Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver William Creighton and co-driver Liam Regan have been crowned 2025 Probite British Rally Champions, sealing the title after a tense and tactical performance on the Lewis and Hunter Cambrian Rally [25 October] in North Wales.
After coming agonisingly close to the crown last season, Creighton and Regan finally completed the job this time around, capping off a standout year in the Castrol MEM Rally Team Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Heading into the final round with a slender championship lead, Creighton needed only a solid finish to secure the title, but with the notoriously unforgiving gravel stages ahead, that was far easier said than done.
The season had already showcased the pair’s ability to be at the forefront of the series. Opening their campaign in style with victory on the East Riding Stages, despite it being their maiden outing in the Yaris. A strong second place at the Carlisle Stages and a commanding win on the Grampian Forest Rally reinforced Creighton’s credentials as the driver to beat, whilst a well-judged performance at Rali Ceredigion, against some of Europe’s best, ensured he carried his advantage into the Cambrian showdown.
The North Wales forests have long been a decisive battleground in British rallying, and 2025 proved no different. With teammate Meirion Evans and rival Romet Jürgenson still in mathematical contention, the title fight went right down to the wire. Creighton’s approach, however, remained calm and calculated.
A measured run through the morning stages placed Creighton comfortably in the top three, but the focus was on maintaining his rhythm and avoiding mistakes; a strategy that would pay dividends as the conditions grew more challenging.
Through the afternoon’s demanding loop in the Clocaenog and Alwen complexes, rivals pushed to close the gap, Creighton kept his focus firmly on the bigger picture, managing pace and risk perfectly to bring the Michelin-shod Toyota home in fourth overall. It was enough to secure the championship and with it, a place in the history books.
“It’s hard to put into words what this means,” said an emotional Creighton at the Llandudno finish ramp.
“This season has been the first with the Yaris and the first with Melvyn Evans Motorsport. To win the championship in our debut year together, along with the support of Castrol and running that iconic livery, is just incredible.”
“It’s taken a huge effort from everyone involved; we simply could not have done this without the backing of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and so many people at home who are behind the scenes. The Castrol MEM Rally Team have worked tirelessly, and the reliability from our Michelin tyres has been fantastic.
“The support from my family, sponsors has been unwavering, and of course, Liam has been faultless all year. We’ve learned so much over the past few seasons, and to now be British Rally Champions is a real honour.”
The result marks another major milestone in Creighton’s rapidly ascending career. Already a Junior British Rally Champion and FIA Junior WRC Champion, adding the outright British Rally Championship title completes his rise through the domestic ranks and underlines his status as one of Ireland’s most successful rally exports in recent years.
“To have come from the Junior BRC to Junior WRC and now this, it’s been an incredible journey,” Creighton reflected.
“Even missing a round this year, we’ve been able to stay in the fight thanks to how well-prepared and consistent we’ve been as a team. The level of competition in the BRC is extremely high, so to come out on top means a lot. It feels like the perfect reward for all the hard work everyone has put in.”
Now Creighton joins a roll of honour featuring some of the sport’s greatest: Colin McRae, Richard Burns, Hannu Mikkola, and Ari Vatanen.
“The BRC has such a rich history, and to have our names on that trophy is something really special. It’s been an amazing year from start to finish, and one I’ll never forget.”
