Rally legend Nicky Grist says this year’s Nicky Grist Stages is set to feature one of the event’s best routes yet, with fast, smooth and demanding gravel stages awaiting competitors when the rally returns to Mid Wales on Saturday 11 July.
Organised by Quinton Motor Club, the Builth Wells-based rally is celebrating 17 consecutive years of title sponsorship from Nicky Grist Motorsports and will once again attract crews from across the UK to the iconic roads of the Mynydd Epynt military range and Crychan forest complex.
This year’s route will include around 44 competitive stage miles across Monument, Crychan, Halfway and Route 60, with crews completing the loop twice either side of a midday service halt at Builth Wells RFC.
Crychan has also been named “Bowlsey” in honour of the late Pete Bowles, a former event winner, Clerk of the Course and long-serving Quinton Motor Club committee member.
As usual, organisers say road mileage between stages will be kept to a minimum to maximise competitive action for crews and spectators alike.
Nicky Grist, who achieved 21 FIA World Rally Championship victories during his career as a co-driver, including RAC Rally wins alongside Juha Kankkunen and Colin McRae, believes the 2026 edition will provide a major test for competitors.
“Neil Cross and his team have put together a fantastic route for this year’s Nicky Grist Stages – it will be another great challenge for all the crews, and a route that everyone will enjoy,” says Nicky Grist.
“We have the four favourite stages of the rally, with most of it run in different directions. At least 50% of the route is run on roads not used last year, and there is a new finish to Route 60 – so there will be a lot to look forward to.
“The road conditions are really smooth, so a fast rally is in store.
“It promises to be another fantastic event, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all in Builth Wells in July.”
The rally will form part of six major championships this year, including the Protyre Autocare BTRDA Rally Series, Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship and Motorsport English Rally Championship.
Alongside his rallying achievements, Grist’s company, Nicky Grist Motorsports, has become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of motorsport safety equipment since being founded in 1995. The business supplies products including helmets, race suits, HANS devices and co-driver equipment, while competitors entered into the event are once again being offered discounts on selected items delivered directly to the service area.
Event Clerk of the Course Neil Cross said working closely with Grist helps ensure the route continues to evolve each year.
“Working with Nicky, with his wealth of rallying experience, ensures that we can configure the very best stages on the gravel roads on the Mynydd Epynt military range and Crychan forest complex,” says Neil Cross, Nicky Grist Stages Clerk of the Course.
“Keeping the Nicky Grist Stages route fresh also guarantees we can offer an exciting new challenge each year.”
Important dates for competitors include the publication of regulations on Sunday 17 May, entries opening on Monday 18 May, and the rally itself taking place on Saturday 11 July, with the first car due to start at 8.31am.
