Hirst Returns for High-Speed Challenge at Nicky Grist Stages
- Cat Lund
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
The 2025 Nicky Grist Stages takes place on Saturday 12 July with four classic stages - Monument, Halfway, Crychan, and the long-awaited return of Route 60 - each run twice. This year’s event offers a fast and focused route across some of the best-known tests in British rallying. Organised by Quinton Motor Club, the rally will be based in the heart of Builth Wells, thanks to the support of Powys County Council, Builth Wells Town Council, Builth Wells RFC, and the local community.
The event continues to build on it's long-term partnership with Carbon Positive Motorsport, enabling all competitors to offset 200% of their carbon emissions from competition-based fuel usage, including Carbon Positive Motorsport ambassador Matthew Hirst, who lines up for his first gravel outing since the Border Counties Rally in March.
"I'm ready and raring to go, especially after what’s felt like a long break since we were last out on gravel at the Border Counties," said Matthew. "This marks the third round of the BTRDA and, remarkably, our first appearance in the Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship - despite us now being into July!
"We’re looking to draw a line under the issues that affected our result at the Border Counties and instead focus on carrying forward the pace we showed on the stages. The goal this weekend is to push on, stay consistent, and make the most of the seat time as the season gathers momentum."
The rally’s 45-mile competitive route is known for its abrasive surface and the mid-summer conditions are expected to challenge tyre performance across both loops. Route 60 adds an extra dimension to the already demanding itinerary. "Route 60 makes a very welcome return to the event after several years away," said Matthew. "It's a high-speed, high-commitment test- not a stage you can take lightly. Large boulders line the insides of many corners, and the ideal line often runs close to them. It’s one of those stages where total trust in your notes and absolute commitment behind the wheel are critical."
This year’s entry list is one of the strongest yet, with WRC2 and JWRC driver William Creighton seeded at the top in a Melvyn Evans Motorsport-prepared GR Yaris Rally2. He is joined by Donegal podium finisher Meirion Evans in an identical car, and Callum Black in his consistently quick SBG-prepared Fiesta Rally2.
"It’s great to see some high-profile names on the entry list for this round," Matthew added. "William Creighton (former WRC2 and JWRC driver), and Meirion Evans, fresh from a big result in Donegal will both be out in Melvyn Evans Motorsport-prepared GR Yaris Rally2 cars. Meanwhile, Callum Black returns in his SBG-prepared Fiesta Rally2, a car and setup that’s proven competitive across multiple events this year. Having drivers of that calibre in the mix will raise the bar and give us a great reference point to see how we compare in both the BTRDA and Pirelli Welsh fields.
"The stages at the Nicky Grist are some of the best of the season - a proper mix of everything. Fast, flowing sections that reward commitment, and tighter, more technical stretches that demand precision and discipline."
Carbon Positive Motorsport Director Steve Smith will be attending the event to support Matthew and meet with other competitors and partners.
“We’re proud to continue supporting Matthew and his team as part of our ambassador programme,” said Steve. “The Nicky Grist Stages is always a brilliant showcase for the sport, and it’s great to be here in person to see the action and speak to competitors about how we can help them reduce their environmental impact. As always, we wish Matthew and Declan the very best for a clean and competitive run this weekend."
With solutions created specifically for motorsport, Carbon Positive Motorsport enables the sport to take credible climate action. Their carbon offsetting supports nature restoration projects across the UK, with measurable benefits for biodiversity and resilience.
For a simple and effective way to reduce your impact, you can choose to Offset Your Season - and make your commitment count. It only costs a little to make a big difference for the sport, so whether you're a competitor or spectator, why not join with us to help make motorsport sustainable.
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