Eight Championships Confirmed for Hills Ford Stages 2026
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.
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From Local Community to World Championship | Hills Ford & Jon Armstrong
For decades, Hills Ford has been a familiar name across Worcestershire, not only as a major local employer but as a family-run business with a long-standing commitment to people, sport and the wider community. From supporting local charities and individuals to backing grassroots and regional motorsport, the dealership has built a reputation for investing well beyond its showroom doors. Rallying, in particular, has remained one of the most visible and enduring expressions of that commitment.
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A worcestershire based family business with decades of involvement in rallying and community support has extended its backing to the world stage, supporting Irish driver Jon Armstrong as he prepares for his first full FIA World Rally Championship season.
For decades, Hills Ford has been a familiar name across the region, not just as a major local employer, but as a business with a consistent record of supporting people, sport and community life well beyond its showroom doors.
From backing local charities and individuals, to supporting grassroots and regional sport, the family run Ford dealership has built a reputation for giving back to the area it serves. Motorsport, however, has long been one of the most visible expressions of that commitment.
The Hill family’s involvement in rallying stretches back more than half a century, be that competing, car preparation or sponsorship in the sport. Their passion has seen Hills prepared cars compete on British stages, on track and even attracted notable visitors — including a young Ayrton Senna, who is remembered as having visited the family during his early career.
Their passions and support continues today through the likes of the Hills Ford Stages Rally, a premier Closed Road Rally that brings the festival of national rallying in from no accessible to public stages and the forests and to local communities, drawing competitors, teams and spectators and tourism, providing economic and social benefits locally.
That same long-term approach of supporting motorsport and people is extending to the world stage.
Hills Ford has announced its backing of Irish rally driver Jon Armstrong as he prepares for his first full season in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2026, competing with M-Sport Ford. Armstrong’s WRC campaign is supported by the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and marks a significant milestone in a career built steadily through junior and European competition.
For Hills Ford the move reflects a familiar pattern, backing individuals as they progress, with an emphasis on development rather than short-term gains.
Armstrong has established himself as one of rallying’s most consistent performers of recent years. A two-time runner-up in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship, he also claimed the 2018 WRC eSports title and went on to secure multiple wins and podium finishes across Europe. In 2025, he finished second overall in the European Rally Championship. A Hard fought championship that attracts some of the worlds best drivers and teams and earning his opportunity to step up to rallying’s highest level.
Armstrong will work closely with Hills Ford throughout the 2026 season, using a range of Ford vehicles and taking part in activities away from the stages alongside his competitive programme. so keep an eye out for him as he may be attending some activities local through the year.
For Hills Ford, the support of a driver reaching the pinnacle of world rallying sits comfortably alongside its continued investment closer to home. From regional events and initiatives to its ongoing role in the Hills Ford Stages.
Speaking about the announcement, Hills Ford director Tim Hill said “Armstrong’s journey through the sport reflected the values the business has long supported, describing his progression as the result of persistence and earned opportunity rather than overnight success.
Armstrong, meanwhile, welcomed the backing as he prepares for the biggest season of his career, noting the importance of having support from a business with a genuine understanding of rallying and its demands.
As preparations build towards the 2026 season, Hills Ford’s involvement at both local and at an international level offers a clear example of how a regional businesses can play a meaningful role in sport and the community — not only by supporting elite competition, but by sustaining the pathways and events that connect world-class motorsport back to the communities where it all begins. There are few businesses that or focused on support over and above just trying to sell cars.
The company are also opening a new site this year in Worcestershire adding job opportunities to the list too
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The 2026 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship
We’re pleased to confirm that the Hills Ford Stages will once again feature on the 2026 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship calendar.
Clerk of the Course Dan and Cheltenham Motor Club Chairman said: “It’s great to see the Hills Ford Stages rounding off the 2026 Protyre Asphalt season. We’re looking forward to welcoming competitors and fans to Shropshire for another challenging and memorable finale.”
Magnificent seven-round 2026 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship calendar unveiled
The 2026 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship is set for a magnificent seven-round showdown spanning England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the Isle of Man – with the calendar featuring familiar favourites (some with new dates, new routes and/or new formats) and an exciting brand-new event location to guarantee a fresh and exhilarating challenge for every competitor.
The UK’s premier sealed-surface series is once again run and promoted by the BTRDA and retains its inclusive class structure, designed to welcome the greatest variety of cars and drivers of all abilities who want to challenge themselves on some of Britain’s best asphalt stages.
Protyre Motorsport – the largest UK supplier of Pirelli, Michelin and Hoosier motorsport tyres – proudly continues as the championship’s title sponsor for an unprecedented ninth consecutive season.
The championship format sees the best five scores from seven rallies count towards the end-of-season points tally, with no double-header rounds.
The 2026 Protyre Asphalt season launches into action on 21/22 February with the East Riding Stages Rally. The BTRDA series will hold top billing at the Beverley & District Motor Club-organised event, which is based in the centre of Beverley and features fantastic closed road stages across East Yorkshire. New for 2026 are four Saturday evening stages run in the dark over the Yorkshire Wolds just to the west of Beverley, providing an extra 18 stage miles and further spectating opportunities, and the remaining 10 stages run in daylight on the Sunday.
Round 2 is the classic Manx Rally on 8/9 May, which returns to its traditional spring date. Organised by Manx Auto Sport, the iconic Isle of Man closed road stages annually attract one of the biggest Protyre Asphalt entries of the season. With superb ferry and accommodation deals, plus significant stage miles, the Manx Rally offers competitors excellent value.
The series then moves to Scotland for Round 3 and the Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally (22/23 May). The Duns-based event will have a new format next year, with 35 stage miles / four stages on Friday evening and 65 stage miles / six stages on Saturday. To help minimise cost and time, registered Protyre Asphalt competitors will have the option to either recce all the stages on the Friday (whilst their cars are being scrutineered) and be ready to start the event later the same day, or recce earlier in the week and do the shakedown stage on Friday.
Round 4 keeps the series in Scotland for the Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally on 19/20 June. The Mull Car Club-organised event ran as a closed road stage rally for the first time in 2021 and has been on the Protyre Asphalt calendar every year since 2022, with picturesque closed road stages held in the stunning Argyll and Bute region.
The focus shifts next to Wales for Round 5 and the Tour of Epynt on 25/26 July. The Port Talbot Motor Club-organised event hosted the final round in 2025, and next year a new date sees it run in the height of summer. There are few more spectacular motorsport venues than Mynydd Epynt on a sunny day, with a promise of fast and sizzling action over the famous rollercoaster military range roads above Sennybridge.
There is also a new date for the penultimate Round 6, with the Down Rally moving from mid-July to 22 August. The Rathfriland Motor Club-organised event is famous for its incredible Northern Ireland closed road stages, including the legendary Hamilton’s Folly, and they’ll play a pivotal role in determining the overall and class titles next year.
The seventh and final round of the series will be the Hills Ford Stages on 19/20 September. This will be a brand-new challenge, as Cheltenham Motor Club moves the event to the Shrewsbury area, with stages in the grounds of historic private estates and through the stunning Shropshire Hills.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the 2026 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship calendar, as it visits all corners of the United Kingdom and contains some of the very best closed road stages available,” says Paul Wakely, Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship Co-ordinator.
“We’ve prioritised the feedback received from our competitors and worked hard to minimise costs where possible. We truly believe this calendar represents a great cost-effective and gripping challenge for those crews who want to compete in the best national asphalt rallies the UK has to offer.
“Kicking off with top billing on the East Riding Stages Rally is a fantastic start, and finishing the year with a brand-new Shropshire-based Hills Ford Stages guarantees a thrilling conclusion. The overall and class champions will have certainly earned their Protyre Asphalt titles!”
“We are delighted to continue our title sponsorship of the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship into a ninth consecutive year, and very much look forward to another action-packed season of rallying,” added Shaun Chetwyn, Protyre Motorsport Manager.
“The 2026 calendar has a good geographical spread of events, with some of the best national asphalt rallies in the UK offering competitors the chance to compete on some of the most iconic roads.
“Protyre Motorsport will once again be on every event to give competitors an unrivalled tyre support package, and we look forward to meeting old and new friends throughout what is guaranteed to be a thrilling 2026 season.”
The 2026 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship Regulations will be published in December.
For more information on the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship, please go to asphaltrallying.com.
2026 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship
21/22 February….East Riding Stages Rally
8/9 May….Manx Rally
22/23 May….Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally
19/20 June….Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally
25/26 July….Tour of Epynt
22 August….Down Rally
19/20 September….Hills Ford Stages
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Cheltenham Motor Club Awarded MSUK Sustainability Accreditation
Cheltenham Motor Club is proud to announce that it has been awarded Motorsport UK’s Sustainability Accreditation, recognising its ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation in motorsport event management.
This national accreditation forms part of Motorsport UK’s Environmental Sustainability Programme, which supports clubs and organisers in reducing environmental impact while promoting positive change across the sport.
The award reflects the Club’s continuous efforts to ensure that the Hills Ford Stages Rally remains one of the most sustainable events on the UK rally calendar. Behind the scenes, the organising team has implemented a range of new practices to significantly reduce the rally’s carbon footprint — including the minimisation of printed materials, the streamlining of logistics, and the adoption of digital systems across event operations.
Beyond these operational improvements, Cheltenham Motor Club has also taken proactive steps to enhance the local environment. Working in partnership with community groups, the rally supports local planting and rewilding initiatives, helping to restore biodiversity and create a lasting positive legacy in the region.
“We’re absolutely delighted to receive this recognition from Motorsport UK,” said Dan, Clerk of the Course for the Hills Ford Stages Rally. “Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and we’re committed to leading by example — showing that motorsport can be both thrilling and environmentally conscious.”
Motorsport UK also congratulated the Club on the achievement, commenting:
“The panel was very pleased to approve Cheltenham Motor Club’s application for Sustainability Accreditation. It’s clear a great deal of work has gone into this, and we’re delighted to confirm that both the Club and the Hills Ford Stages Rally are now fully compliant with the Motorsport UK Sustainable Rally Charter. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Cheltenham Motor Club extends its thanks to all volunteers, partners, and supporters who continue to help make the Hills Ford Stages Rally a benchmark for sustainable motorsport.
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Hills Ford Stages Rally Appoints Clifton Security as Official Security Provider for 2026 Event
The Hills Ford Stages Rally is pleased to announce that Clifton Security has been appointed as the preferred security staff provider for the 2026 rally.
Clifton Security, specialists in event security, will provide a professional and visible presence throughout the event, ensuring the safety and smooth running of the service park and key stage intersections. Their SIA-approved Stewards offer a high standard of professionalism, delivering peace of mind for competitors, officials, and spectators alike.
In addition to in-person security, Clifton Security offers secure key management and rapid emergency response, with detailed incident reporting to its customers.
Dave Arlett, founder of Clifton Security, said:
“We are proud to support the Hills Ford Stages Rally once again. Our team is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone involved, ensuring the event runs smoothly from start to finish.”
With this partnership, the Hills Ford Stages Rally continues to prioritise safety and professionalism, reinforcing its reputation as a well-organised and welcoming motorsport event.
Contact Clifton at
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