Chris Ingram and co-driver Alex Kihurani clinched the Probite British Rally Championship (BRC) title with a stunning victory at a thrilling season-ending Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally [26 October].
Ingram, a former FIA European Rally Champion, piloted his Michelin-shod Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 across the famously demanding North Wales stages with perfect precision, keeping his nerve during a rally-long battle with three other title hopefuls. But Ingram was able to pull out a crucial lead in the afternoon, securing the rally victory and in the process clinching the BRC Championship crown.
“What a relief,” said an emotional Ingram after the final stage.
“Will has pushed so hard today and we have had to give it everything we had. It’s been an amazing season, and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been an amazing competition. It’s not been an easy season, but that really adds to the story for us. It’s been amazing.”
Ingram’s victory places him among an elite group of drivers who have claimed the British Rally Championship title; his name joins rally legends such as Colin McRae, Richard Burns, and Elfyn Evans on the prestigious BRC trophy.
But his title bid was not clear cut, and just had it had been all season long, William Creighton and co-driver Liam Regan were locked in an intense fight for the rally win and ultimately the coveted BRC title. It was all set to be a titanic duel with Creighton’s Pirelli-backed Ford Fiesta Rally2 just 0.9s shy after the opening stage.
For the remaining tests in the first loop, Creighton would never be more than 5s away from the charging Ingram, both setting the identical scratch time on more than one occasion, but Ingram managed to pull out a crucial lead over the afternoon.
Creighton, who had strategically deployed his points-boosting Joker for the finale, gave everything he had. Despite the Joker’s advantage and a flawless display, Creighton couldn’t quite overcome Ingram’s calculated pace and precision, eventually settling for second in both the Cambrian Rally and the BRC standings.
“I tried,” said an equally emotional Creighton. “It’s been a difficult year, stepping up into the Rally2 car has been amazing and to compete at the top of the British Rally Championship, we are very lucky”.
Heading into the weekend, four drivers were in with a chance of the title, with Ingram and Creighton joined by Osian Pryce and Keith Cronin for a scintillating duel. Sadly, Cronin’s attempt at a record-equaling fifth championship ended with steering issues on his Fiesta Rally2 in the second stage, leaving Pryce to hunt down the front runners. However, Pryce didn’t feel quite at home with his own Fiesta and couldn’t live with those ahead. He and co-driver Rhodri Evans taking small consolation in a podium place to round out the season.
Max McRae/Cammy Fair returned an impressive performance to take fourth on only the Fiesta driver’s third-ever gravel event in Rally2 machinery, whilst Garry Pearson/Daniel Barritt [Fiesta Rally2] rounded out the top five.
Meirion Evans/Jonathan Jackson’s sixth spot was enough to hand the Castrol MEM Rally Team the BRC Teams title, beating the powerhouse of the M-Sport Ford Rally Team who took second place.
The Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally also served as the decisive round for the Junior British Rally Championship (JBRC), showcasing the next generation of rally talent. Robert Proudlock, co-driven by Steven Brown in their Peugeot 208 Rally4, emerged as the Junior BRC Champion after a gripping battle with five other title hopefuls in with a shout at the championship.
A measured drive from the young Scotsman saw him take the fourth spot, enough to seal the prestigious win and free entries to each round of the 2025 BRC season.
“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 can’t go without mentioning my mum, who I lost last year. This is what we do it for. I am absolutely buzzing.”
But the Junior spoils from the weekend went to BRC newcomer Craig Rahill with Conor Smith on the notes in their Ford Fiesta Rally4. A breathtaking performance, saw the young Irish pairing win with a staggering 48 seconds in hand from Ryan MacHugh/Arthur Kierans in their similar machine.
“We got into a good rhythm this morning & a good pace & kept on it. The last few stages were about keeping it clean & tidy,” said Rahill. “We are happy with our pace & really pleased to claim our first BRC win.”
Aoife Raftery/Hannah McKillop took their Peugeot 208 Rally4 to a podium place with third thanks to a string of top three times during the day.
Ioan Lloyd and co-driver Sion Williams, also in a Peugeot 208 Rally4 marked a major career milestone by winning the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK which has joined the BRC for several rounds this season, opening doors for further opportunities including a prize drive in the 2025 FIA Junior European Rally Championship.
The Llandudno-based rally attracted an impressive lineup of competitors across all BRC classes, making the finale an action-packed showdown. In addition to the top-tier BRC1 category, where Ingram and Creighton’s rivalry unfolded, the event was pivotal for the Open and National Rally Titles.
John Rintoul and co-driver Ross Hynd in their Fiesta were well-positioned for the Open Title and duly delivered, taking the championship in their Fiesta R5 with a second win of the season.
In the National category, Welshmen William Mains and Tomos Whittle had the points edge going into the event in their Opel Corsa, needing only a solid performance to claim the title, thanks to their season-long consistency. Another solid run by the popular crew saw them clinch the crown in Mains’ second season of trying.
Adding to the excitement was a special appearance by rally icon Stig Blomqvist, who drove a Mini Cooper S in celebration of the 40th anniversary of his 1984 World Rally Championship title. Blomqvist’s presence brought a nostalgic touch to the event, drawing fans and evoking memories of his legendary achievements in the world of rallying.
As the dust settles, the British Rally Championship celebrates a season of exceptional battles across each one of the categories, all going down to the wire. For Chris Ingram, the journey to the top of British rallying marks yet another career-defining achievement, while Junior champion Robert Proudlock’s win promises a bright future in the sport.
You can catch up with all the Cambrian Rally BRC action, broadcast on ITV4, ITV4+1 and ITVX on Wednesday 6th November at 20:00.
*All champions are provisional until ratified
