David Spear Commercial Vehicles has confirmed a second successive year as the official vehicle supplier to the Nicky Grist Stages, continuing its support of one of Britain’s most popular gravel rally events.
We will once again provide vehicles to support the running of the rally, which takes place on the famous gravel stages of the Epynt military ranges near Builth Wells.
Having first partnered with the event last year, David Spear Commercial Vehicles supplied two four-wheel drive Ford Rangers that were used as the official Motorsport UK Safety Delegate and Double Zero vehicles. The partnership proved a natural fit, with the vehicles demonstrating their capability and reliability in demanding off-road conditions.
This year’s agreement will see David Spear Commercial Vehicles once again provide essential support vehicles to help officials and organisers deliver the event safely and efficiently. The vehicles will be used throughout the rally to transport personnel, support the organising team and assist with operational requirements across the challenging stages.
For David Spear Commercial Vehicles, the partnership represents an opportunity to support a major Welsh sporting event while showcasing the durability, versatility and performance of its vehicle range in a real-world working environment.
Elliott Spear, Head of Purchasing at David Spear Commercial Vehicles, said:
“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the Nicky Grist Stages and support one of the UK’s most respected gravel rallies.
“Last year proved what a fantastic event it is, and it was pleasing to see our vehicles playing an important role in helping the rally run safely and efficiently.
“As a Welsh business, it’s particularly rewarding to be involved with such a high-profile event in mid-Wales, while also demonstrating the capability and versatility of our vehicle range in a demanding working environment.”
Neil Cross, Clerk of the Course for the Nicky Grist Stages, welcomed the continuation of the partnership.
“We’re delighted that David Spear Commercial Vehicles has chosen to continue its support of the Nicky Grist Stages,” he said.
“The rally relies on a large team of officials and volunteers, and having access to a reliable fleet of vehicles is essential to the smooth and safe running of the event.”
Based in Builth Wells, the Nicky Grist Stages remains one of the highlights of the British rallying calendar. The event centres around a ceremonial start on Strand Street, a service area at Builth Wells RFC and a champagne finish on the banks of the River Wye.
Competitors will tackle approximately 44 competitive miles across some of the most iconic stages in UK rallying, including Monument, Crychan, Halfway and Route 60. The Crychan stage will once again be known as “Bowlsey” in honour of the late Pete Bowles, a long-serving Quinton Motor Club committee member, former event winner and Clerk of the Course.
Organised by Quinton Motor Club, the rally celebrates 17 consecutive years of title sponsorship from Nicky Grist Motorsports and continues to attract competitors from across the UK.
The 2026 event will form a round of six major championships, including the Protyre Autocare BTRDA Rally Series, Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, HRCR Rally Master Challenge, Kingfisher Insurance Motorsport English Rally Championship, TCS Plant Rally Challenge and ANWCC Rally Championship.
