The sixth edition of the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion is ready to burst into life this weekend (4-6 September), with a record-breaking 149-car entry featuring drivers from across Europe preparing to tackle three days of challenging closed-road stages through the spectacular west Wales countryside.
Setting pulses racing in the run-up to next year’s FIA World Rally Championship return to the UK, Britain’s premier rally event in 2026 will once again welcome the FIA European Rally Championship and British Rally Championship, while the latest running sees a major new addition with the introduction of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship for Pre-1992 Cars.
Three separate rallies will run across the weekend to accommodate the bumper entry, with the International and National events tackling all 16 timed special stages. The Historic Rally will contest all but one of the sealed-surface tests.
Leading the international charge is five-time World Rally Championship event winner Kris Meeke, who has been attracted by the unique challenge of the closed-road Welsh stages and lines up in a Toyota Yaris Rally2.
He will face a formidable ERC contingent headed by series leading Finnish ace Teemu Suninen (Skoda Fabia Rally2), Italy’s Andrea Mabellini (Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale) and Polish stars Mikołaj Marczyk and Jakub Matulka aboard two more Skoda Fabia Rally2s.
“I wanted to try to do Rali Ceredigion,” explained Meeke. “We all know the challenges of this rally and I’ve obviously watched some onboard videos. The stages look narrow, bumpy and tricky, to be honest.
“I’m hopeful but I don’t underestimate the challenge with guys like Teemu Suninen, who’s been rallying every weekend. This will only be my third event in Rally2 this year, but I’m excited for the challenge and a big thanks to everyone that has made it possible. Let’s see what happens.”
The British Rally Championship battle will provide plenty of home interest, with Scotland’s Max McRae (Skoda Fabia Rally2) joined by Welshmen Meirion Evans (Toyota Yaris Rally2) and two-time Rali Ceredigion winner Osian Pryce (Toyota Yaris Rally2), all three eager to claim victory on home territory.
“It’s fantastic to have a home rally that’s part of both the British and European championships and this year’s route again looks challenging,” confirmed Pryce.
“There are some new stages and the dark stages look exciting – it’s something I wish we could have more of. Once again there’s a strong entry and the competition level is going to be even higher this year.”
The inaugural Historic Rally adds another dimension to the weekend, with an impressive line-up of machinery spanning several decades of rallying history. Among the cars taking to the Welsh lanes will be iconic Lancia Stratos, Ford Escort Mk2, BMW M3, Triumph TR7 V8 and Porsche 911s.
The historic field also features some of the sport’s most experienced competitors, including FIA European Historic Championship leader Seb Perez, former British Rally Champion Mark Higgins, Polish star Maciej Lubiak and Welsh hope Tomas Davies.
Welshman John Dalton will head the National field in the Welsh-built Darrian T90 GTR, while fellow local stars Dylan Davies, Aled Wyn Morgans and Rhys Wyn Davies will add further home interest.
As ever the National entry offers an eclectic mix of machinery, from state-of-the-art four-wheel-drive contenders and front-wheel-drive pocket rockets to spectacular rear-wheel-drive cars, guaranteeing plenty of variety and entertainment for the huge roadside crowds.
The 2026 route has been carefully devised to provide crews with a demanding mix of challenges while also offering safe and spectacular Fan Zone vantage points for spectators.
The rally gets under way in spectacular fashion on Thursday evening on Aberystwyth seafront, where fans can enjoy the Rali Show, a popular autograph session and the traditional Ceremonial Start. The Rali Engage initiative will also return, helping to inspire the next generation of motorsport fans and industry leaders.
Competitive action begins on Friday following Free Practice, Shakedown and Qualifying, with crews then tackling two runs through the iconic superspecial street stage in the heart of Aberystwyth. These will be followed by two further tests under the cover of darkness – an exciting new addition to this year’s event.
Saturday provides the bulk of the competitive mileage, with eight stages of flat-out action awaiting the crews.
The rally reaches its climax on Sunday with four final stages before the surviving crews return to Aberystwyth seafront for the ceremonial finish.
In total, crews will tackle 16 special stages covering 120 miles of competitive action – providing a highly spectacular appetiser ahead of the WRC’s return to these shores in 2027.