By Paul Evans

This year’s Nicky Grist Stages will be based on the Builth Wells RFC pitch, as the famous rally moves into the centre of Builth Wells town.

Taking place on Saturday 13 July, the rally – which this year celebrates 10 years of sponsorship from Abergavenny rally legend Nicky Grist and his highly-respected motorsports safety equipment company – will have its Service Area based on The Bulls’ pitch, with the Start and Finish also in Groe Park, adjacent to the River Wye. With Rally Headquarters at the beautifully renovated Strand Hall on Strand Street, everything will be within sight of the town’s main high street, bringing valuable extra trade to the local independent shops.

The event organisers, Quinton Motor Club, predict that up to 1,000 rally visitors will come to Builth Wells that weekend, as the event hosts a round of the Jordan Road Surfacing BTRDA Rally Series for a 32nd consecutive year – as well as the Pirelli Motorsport UK Welsh Forest Rally Championship, FMP Rally Challenge, HRCR Old Stagers Championship and Fiesta ST Trophy.

“We are delighted to welcome a major sporting event like the Nicky Grist Stages into the centre of Builth Wells,” said Jeremy Pugh, Powys County Council Councillor and Chairman of Builth Wells RFC. “The extra trade it will bring into the town is exactly what the local businesses need, and it will be a fantastic sight for everyone to enjoy. The rugby pitch sits on a very large grass area that has previously held a wide variety of family events, and it will easily accommodate more than a hundred and forty service crews and rally cars. We are confident that what we have planned together with Quinton Motor Club will be of maximum benefit and minimum inconvenience to the town.”

“This is a fantastic and exciting move for the event,” added Neil Cross, Nicky Grist Stages Clerk of the Course. “Crossing the river and bringing the rally to the heart of Builth Wells will showcase the event to the local population and hopefully bring welcome business to the cafes, coffee shops and takeaways. Both the Builth Wells Town Council and Powys County Council have been instrumental in this move and we thank them for all their support and encouragement.”