The 2025 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship is set to offer an exhilarating seven-round calendar, showcasing some of the world’s best gravel forest stages. Organized by the Welsh Association of Motor Clubs, this series boasts a diverse geographical spread, with four events in mid-Wales, two in the north, and one in the south.
Efficient and exciting rally format
Each round of the Welsh Rally Championship (WNRC) features an ultra-compact, cost-efficient one-day format. Competitors can expect about 45 to 60 stage miles per event, with minimal road mileage, ensuring intense and focused rallying. The exceptional condition of the Welsh stages, maintained by Rally4Wales and its collaboration with landowners, provides a smooth and fast racing surface that has attracted a growing number of participants across various categories.
Diverse competitor base and categories
The championship has seen significant growth in its Historics, Hockly Motorsport 2WD, and 1400 and 57 Tyres Welsh Challenge categories, drawing competitors from Ireland, Scotland, England, the Isle of Man, and Wales. These categories benefit from additional incentives like the David Stokes Historic Challenge award and the Guy Weaver award for co-drivers.
Support for young talent and inclusive class structure
The Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship continues to focus on developing young rally talent, supported by OnThePaceNote and Restruct. The inclusive class structure caters to a wide array of cars and skill levels, potentially expanding further in 2025 to accommodate even more participants.
Points system and championship scoring
Competitors have ample opportunity to make their mark on the leaderboard, with points awarded to the top 22 drivers and co-drivers. The best five scores from the seven rounds will count towards determining the overall and class champions.
The 2025 calendar: A tour through Welsh rally stages
The season kicks off with the Get Jerky Rally North Wales on March 29, organized by Wolverhampton & South Staffs Car Club and featuring stages in Gartheiniog, Dyfi, and Dyfnant forests. Following this, the Rallynuts Severn Valley Stages on April 12, and the Plains Rally on May 17, traverse various challenging terrains across Wales.
Mid-season events include the Nicky Grist Stages on July 12 and the Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Stages on August 30, each offering unique challenges and scenic routes through classic Welsh forests.
The season nears its climax with the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally on October 25 and concludes with the Wyedean Rally on November 15, promising a fitting finale along the picturesque Wales/England border.
2025 Championship Calendar Overview
01: March 29: Get Jerky Rally North Wales
02: April 12: Rallynuts Severn Valley Stages
03: May 17: Plains Rally
04: July 12: Nicky Grist Stages
05: August 30: Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Stages
06: October 25: Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally
07: November 15: Wyedean Rally
This upcoming season of the Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship promises intense competition and thrilling rally action across some of the most renowned gravel forest stages in the world.