William Creighton and co-driver Liam Regan made a triumphant start to the 2025 British Rally Championship (BRC) by claiming victory at the East Riding Stages Rally on February 23. Held on the twisty, narrow roads of East Yorkshire, the opening round brought together a strong field of top-tier rally crews, ready to test their skill and resilience on the demanding tarmac stages.
Unstoppable Pace
Creighton, behind the wheel of the Castrol-backed Melvyn Evans Motorsport Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, dominated from the outset. The duo set the fastest time on seven of the ten competitive stages, consistently showing precision, speed, and tactical intelligence. Their commanding performance earned them a total time of 47 minutes and 13.5 seconds, putting them 23.8 seconds ahead of second-place finishers Keith Cronin and Mikie Galvin in a Citroën C3 Rally2.
This win marked Creighton’s first outright BRC victory, a milestone that highlights both his talent and potential in the championship, despite his previous successes in other national events, including a maximum score at Rali Ceredigion 2024.
A Competitive Field
The East Riding Stages attracted a mix of BRC regulars and rising talent, ensuring the battle for podium positions remained fierce. James Williams and Ross Whittock, driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2, claimed third place with a time of 47 minutes and 46.5 seconds, only 33 seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Meirion Evans and Dale Furniss, also in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, finished fourth with 47 minutes and 53.0 seconds, demonstrating consistent pace and resilience across the challenging stages.
Other competitors put in impressive performances, pushing the frontrunners and highlighting the depth of talent present in the championship. The rally’s narrow East Yorkshire roads, combined with unpredictable bends and elevation changes, provided both spectacle for fans and a stern test for crews.
Championship Standings
Following the East Riding Stages, Creighton leads the championship with 25 points, while Cronin follows closely on 18 points. Williams and Evans are tied for third place with 15 points each, setting the stage for a competitive season where consistency and speed will both be crucial.
Conclusion
The 2025 East Riding Stages Rally delivered thrilling action and set a high benchmark for the season ahead. Creighton’s dominant performance highlighted his skill and determination, while the close competition behind him promises an exciting championship battle. As the BRC season unfolds, drivers will face a variety of tarmac and gravel challenges, ensuring fans have plenty of high-octane action to look forward to.
