World-class Welsh forests await at the Severn Valley Stages

The Severn Valley Stages will continue to offer one of the longest and most cost-effective forest rallies in the UK on April 12, with around 60 gravel stage miles making up the popular one-day event. Organised by Midland Manor Motor Club, the Builth Wells-based rally is supported by Axon Commercial Catering Equipment in 2025, becoming the headline sponsor after joining as a partner ahead of the 50^th anniversary running last year. In a groundbreaking move by rally organisers 12 months previously, the widely accepted 45-mile marker was significantly surpassed, celebrating the half-century running by offering all competitors in the event 60 miles of competitive action for the price of the standard one-day event. Thanks to the support of Axon and the organising club, that offer will continue into 2025, ensuring competitors across the country and beyond, regardless of championships, can enjoy some of the most highly revered forest stages in the world. “We are excited to be able to offer all competitors a substantial 60 stage miles for the Severn Valley Stages in April,” says Clerk of the Course Keith Ashley. “We wanted to do something special for our 50^th Anniversary last year and offer our loyal competitors, many of which have supported us for decades, a little extra and ensure they can fully enjoy the world-class stages we are lucky enough to compete across with a full day of action. “That, of course, proved extremely popular, and we had a sensational entry, with not only global rally stars heading to Builth Wells to compete but also a huge list of regulars and all-important clubmen too. It gave them something to get their teeth stuck into, and I’m delighted to announce that thanks to a new relationship with Axon Commercial Catering Equipment, we can offer everyone 60 world-class stage miles, all for the price of 45.” Stages which have challenged some of the best drivers in the world over the decades will once again feature on the billing, including Myherin, Hafren and Sweet Lamb. In a change for 2025 to ensure the event remains fresh and challenging, many stage routes will be reversed, with seven tests making up the day of action from the traditional Royal Welsh Showground rally base in Builth Wells. The Severn Valley Stages is also the only rally in the UK to welcome two British-titled series. After a hugely popular addition in 2024, the Probite British Rally Championship returns, offering fans the chance to witness some of the best drivers in the business in action with the latest generation Rally2 machinery. “We believe this year’s event will be another special offering for both competitors and rally fans”, continues Ashley. “We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to Rallynuts Motorsport for their enthusiasm and financial support over the past 8 years and wish them well for the future. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Builth Wells in April and will release further details of the rally format in the coming weeks.”