Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver William Creighton came agonizingly close to securing the Probite British Rally Championship (BRC) title, finishing second after an electrifying battle at the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally on October 26. In a high-stakes, winner-takes-all season finale, Creighton and co-driver Liam Regan fought tooth and nail, only to see their championship hopes dashed by the narrowest of margins in the forests of North Wales.
A fierce fight for the crown
Creighton, piloting an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2, showcased incredible pace across seven world-class stages, keeping himself within touching distance of the championship title throughout the rally. Right from the opening stage, the intensity was palpable as he sat just 0.9 seconds off the lead. Even on the demanding Clocaenog test—the rally’s longest stage at over 14 miles—Creighton stopped the clock just 0.4 seconds shy of the fastest time.
The fight remained razor-close all morning. Creighton matched the fastest time on the final morning stage, leaving him just five seconds off the rally lead—and, crucially, the championship title. With everything still on the line heading into the afternoon stages, the battle for glory was heating up.
In the tightest of margins, Creighton found himself only 0.3 seconds behind rival Chris Ingram on the second pass of Clocaenog, setting up a thrilling showdown for the final stages. But rallying is a sport of fine margins, and a costly spin on the very next test saw Creighton’s title hopes slip through his fingers. From that point, he was forced to settle for second in the championship, bringing a gut-wrenching end to a phenomenal campaign.
An emotional finish and reflections
“We tried—we really tried,” said an emotional Creighton at the finish line, reflecting on what had been a challenging yet rewarding season. “It’s been a tough year stepping up into Rally2 machinery, but the car has been fantastic, and to be competing at the top of the BRC with it is just incredible. I’m gutted—we wanted this so badly.”
Despite the heartbreak, Creighton was able to look back with pride: “We were right in the fight all the way to service and had the pace to stay at the front, but I just didn’t have that extra little bit today.”
A season of highs and lows
Creighton’s 2024 BRC campaign was a rollercoaster ride. Early on, he established himself as a championship contender with three consecutive second-place finishes in the opening rounds, taking the lead in the standings. However, his momentum was halted at the Scottish Rally, where multiple punctures derailed his hopes. But Creighton bounced back with a crucial win at Rali Ceredigion, keeping his championship dreams alive and setting up a thrilling four-way fight heading into the Cambrian Rally finale.
“Opportunities like this may only come once in a lifetime, so of course I’m disappointed,” Creighton admitted. “But we gave it everything we had. Congratulations to Chris [Ingram] and Alex [Kihurani]—it’s been a fantastic battle all season.”
A heartfelt Thank You to supporters
Creighton’s journey to the top of the British Rally Championship wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of his team and loved ones.
“A huge thank you to the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy for their incredible support—I wouldn’t be in this position without them,” he said. “And to M-Sport, who worked tirelessly to provide us with such an amazing car. Liam [Regan] has been fantastic all season—his consistency has been instrumental—and I can’t thank him enough.”
Creighton also acknowledged the role his family played in his success: “My family has been relentless in their support, and I couldn’t have achieved any of this without them. Their dedication has been truly amazing, and for that, I am forever grateful.”
Looking Ahead to the Future
Though the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the title still lingers, Creighton remains optimistic about the future.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished this season. We leave with our heads held high, knowing we fought until the very end. Now it’s time to focus on the future and build on everything we’ve learned this year,” Creighton said. “I’ll be working harder than ever to keep progressing and see where the next steps take us.”
A promising talent to watch
While the 2023 BRC crown may have slipped away at the last moment, William Creighton’s campaign has established him as one of the most promising talents in rallying. His resilience, pace, and determination throughout the season have made a mark, and his journey is far from over. As Creighton sets his sights on future challenges, fans can expect more thrilling performances from the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver in the seasons to come.
