Thousands turn out for East Yorkshire motor rally

Thousands of spectators turned out for a motorsport event in Beverley, East Yorkshire, over the weekend.

The East Riding Stages Rally, which is in its fifth year, is England's largest closed-road rally and formed the opening round of the 2026 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship.

Drivers from Canada and across Europe competed, with 160 cars covering the 200 miles.

Kevin Furber, an ex-professional rally driver who oversaw the fanzone in the market square, said the slick and slippery conditions on the course were challenging for the drivers.

"These top cars are 300-350hp, four-wheel-drive supercars just made for rallying. They could do nought to 60 in three seconds, [are] phenomenally fast, [have] super suspension – you've got millions of pounds' worth of cars in this line-up."

The cars up front represented the pinnacle of the sport and were some of the best cars in the world, he said.

"You've got little Mini Coopers... right up to Aston Martin DB9, James Bond-style cars used for rallying," he added.

Competitors of all ages took part, but Furber said the course favoured experienced drivers as the mud could build up on the road, making the conditions difficult.

"It's not cheating, it's part of our rallying, but you could... cut a corner and throw some mud back on the road for the following drivers," he said.

The event took cars through Seaton, Old Ellerby, Swine and Beverley Westwood.

James Lightfoot travelled from Cumbria to take part in the event, which was organised by Beverley & District Motor Club.

"It's one of one of the best rallies in the UK, one of the longest rallies in the UK," he said.

Simon Bowen, who has driven at the event before, this year entered with a car he built eight years ago but was driving for the first time at the rally on Saturday evening.

He said it was "probably one of the most enjoyable stages I've driven" because of the "sheer speed".

The event was free for spectators, and the fanzone in the market square allowed people to get up close to the cars.

Lizzie Hayes said it was very exciting to watch.

"I love the old cars best... it's just a nice smell, a nice atmosphere," she said.

And fellow spectator Claire Sadler said it was good to see so many people in Beverley.

"You couldn't ask for a much better Sunday morning, really," she said.

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