Creighton and Regan lead BRC title fight into Grampian Forest Rally

Creighton and Regan lead BRC title fight into Grampian Forest Rally

William Creighton and co-driver Liam Regan head to the Voly Grampian Forest Rally tied for the lead of the British Rally Championship as the second half of the season begins next weekend. The Castrol MEM Rally Team crew have been on top since winning the opening round, the East Riding Stages, and backed that up with a win at the Nicky Grist Stages, just ahead of team-mate Meirion Evans.

Creighton and Regan are locked on 43 points with Evans and co-driver Dale Furniss. Both crews have yet to use their Joker bonus round, unlike most of their nearest rivals. Last year, Creighton led the Grampian early on but dropped back to fourth after a puncture. Evans also lost time to a puncture on the same stage and finished sixth.

Both drivers expect a close fight again on the fast Scottish gravel. Creighton says he’s feeling ready after testing and learning more about the Yaris on gravel, with help from the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy.

Creighton said: “We’re all looking forward to the Grampian. The rally has great stages that offer a bit of everything. Although the event will use a much different layout compared to last year, we have good experience with the characteristics of these roads, so that should help.

“The stages can get quite rough in places, so a number will only be run once. It’ll be important to find a good rhythm with the car and the pace notes right from the start.

“We’ve worked hard between events with the team and the Academy to understand where we can improve. Events like the Nicky Grist have helped us continue to learn how to get the most from the Yaris and develop my own performance on gravel. The competition in the BRC is incredibly tight, so it’s about fine margins.

“As always, I want to thank the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, Castrol, the MEM team and everyone who continues to support us. We’ll do everything we can to fight for another strong result next weekend.”

Evans says his confidence is improving on gravel too and is aiming for a clean run with no problems to stay in the title fight.

Further down the standings, Keith Cronin and Mikie Galvin will be looking for a strong result too. Cronin and Galvin remain in the hunt but will need solid points to keep the pressure on the leaders.

The 2025 Voly Grampian Forest Rally starts with a ceremonial flag-off at King George V Park in Banchory on Friday 8 August at 17:30. Two stages follow that evening in Fetteresso forest. Saturday brings eight more stages, covering classic forests like Durris, Fetteresso and Drumtochty plus a new spectator test at BA Barn in Kintore. The finish will be back in Banchory on Saturday evening after 55 miles of competition.

---

---