The first champions of the 2026 Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy season were crowned in a brilliant double-header weekend of action at Pembrey Circuit in South Wales [September 26-27].

With the circuit run in a different direction on each day for the penultimate weekend of the campaign, and mixed weather conditions on Sunday, competitors encountered a range of challenges, but every category enjoyed thrilling racing throughout the Welsh event.

In the Super Retro Rallycross Championship, Dan Swayland converted pole position to a maiden victory in the class with his BDT-engined Ford Escort MKI, but it wasn’t plain sailing for the reigning Retro Rallycross class champion.

It was four-time British Rallycross Champion Pat Doran who took the lead of the Saturday final in the second corner, but a mistake from the Ford Escort MKII runner gave Swayland an opportunity to re-take the lead, the 22-year-old driving to a first win. Doran finished second, while Vincent Bristow (BMW E36) fended off pressure from Valkenswaard winner Stuart Emery (Volvo 242) for the final podium spot.

It was again a super-close encounter for victory in the Sunday final, as Doran led from pole position. Swayland did everything he could to find a way through to the lead, but mid-race was overtaken by Emery for second, the Volvo man having already passed Steve Cozens (Renault 5) at the same point on the circuit. Doran continues to lead the standings ahead of the final weekend at Lydden Hill in November.

In the Retro Rallycoss division for up to 1600cc machines, former Retro Champion Tony Lynch again returned with his Toyota MR2 as part of a programme of selected events, and won on both days. He was shadowed throughout both finals by Jon Wood (Ford Escort), who wrapped up the title, while Paul Buckmaster (Vauxhall Nova) and Peter Christmas (Toyota Corolla) claimed a podium apiece across the two rounds.

Much like in Super Retro, the main title-contenders in the Motorsport UK Cross Car Championship took a win each at Pembrey, as Will Ovenden (Ligier XC01) drove to a commanding win on Saturday to close the gap on points’ leader Bradley Turner (Lifelive TN11). It was also a second Ovenden Motorsport one-two on the bounce, as James Black (Ligier) repeated his Valkenswaard result with second. Turner completed the podium. On Sunday, it was Turner’s turn to take control in the all-important final, as Ovenden battled in traffic further back. From pole position, Turner made best of his advantage to add to his 2026 victory tally, as outgoing Junior Rallycross Champion Teddie Macpherson (Ligier XC01) drove to second and Black finished third. Ovenden wound up fourth after a number of on-track battles in the final. Ben Hardy and Stephen Jones claimed a win apiece in the RX150 Rallycross division, racing on track with Cross Car.

In the Motorsport UK Cross Car Junior Championship, Pembrey local Jaxon Blewett (Lifelive TN11) maintained a 100% win record with victory on Saturday, ahead of championship leader Ethan Hooker (Livelive TN5), but on Sunday it was Hooker who claimed the top spot to close on the first-ever title for the class in the UK. George Edenborough (Livelive TN11) twice finished third.

William Hands got within touching distance of the Motorsport UK Junior Rallycross Championship with a maximum points’ haul from the Pembrey weekend, twice taking victory ahead of Ethan Miles in the single-make class for 1300cc Suzuki Swift machines. In the equally controlled Swift Sport Rallycross Championship, Phil Seath wrapped up the title with a pair of second place results, but it was newcomer Danny Bean who maintained a 100% win record in the class, claiming his second and third career victories in South Wales, adding to his success at Lydden Hill in July.

The final rounds of the 5 Nations BRX season take place at Lydden Hill for the annual fireworks event on November 7-8.

See all news »