Christine Allen, and the National Lottery Community Fund.
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Andy Landy Motorsport brings a unique perspective to the Hills Ford Stages Rally.
As Andy Landys Managing Director, Andy Price not only competes in his Mini but also calls the rally’s surroundings home. As a resident of Marcle Hill, Andy has the rare opportunity to experience the event both from behind the wheel and from his own doorstep—quite literally.
“I rally for fun, as my personal passion, and the standard of the event and the managing team shine through,” says Andy. “In 2024, with the stage running right past my house, we had a car issue on this stage and ended up stopping outside my driveway. I was very tempted to stop for a cup of tea or just park up and watch the rally myself,” he laughs, but carried on!
Beyond the thrill of competition, Andy is committed to supporting the event and its positive impact on the local community. Andy Landy Motorsport has continued their sponsorship for the rally into 2025, to support both motorsport and the surrounding region.
“Putting a bit of sponsorship into the rally is a no-brainer for me, I know it’s going to benefit our local community in many ways” he adds.
“Andy has been a fantastic supporter of the rally and has joined us last year for our Resident Meet Us sessions, even chipping in to make a brew for everyone. His local knowledge has been so important,” said Dan Lister, C.O.C of the rally.
The Hills Ford Stages continues to grow as a premier motorsport event, and the involvement of competitors like Andy Landy Motorsport, who have a deep connection to the local area, showcases the rally’s importance both on and off the stages.
The organising team are constantly building on the excellent work done in 2024 and are expanding their efforts to work closely with local businesses and the community in 2025.
To know more about Andy Landy Motorsport and the work they do including:
– Classic Vehicle restoration.
– Race and Rally car services.
– Horse Trailer servicing and repairs.
– Lanoguard application service.
Visit https://andylandy.co.uk/
Hillcot Farm,
Much Marcle,
Ledbury,
HR82PF
For the latest updates, follow us on social media – facebook.com | Instagram | Youtube
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Building Long Term Partnerships: Hills Ford Kidderminster continue their long support into 2025
Local Ford dealership Hills Ford has reaffirmed its commitment to the Hills Ford Stages Rally, continuing as Naming Rights and Title Sponsor for the 2025 event. Following the success of last year’s rally, there’s been a lot of behind-the-scenes work to ensure 2025 is even better. The team at Rally HQ extends their heartfelt thanks for Hills Ford’s ongoing support. This enduring partnership underscores the dealership’s dedication to both motorsport and the local community.
The 2024 rally marked a significant milestone, cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s premier closed-road motorsport events. Much of this success can be attributed to the support of Hills Ford, whose involvement goes far beyond financial sponsorship. The dealership has provided critical resources, including setup vehicles and support cars, ensuring the smooth running of the event.
Hills Ford’s connection to motorsport is rooted in a rich history dating back to the early 1970s. Their legacy includes working with legends like Ayrton Senna, who famously tested a Cosworth Sierra (C240 HVW) in Mid Wales in 1983. Today, with dealerships in Malvern and Kidderminster, the Hills family remains passionately involved in the sport, with Will Hill competing in rallies and supporting top drivers such as 2022 British Rally Champion Osian Pryce.
Beyond motorsport, Hills Ford sponsors numerous local initiatives, embodying a philosophy of giving back to the community. By supporting the rally, they’ve helped bring world-class motorsport to the heart of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire—driving tourism, boosting the local economy (to well over £750,000), and inspiring future generations through “Get Involved” initiatives and spotlighting education and employment within the motorsport industry.
“Having Hills Ford on board for 2025 is invaluable,” said Dan Lister, Clerk of the Course for the Hills Ford Stages. “Their support allows us to deepen our community ties and grow the rally’s presence in the region. We’re already planning exciting initiatives to make this year’s event even more engaging.”
Richard Hill, representing Hills Ford, added, “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Stages Rally. Our focus remains on supporting the incredible volunteers, marshals, and local communities who make this event possible. We’re excited about the plans for 2025 and the opportunity to keep motorsport thriving in the region.”
With a commitment to long-term partnerships and community impact, Hills Ford and the Stages Rally are driving the future of motorsport while staying true to their local roots.
For the latest updates, follow us on social media – facebook.com | Instagram | Youtube
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Hills Ford Stages Rally Secures Prime Spot in 2025 Motorsport Calendars
Hills Ford Stages Rally Secures Prime Spot in 2025 Motorsport Calendars
The Hills Ford Stages is thrilled to announce and confirm its inclusion in several prominent championships for the 2025 rally season, solidifying the hard work of the team in making the event a premier UK championship host.
Highlighting its unique appeal, the rally will also feature as a double-header round in two major championships:
- Historic Rally Car Register (HRCR) Mini Cup and Category One Championship
- West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge
In addition, the event has been specially selected as the ‘2025 Special Round’ for the Mini Rally Challenge, promising a “big” and challenging asphalt rally experience that complements the championship’s budget-friendly ethos.
A Showcase of Minis
With two Mini championships confirmed—the Mini Rally Challenge and the HRCR Mini Cup—2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for showcasing these iconic cars.
Terry Frayne, Rally Challenge Coordinator on behalf of the promoters, Maesteg and District Motor Club, shared:
“It looks like 2025 could be a fantastic year for showcasing Minis at the Hills Ford Stages! Having two championships featuring Minis brings a unique charm to the event. It not only highlights the diversity of competitors but also attracts a broader audience, given the enduring popularity of Minis in rallying. With two Mini championships joining us, the Hills Ford Stages is set to become a must-visit event for fans of this iconic rally car. Expect a thrilling lineup of Minis battling it out on challenging asphalt stages!”
Excitement from the Organisers
Dan Lister, Clerk of the Course for the Hills Ford Stages, expressed his enthusiasm:
“We’re thrilled to see the Hills Ford Stages recognised as a key event in the 2025 motorsport calendar. Our team is committed to delivering a challenging and memorable experience for competitors and fans alike, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Ledbury this September.”
Also just in: The rally will host a round of the TCS Plant Rally Challenge 2025, ‘pending MSUK approval’. Terry Frayne noted:
“I am pleased to inform you that the Hills Ford Stages has been selected as a Qualifying Round of the TCS Plant Rally Challenge 2025 and will be submitted to MSUK for approval. We will continue to help raise the profile and funds for Air Ambulance, which we estimate will have exceeded £17,000 by March.”
A Weekend of Motorsport Excellence is Set:
Set against the scenic backdrop of Ledbury, the Hills Ford Stages will kick off with a ceremonial start in the heart of the town. Competitors and fans can look forward to a dynamic mix of fast-paced rally action and a celebratory atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Together with the continued support from the Protyre Asphalt Championship, the Hills Ford Stages truly looks set to pull together a true celebration of UK rallying at its best.
For the latest updates, visit www.Hillsfordstages.co.uk or follow us on social media:
Facebook: @HillsFordStagesRally
Instagram: @HillsFordStages
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Black Dominates Hills Ford Stages to Seal Championship Title
Callum Black and co-driver Jack Morton delivered a stellar performance to retain their Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship title with a commanding victory at the Hills Ford Stages. Driving their Ford Fiesta Rally 2, Black and Morton surged ahead of rivals Neil Roskell and Dai Roberts in the ND Civils Fiesta Rally 2.
The Much-Marcle-based rally also saw Steve Wood and Kenny Hull claim a strong third place in their Citroën C3 R5. The event’s new two-day format proved to be a hit, with 140 crews parading through a bustling Ledbury town centre on Saturday afternoon before tackling the opening two tests on the Castlemorton stage, cheered on by crowds enjoying the sunny weather.
Sunday brought cloudy but dry conditions as competitors faced ten more stages, totalling 63 miles of intense action across the lanes of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire. Despite a tough start that left Black 59th overnight, he stormed through Sunday’s stages, setting the fastest time on every run. Black’s exceptional pace saw him claim victory by a margin of 1 minute and 20 seconds over Roskell, with Wood finishing just three seconds behind in third.
Event sponsor Will Hill, who was eighth overnight, faced disappointment after going off-road on Sunday morning, breaking the rear suspension of his Hills Ford Fiesta Rally 2. Despite repairs, his rally was over. However, Coleford’s Nik Elsmore and Pauline Nash enjoyed a strong run in their CDS Taxis & Calico Interiors Mitsubishi Evo 9, securing 16th overall and third in class.
Ben Friend and co-driver Cliffy Simmons took historic honours in their Allglass Anglia Escort RS1800 after a thrilling duel with Barry Stevenson-Wheeler, clinching the class victory by 19 seconds. Local competitors also shone, with Tim Hill and Paul Spooner finishing 29th and fifth in class in the Hills Ford Fiesta Rally 3.
Other notable finishes included Justin Brooks and Dan Evans, 47th and third in class in their Vauxhall Nova, and Newent’s Geoff Phelps and Colin Jenkins, who claimed 48th and fourth in class in their Hartpury Farms Mk1 Escort. Steve Chaplin and Rich Suter completed a solid 51st and fifth in class in the Dave Jenkins Motorsport Escort RS1800.
Alan Marriage and Kevin Lane, fresh from the Rali Bae Ceredigion, finished 60th and seventh in class, while Kilcot garage owner Jeremy Harris and his daughter Alexandra took 66th and ninth in class in their immaculate Escort Mexico.
Ross father-and-daughter duo Paul and Jemma Taylor had a smooth run, finishing 85th and fourth in class in their Historic Mini. Meanwhile, Richard Thomas and Paul Cook, returning to rallying after 34 years, enjoyed their outing, finishing 89th and second in class in a former road rally Escort.
Andrew Price and Adam Jones debuted the Ledbury-based Andy Landy Mini Cooper, finishing 90th and 11th in class, with the route passing right by Price’s home—a bit of local knowledge certainly helping!
With 106 cars making it to the finish at Much Marcle Showground, the event was once again a highlight of the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship. A special thank you goes to Hills Ford, local authorities, and the supportive residents, who helped make the rally a success and brought valuable revenue to the region.
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