With many titles already decided, the focus for the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally [28 October], the final round of the 2023 season, was undoubtedly on the Junior British Rally Championship contenders.

It was a head-to-head fight between Kyle White and Kyle McBride, with White just needing a finish to claim the crown that he had been trying to secure since 2021.

There was drama early on for White as his Peugeot 208 Rally4 suffered a boost issue on the very first stage, allowing McBride to head off into the distance. However, with just a finish required, White and co-driver Sean Topping nursed the Peugeot back to service where an ECU reset was carried out, ensuring the car was back to full health for the afternoon loop.

McBride’s pace was impressive, but White returned a mature drive over the remaining tests, doing all he needed to do to take the Junior BRC title back to Northern Ireland.

“I can’t really put it into words at the moment” said an emotional White, “it might just make me cry. It’s been an incredible three years in the Junior BRC, the pace has been insane all year, especially with the likes of Max [McRae], Kyle [McBride] and all the other guys coming over, it’s been great to see. But, wow, I really can’t believe it. We are just a wee four-man team from Northern Ireland and to come here and do this, well it’s just extra special.”

McBride and Liam McIntyre knew it would be a long shot, but the Fiesta Rally4 crew never gave up and took away their second-ever Junior BRC win, a small consolation from the weekend and an impressive maiden season in the series.