Full Breakdown
Sam Touzel and Max Freeman Triumph at 2026 East Riding Stages Rally
2/23/2026, 11:39:20 AM
Overview of the Event
The 2026 East Riding Stages Rally marked a significant achievement for defending Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Champions Sam Touzel and Max Freeman, who secured their first victory at this event. The rally, which took place in East Yorkshire, featured a diverse array of vehicles and attracted large crowds, enhancing its reputation as one of the premier rallies in the UK.
Key Performances and Results
Touzel and Freeman, driving a Michelin-shod Smart Scaffolding/Trade Centre UK Ford Fiesta Rally2, demonstrated exceptional skill and confidence, finishing with a 4.8-second lead over their closest rivals after 17.76 stage miles. Their main competitors, Matthew Hirst and Declan Dear, in a Pirelli-shod Delta Salvage/Witham Motorsport Škoda Fabia R5, secured second place, showcasing their consistency and competitive spirit throughout the rally. The top three was rounded out by Hugh Brunton and Drew Sturrock in a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5.
The event featured ten stages, with Touzel and Freeman completing the fourteen stages in under one hour and two minutes, a feat matched only by James Ford and Neil Shanks. Other notable performances included Lee Edwards and Sam Spencer, who finished sixth overall in a rear-wheel-drive Blakemore’s Autos/Evans Construction/P&B Tyres/Bailey Performance Escort G3, despite challenging conditions that favored four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Challenges and Setbacks
The rally was not without its challenges. Neil Roskell and Jack Morton faced a significant setback early in the event, suffering a high-speed spin that cost them valuable time. Despite this, they mounted a commendable recovery, only to retire on the penultimate stage, denying them a potential podium finish.
Official Statements & Responses
The event was organized by the Beverley & District Motor Club, which has seen the rally grow in stature since its inception in 2022. Participants and spectators alike praised the rally's organization and atmosphere. James Lightfoot, a competitor from Cumbria, described it as "one of the best rallies in the UK," while Simon Bowen expressed his enjoyment of the stages, highlighting the sheer speed of the course.
Criticism & Opposition
While the rally received widespread acclaim, some competitors noted the challenging conditions posed by the damp and greasy sections of the course, which made traction difficult. This aspect of the rally sparked discussions among participants regarding the balance between vehicle types and the impact of weather on performance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's one of one of the best rallies in the UK, one of the longest rallies in the UK,” — James Lightfoot, Competitor
- “probably one of the most enjoyable stages I've driven” — Simon Bowen, Competitor
- “You couldn't ask for a much better Sunday morning, really,” — Claire Sadler, Spectator
The 2026 East Riding Stages Rally not only showcased thrilling motorsport but also highlighted the resilience and skill of its participants, further solidifying its place in the UK rallying calendar.
