A sensational lineup of 130 crews will head for Newtown this weekend [7 September], as the revised Phil Price Memorial Woodpecker Rally takes place across some of the most famous forest stages in the world.
Moving from its traditional Ludlow rally base to Powys, the popular gravel rally will welcome an exciting mix of modern and historic machinery to the event, as a host of top-line drivers aim for glory in a bid for event honours and in their respective championships.
Traditionally offering stages in the English Marches, the Woodpecker Rally has been forced to relocate for 2024 due to the unavailability of some of the forests. However, now on the billing is an exciting ensemble of world-famous stages in the heart of Wales, such as Hafren, Sweet Lamb and Ceri.
First run in 1983, the rally will be supported for a third year by Presteigne Tyre Services and Phil Price Rally School and the Sixty and Worcestershire Motor Club event will now enjoy its home at the Britpart facility on the outskirts of Newtown. The impressive location hosts the pre-event formalities and the start ceremony before crews head out for eight thrilling stages. They return later that day for the champagne spray and finish celebrations.
Wearing the coveted number one on the doors is last year's runner Elliot Payne with Patrick Walsh in the co-driver seat of their Ford Fiesta Rally2. Payne is chasing yet another Protyre BTRDA Rally Series title but will have some stiff opposition in the race for the rally win.
The challenge will come in the form of three-time Pirelli Welsh Rally champion Matthew Hirst and Declan Dear in their Fiesta R5. The Woodpecker has never been too kind to Hirst, failing to finish the rally on multiple occasions so the rapid charger is hoping for a shift of fortunes this time around.
The Icelandic pairing of Daniel Sigurdarson and Asta Sigurdardottir step into R5 machinery this season and start at three in their VW Polo GTi whilst former Woodpecker winner Ollie Mellors returns to the gravel in his Proton Iriz R5 with Max Freeman alongside. Ludlow’s Perry Gardener and Jack Bowen bring their Fiesta R5 to round out the top five.
A battle royale is promised across the top twenty, with a host of contenders all able to take the top spot on the day if they can conquer the tricky mid-Wales stages. As well as a host of national and regional championships heading for this year’s event, the prestigious Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship adds a fascinating dynamic with the classic machinery often a favourite with the fans.
Heading up the National event are Ludlow’s Joe Price and Chris Brooks in their Ford Escort MKII but will be chased hard by the Mitsubishi Galant VR4 of George Lepley and Dale Bowen. The BHRC title is taking shape and that will likely see a duel between Seb Perez and Gary McElhinney in their Porsche 911 RS and former British champion Mark Higgins and Carl Williamson in their rumbling Triumph TR7 V8.
Nick Elliot and Dave Price add further variety with their FIAT 131 Abarth. Other interesting entries come from Belgian rally star Stefaan Stouf in his Ford Escort MK1 with Dai Roberts on the notes, and five-time former winner of the rally Richard Gough in his Ford Escort with Les Forsbrook alongside.
Fans will be able to witness the pre-event checks on Friday [6 September] at the Britpart facility in Newtown from 15:30 with free entry. The location also hosts the start on Saturday morning from 08:30 and there are two dedicated spectator areas to enjoy the action.
The Britpart Ceri test, just outside of Newtown offers the first opportunity to see the cars flat out, starting at 08:59 on Saturday morning. Crews return to the stage once again at 13:28 later that afternoon for a repeat run.
The Xlerate Sweet Lamb test is a fan favourite and offers prime viewing at the Sweet Lamb Complex just outside of Llanidloes. Cars will contest the stage at 11:17 and 15:47 on Saturday before returning to the Newtown finish just before 17:00.
The event was renamed in 2022 in memory of the highly regarded rally driver and coach Phil Price, who sadly passed away in 2021 and will once again welcome a variety of top-line championships, including the Fuchs Lubricants British Historic Rally Championship, the Protyre BTRDA Rally Series, Pirelli Motorsport UK Welsh Rally Championship, Reis Motorsport Insurance UK English Rally Championship, TCS Plant Rally Challenge, ANWCC Forest Stage Rally Championship and HRCR West Wales rally Spares Stage Masters Rally Challenge.
Phil Price memorial Woodpecker Rally/Image - Malcolm Almond