Eighteen-year-old Riley Chester is set to make the biggest step of his rally career to date after confirming he will contest the Junior British Rally Championship this season.
After a highly promising 2025 campaign at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R2T, Chester has elected to focus solely on Britain’s premier junior rally series in 2026 as he continues his rapid progression through the sport.
The move marks a significant leap in both machinery and competition as he graduates into a far more potent Peugeot 208 Rally4; a car widely regarded as the benchmark in junior rallying and a proven pathway toward international success.
“After a very promising 2025 in a Fiesta R2T we’ve decided to take a big step up into a Peugeot 208 Rally4,” he said.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be doing the Junior BRC, and to be tackling some of the most demanding rallies in the UK is a great feeling, can’t wait.”
Chester will be partnered by 20-year-old co-driver Robbie Sandford, forming one of the youngest crews in the championship. Despite their relative inexperience at this level, the pairing is approaching the season with confidence rather than caution.
“This season will be a massive learning curve. However, Robbie and I aren’t afraid of the learning process, and we are confident that we can be competitive in the championship.”
