Feast of rallying to bring Powys town to life this summer

The rally will be played out over 44 stage miles in the nearby classic midWales forestry stages of Llyn Login, Monument, Halfway and Crychan.

This year’s event celebrates the 14th consecutive year of title sponsorship from Nicky Grist Motorsports.

Thanks to the support of Powys County Council, Builth Wells Town Council, Builth Wells RFC and the businesses and residents of Builth Wells, the 2023 Nicky Grist Stages will once again be based in the very heart of the picturesque market town. 

The start of the event will be held in Strand Street, outside the wonderful Strand Hall which will play host to rally headquarters.

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Cars flagged away from the start in Strand Street.

The midday service halt will be located on the nearby Builth Wells RFC pitch and the finish ceremonies will be in Groe Park, on the banks of the River Wye.

With Builth Wells’ 18th century bridge and surrounding rolling hills providing a stunning backdrop, it is one of the most scenic podium finish settings in British rallying.

All these locations are a stone’s throw away from the bustling Builth Wells high street, where rally visitors will be able to buy food from the local independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Scrutineering will take place the day before the event (Friday 7 July) at North Road Garage; the local Toyota dealership is located within sight of the service area on the other side of the River Wye.

The event – which last year won the Brian Davies Memorial Award for Best Event on Epynt, presented by the Welsh Association of Motor Clubs – will contain super smooth and challenging stages on Natural Resources Wales and Defence Infrastructure Organisation land. 

“We are delighted to welcome back contenders from the MRF Tyres BTRDA Rally Series, Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, HRCR Rally Master Challenge, IPS Paint Rally Challenge and the ANWCC Rally Championship, and look forward to welcoming the Bowler Defender Challenge for the first time,” says Neil Cross, Nicky Grist Stages Clerk of the Course.

“We have produced a route that will challenge competitors old and new, and we are grateful to the landowners for their continued support and hospitality to make our event the success it is.”

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