Robert Proudlock was full of emotion at the stop line of Brenig during October’s Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally, finally clinching the Junior British Rally Championship title after a hard-fought season.
And who can blame him? The JBRC is rarely an easy ride and for the young Scotsman, he carried a little extra weight on his shoulders this season.
As has become tradition for the hotly contested Junior series, the JBRC was awash with talented youngsters, many making the trip from Ireland to go head-to-head for the highly regarded title and with it, free entries to each round of the 2025 BRC season, a prize in itself with over £6,000.
Since the championship’s revival, the Junior crown has typically gone to drivers from Ireland—except for 2018 when Norwegian Steve Rokland claimed the spoils. So, Proudlock knew he had his work cut out if he was to bring the title back to Dumfries in Scotland.
Drawing on his past successes, including Junior titles in the Scottish Rally Championship and the BTRDA Junior/R2 Class, Proudlock knew consistency would be crucial. He felt right at home on gravel, and it showed as he put together a strong campaign in his Peugeot 208 Rally4 in the forests.
Second place at the season-opening North West Stages was a good start, but he would shine brightly on a surface he felt much more at home on, taking his maiden JBRC victory in the forests of the Severn Valley Stages in front of a bumper JBRC entry.
Back on the tar, he and co-driver Steven Brown couldn’t quite match the pace of those around them but equally returned measured drives on the Jim Clark, and Rali Ceredigion. Playing to their strengths would be key, and after abandoning his Stellentis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK assault to concentrate on the British Championship, their renewed focus played dividends.
Another JBRC win came on home soil at the Grampian and with his Joker still to play, the final round would see Proudlock only need a solid result to take the spoils. Despite a tense day filled with lead changes, he stayed focused and finished fourth, which was enough to clinch the championship.
“What a year, it’s been absolutely incredible” enthused Proudlock.
“I’ve got to say a massive thank you to Steve for sitting on that side of the car, he really pulled out some miracles this year and the team in service righting it all; just what a squad of guys. I am absolutely buzzing.”
“[Its been a good season], especially on gravel. We struggled a little on the tarmac but it is nothing that we can’t improve on for next year”
But his final words were for that of his late mother, whom he dedicated his championship title to.
“I can’t go without mentioning my mum, who I lost last year. This is what we do it for.”
