A MAJOR rally event has found a new home after its 2025 Herefordshire event was cancelled.
The Hills Ford Stages, one of the UK’s premier closed-road motorsport events, is set to return on September 19 to 20, 2026, this time in Shropshire.
It comes after organiser Cheltenham Motor Club announced the cancellation of the 2025 rally in July, saying they had been unable to secure the necessary motor race order and road closure order from Herefordshire Council.
It said the forms had been submitted in a timely manner but no response had been received.
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However, a spokesperson for Herefordshire County Council said a number of outstanding issues had not been addressed by event organisers.
The county council spokesperson said: "We were notified by the event organisers on July 6 that they no longer intended to hold their event in the county.
"The council had not made a decision on whether to approve the closure of roads for this event as there were a number of outstanding issues which still needed to be addressed by the event organisers.
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"We were unable to make a decision on the road closures until this information had been received for consideration."
The move marks a new chapter for the rally, bringing "top-flight motorsport action" to Shropshire, with a ceremonial start in Shrewsbury.
Afternoon stages on Saturday will be held at a historic private estate, once part of the iconic RAC Rally, promising a nostalgic yet thrilling experience.
Sunday will showcase a selection of road rally classics, winding through the stunning scenery of the Shropshire Hills.
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Clerk of the course Dan said: “Shropshire Council has been hugely supportive, and the organisers are working with them and local stakeholders to deliver the wider benefits the rally will bring to the county. This move allows us to design fresh, challenging routes while creating new opportunities for fans, volunteers, and local businesses.”
Long-standing title sponsor Hills Ford continues its support, providing vehicles, resources, and funding to help the not-for-profit event run smoothly.
The rally is celebrated for its strong community focus. Recent events have seen the Hills Ford Stages work closely with schools, local communities, and young people through its ‘Get Involved’ programme, offering volunteering, skills development, and first-hand motorsport experiences.
Organisers say the move to Shropshire marks the next “evolutionary phase,” expanding ways for fans, volunteers, and businesses to engage with the sport.
