Powys based rally is named the best in Wales by crews

The Speedsports Shield was presented to Nicky Grist Stages event organisers Quinton Motor Club at the annual Welsh Association of Motor Clubs gala prize giving.

Based in the centre of Builth Wells, with a ceremonial start on Strand Street, the service area on the Builth Wells RFC pitch, a champagne podium finish on the banks of the River Wye and gravel stages in the nearby forests of Llyn Login, Monument, Halfway and Crychan, the Nicky Grist Stages is a well-established and much liked round of the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship – attracting one of the biggest championship entries of the season.

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“The Nicky Grist Stages is one of those events you see in the calendar and can't wait for it to come around,” said triple and reigning Pirelli Welsh Rally Champion Matthew Hirst.

“It really rewards commitment right from the outset. The rally has started for the last few years on the Llyn Login stage, which features some of the biggest crests and jumps you will come across in British rallying."

Meanwhile both organisers and hosts were delighted Builth Wells' place as the home of the popular rally was celebrated.

“Quinton Motor Club and the team behind the Nicky Grist Stages are delighted to be awarded the prestigious Best Event Award in the 2023 Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship,” said Neil Cross, Clerk of the Course for the Nicky Grist Stages.

“We strive to put on the best event possible and knowing it’s been appreciated makes all the effort worthwhile.”

The start of the rally takes place outside the Strand. Picture by Paul Mitchell Photography.

Meanwhile Builth Wells mayor Mark Hammond said: “There can be no bigger accolade than to be recognised by the actual competitors themselves. It’s well deserved.

“The organisers readily acknowledge that having the rally based in the centre of Builth Wells was a big contributing factor to this award, and from the town’s perspective it is wonderful to have this acknowledged.

“The rally at Builth is a vibrant and stunning event, which makes the relationship between the town and the Nicky Grist Stages a real two-way partnership. The event draws in many visitors who make good use of all the shops, pubs, cafes and other great amenities that Builth has to offer, as well as the natural beauty of the town, particularly as it is situated on the banks of the River Wye.

“What I have also found equally impressive is their positive attitude to liaising with the Town Council, and particularly with the Town Clerk. The organisational skills and clinical attention to detail, especially where the safety of competitors and those watching are concerned shown by the Nicky Grist team, reflects the high-level professional approach needed where an event like this is concerned. It also keeps the disruption in the town to a minimum.

“Builth was really pleased to host the rally in 2023 and we are not only looking forward to this year’s event, but all those in the years to come as well.”

The 2024 Nicky Grist Stages will take place on Saturday 13 July.