A Triumph of Pure Pace: William Creighton’s East Riding Stages Victory
William Creighton’s victory at the East Riding Stages rally last weekend marked a significant milestone in his British Rally Championship (BRC) career. While he had previously secured a maximum score at Rali Ceredigion in 2023, this win felt different. This time, Creighton and his co-driver Liam Regan didn’t rely on a team-mate’s late check-in to clinch the top spot. Instead, they earned it through sheer speed and determination. The 2024 BRC runner-up was resolute in his goal to claim the spoils on his own terms, and he delivered a flawless performance. Swapping to a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 proved to be a game-changer, and despite facing a star-studded BRC entry, Creighton was unstoppable. He won seven out of the 10 stages, securing the win by a commanding 24 seconds over Keith Cronin. James Williams completed the podium with a solid third-place finish, adding to the excitement of the event.
A New Car, a New Challenge
Creighton’s transition to the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 was a bold move, and it paid off handsomely. The rally, which covered 54 miles of closed-road stages through the Yorkshire lanes, was a sprint that demanded precision and adaptability. Creighton and Regan’s performance was a testament to their skill and the car’s capabilities. The challenging conditions, especially the rain that descended in the afternoon, made the rally even more demanding. Despite the tricky conditions, Creighton felt at home in the Yaris, a feeling that was evident in his dominant performance. "I don’t know what to say really," Creighton said, reflecting on his win. "It’s our first rally in the car, and we hadn’t done so much [in the Yaris] before the event and, with such tricky conditions, it’s just felt good. I honestly didn’t know what to expect and how long it was going to take us to gain that confidence with the car. I’m just really happy and excited for what’s to come."
Cronin’s Comeback and Williams’ Steady Performance
Four-time BRC champion Keith Cronin made his 2025 campaign debut with a Citroen C3 Rally2, but his rally began with a slow start over the morning loop. The Irishman, known for his resilience, worked tirelessly to close the gap on Creighton. However, the rain-soaked afternoon stages proved to be a formidable obstacle, and despite his best efforts, Cronin couldn’t catch Creighton. Cronin’s second-place finish, though not the win he was aiming for, was a relief after a difficult start to the previous year’s championship. James Williams, driving a Hyundai i20N Rally2, had a trouble-free run and finished third, just nine seconds behind Cronin. Williams’ consistent performance was a highlight of the rally, demonstrating his reliability and skill.
The Top Five and a Promising Debut
Creighton’s team-mate Meirion Evans took fourth place in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, rounding out a strong showing for the team. Callum Black, driving a Ford Fiesta, secured fifth place, adding to the competitive nature of the event. One of the most impressive performances came from Estonian star Romet Jurgenson, who made his Rally2 asphalt debut in an M-Sport Fiesta. Jurgenson’s quick adaptation to the new surface and car was a testament to his talent, and he finished a commendable sixth. The challenging conditions, however, were unforgiving for several key contenders. James Ford’s rally ended early when he sent his Citroen C3 off the road on the opening stage, and Max McRae suffered a hand injury in a high-speed off. Garry Pearson, who held second overall for a while, also saw his rally end abruptly when his Fiesta became stranded in a ditch.
The Junior BRC Battle: A French Flavor
The Junior BRC category saw a distinctly French flavor as each contender opted to use a Peugeot 208 Rally4 for their assault on the opening round. Craig Rahill, an Irish driver, took the early lead with impressive pace during the dryer morning loop. However, the rain-soaked afternoon stages proved to be a turning point. Rahill’s charge unraveled with two spins, allowing his fellow Irishmen to make their move. Kyle McBride, another Irish driver, excelled in the wet conditions, overhauling both Keelan Grogan and Rahill over the closing stages to claim the victory. McBride’s performance was a clear demonstration of his adaptability and skill, setting the stage for an exciting Junior BRC season ahead.
Reflections and Looking Forward
Creighton’s victory at the East Riding Stages rally was a moment of personal triumph and a promising start to his 2025 BRC campaign. The win not only solidified his position as a top contender but also showcased his ability to adapt quickly to new machinery. Cronin’s second-place finish, while not the win he was hoping for, provided a much-needed boost of confidence and points. Williams’ steady performance and the strong showing from Creighton’s team-mate Meirion Evans highlighted the depth of talent in the BRC. The Junior BRC category, with its French-flavored Peugeot 208 Rally4s, added an extra layer of excitement and competition. As the 2025 BRC season progresses, all eyes will be on Creighton and his new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, as well as the other top drivers who are sure to push him every step of the way.
