Salford Van Hire Neil Howard Stage Rally delivers dramatic Oulton Park finale

A mixed bag of autumn weather failed to deter a sizeable and enthusiastic crowd at Oulton Park for the annual Salford Van Hire Neil Howard Stage Rally & Fireworks, organised by Bolton-Le-Moors Car Club. Despite intermittent showers and fluctuating conditions, spectator banks, access roads, and fan zones remained busy throughout the day, illustrating the enduring popularity of this season-opening rally spectacle. The Cheshire circuit once again proved a dynamic rally venue, transformed into a high-intensity special-stage playground featuring approximately 54 competitive miles across eight bespoke stages.

The stage configuration incorporated a compelling blend of smooth circuit sections, reverse-direction running, narrow infield links, and loose-surface off-circuit elements, including the ever-crowd-pleasing water splash. The layout rewarded bravery under braking, precise car placement, and adaptable driving techniques as surface grip shifted throughout the day.

As one of the headline fixtures in the Protyre Motorsport UK Circuit Rally Championship, the rally attracted a diverse entry list, ranging from current-generation Rally2 machinery to evocative retro cars and heavily modified clubman machinery. The paddock atmosphere reflected a true grassroots-meets-professional environment, with fans afforded close proximity to service areas and live-stage action.

When competitive running concluded, attention turned skyward as one of the region’s most impressive fireworks displays lit the night, providing a fitting crescendo to a day rich with motorsport theatre and family-friendly entertainment.

Joe Cunningham and Joe Beer delivered a commanding and measured performance to secure victory in their Ford Fiesta RS WRC. They demonstrated immediate intent by setting the early pace and never relinquished control of the leaderboard. While an earlier informal reference suggested a 54m23s run, official results confirmed a winning total of 54m28s.

The pairing excelled in variable grip conditions, utilising the Ford’s power and stability to maximum effect. Stage wins on SS1, SS2, SS4, SS5, and SS6 established both rhythm and authority. Crucially, their mid-event surge created a buffer that remained intact even as the pursuit intensified in the closing stages. Their success represented a polished display of circuit-rally discipline, confidence in pacenotes, and mechanical reliability.

The Citroën C3 Rally2 of Michael Igoe and Will Atkins pushed the leaders throughout. Their attack began to peak during the latter sections, highlighted by victories on the final two stages. Earlier momentum included a stage three win, demonstrating their capacity to unsettle the WRC-spec Fiesta when conditions aligned.

Despite their best efforts, they finished five seconds shy of the top spot, yet their pace underscored a season-long competitive intent and confirmed their Rally2 package as a genuine threat across mixed-surface circuit events.

Completing the podium, Stephen Simpson and C. Williams guided their Ford Fiesta Rally2 to third overall, just ten seconds off the lead. Their consistent pace and tidy execution kept them firmly in contention throughout the day.

In fourth, John Griffiths and Emma Morrison steered their Škoda Fabia R5 home only nineteen seconds adrift, contributing to a remarkably compressed top four. J. Darbyshire and B. Butterworth rounded off the top five with their Ford Fiesta R5, still within striking distance on raw pace despite a gap growing in the latter tests.

Top ten classification

Congratulations are extended to all crews for mastering a demanding and varied challenge. Thanks are also due to the marshals, officials, medical teams, and volunteers who ensured the event ran safely and efficiently. The Neil Howard Stage Rally once again affirmed its role as a spectacular curtain-raiser, combining grassroots passion, professional-level competition, and spectator-focused entertainment at one of Britain’s most charismatic circuits.