In the world of historic rallying, few achievements evoke as much admiration as scoring a victory in a prestigious championship. This was the very milestone reached by Yorkshire’s own Dan Mennell, who, with his partner John Roberts at his side, made waves at the Riponian Stages Rally. In just his tenth outing at this level, Mennell not only clinched a win but also firmly established himself among the elite drivers of the British Historic Rally Championship. The event was held in the picturesque yet treacherous backdrop of the Yorkshire forests, renowned for their unique combination of speed and challenge.
Mennell’s remarkable journey reflects not only his talents as a driver but also the persistence that culminated in this momentous victory. For over a year, he has continually threatened to carve out his place in history, and at last, his hard work and dedication bore fruit. It is a compelling reminder of how determination and resilience often stand at the core of athletic success, especially in a discipline as demanding as rallying.
The conditions on the day of the rally added an extra layer of difficulty for all competitors. Overnight rain transformed the forest trails into slick, challenging surfaces that tested the skills and reflexes of even the most experienced drivers. Mennell, however, showcased remarkable composure and skill, navigating the tricky terrain with precision and poise. His ability to adapt to the unpredictable conditions was instrumental in his commanding performance, finishing the rally with an impressive 20-second lead over his nearest competitor, rising star David Crossen.
Crossen, alongside co-driver Ben Teggart, demonstrated his own capabilities as he charged through the opening stages, managing to set a formidable pace. This interplay between Mennell’s consistency and Crossen’s aggressive style painted a vivid picture of the thrilling competition that defines historic rallying. In a sport where margins can be razor-thin, the balance of skill, strategy, and sometimes sheer luck can make all the difference.
While Mennell and Crossen dueled at the front, the fight for the remaining podium spots was equally engaging. Adrian Hetherington, partnered with Ronan O’Neill, showcased incredible tenacity after losing precious seconds due to a puncture early on. His subsequent stages were marked by rapid recovery, capturing two fastest stage times as he pressed forward, ultimately securing third place ahead of competitors such as David Henderson and Chris Lees.
Henderson, despite facing mechanical hurdles that hampered his performance, managed to maintain a commendable fourth position, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, determination is key in rallying. Meanwhile, Yorkshire’s Matthew Stroud rounded out the top five with a strong showing alongside his co-driver Josh Carr. This collective performance highlights not only individual talent but also the strength of community within historic rallying, especially with multiple Yorkshire drivers featuring prominently near the top of the leaderboard.
Nevertheless, the day was not without its share of disappointment. Mechanical failures plagued several competitors, including Matthew Robinson, Ben Friend, and George Lepley. Lepley’s anticipated performance in the Mitsubishi Galant VR4 was cut short by engine troubles that left fans and competitors alike longing for what could have been. These obstacles serve as important reminders of the unpredictable nature of motorsport, where even the best-prepared teams can encounter unexpected setbacks.
The Riponian Stages Rally not only highlighted the incredible talent and determination of drivers like Dan Mennell but also showcased the spirit of competition that is vital in sports. As Mennell himself reflected on his win, it was a dream come true—a moment that no amount of practice could fully prepare him for. As the historic rallying scene continues to evolve, one can only anticipate with excitement how this new generation of drivers will further enrich the heritage of the sport.