Jürgenson Claims First BRC Victory at Carlisle Stages

Reigning FIA Junior WRC champ Romet Jürgenson secured his first British Rally Championship win in commanding style at the Carlisle Stages on Saturday, April 12. Tackling the fast, dusty trails of Kielder Forest, the Estonian and co-driver Siim Oja dominated the event, going fastest on all but one of the five tough stages.

The M-Sport driver quickly took control in his Pirelli-backed Ford Fiesta Rally2 and never looked back, reclaiming the lead after briefly losing it to round-one winners William Creighton and Liam Regan. A costly mistake from Creighton on the penultimate stage allowed Jürgenson to stretch a decisive lead and cruise to victory.

“It finally all came together,” said a delighted Jürgenson. “The dust in the morning made it hard to enjoy, but it feels amazing to take the win.”

Creighton, debuting his GR Yaris Rally2 on gravel, settled for second after struggling with road conditions. Garry Pearson and Hannah McKillop claimed third after a tense battle with Keith Cronin, whose Citroën C3 cut out on stage four.

In BRC4, rally legend David Higgins looked set for a surprise win until going off the road, handing victory to Meghan O’Kane and Nikki Addison.

Joseph Kelly made a dream return to the Junior BRC, winning every stage in his Peugeot 208 Rally4 with co-driver James McBrearty. A late crash dropped Kyle McBride out of contention, promoting Jack Brennan to second and Kalum Graffin to third after Sam Mason’s last-stage retirement.

Scott MacBeth and Daniel Forsyth topped the Open class in their Fabia R5, staying ahead despite a late penalty. Alex Vassallo and Alan Carmichael completed the podium.

In the National Title, James Giddings and Aled Davies led from the start in their Mitsubishi Evo to take a confident win. Chris Richmond Hand and Ernie Graham followed in second and third.

The BRC heads to the tarmac next for the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders at the end of May offering two days of closed-road action.