Northallerton Auto Club announce seeding for Yorkshire Dales Rally
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
The seeded entry list for the Swift Signs & Shirts Yorkshire Dales Rally is now available, confirming the line-up for this exciting new event.
Sam Touzel and Max Freeman on their way to victory at the recent East Riding Stages Rally
Photo: Paul Marshall, Rally Media UK
A full field of 100 cars will start the rally, which takes place next Sunday, 29 March 2026. The event will be based in the heart of Wensleydale, with the ceremonial start taking place outside Campbell's of Leyburn. Running from 8am to 6pm, the rally promises a full day of action on some of the most spectacular roads in the Yorkshire Dales.
Leading the cars away will be reigning Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally champion Sam Touzel, co-driven by Max Freeman, who arrive in the Dales fresh from their victory on last month's East Riding Stages Rally. Their place at the head of the field underlines the quality of the entry and the level of competition that can be expected throughout the day.
Clerk of the Course Ian Jackson said: "It's great to see such a strong field for the Yorkshire Dales Rally. A full entry of 100 cars is a fantastic response, and we are very pleased to welcome Sam Touzel and Max Freeman who are in great form following their win on the East Riding Stages Rally.
"There has been a huge amount of work behind the scenes to get the event to this point, and we are very grateful to our sponsors, marshals, volunteers and all the local communities for their support."
The organisers would like to thank all of the sponsors who have played an important part in making the rally possible.
Northallerton Automobile Club is very grateful for the backing from Swift Signs & Shirts, the title sponsor of the event. With strong roots in North Yorkshire and a long-standing connection with motorsport, signage and branded workwear, their support has helped give the Yorkshire Dales Rally a strong identity. Owner Kevin Procter will be taking part in the rally he sponsors, starting the event as car # 10 in his Fiesta S2000T, with experienced Manxman Rob Fagg alongside.
Castle Timber Buildings are sponsoring SS1 and SS5, Castle Bolton. A Yorkshire-based business known for quality bespoke timber buildings and traditional craftsmanship, their support brings another strong local name into the event and reflects the shared pride in Yorkshire workmanship and enterprise.
Look out for Andrew and Robert Foster, who are both contesting the event in Vauxhall Corsas, starting at # 56 and # 96 respectively.
Hall Bros are sponsoring SS2 and SS6, Surrender. James Hall will be competing in the rally in his Subaru Impreza, starting at # 20 with Mark Twiname co-driving, and Jack & Helen Hall setting off at # 73 in their Proton Compact. Their backing reflects the important role local and regional businesses play in helping events like the Yorkshire Dales Rally happen.
Constantine Building Services are a Northallerton based dry lining and partitioning specialist, working on new build housing developments across the north-east and Yorkshire.
Sponsoring SS3 and SS7, Whitaside, their managing director Mark Constantine, contracts manager Tom Constantine and customer care manager Luke Constantine are all competing. Mark is seeded at # 49 in his Vauxhall Corsa, Tom will start at # 44 in his Opel Adam, and Luke is # 29 for his first outing in his new Opel Corsa Rally4.
Wensleydale Brewery sponsors SS4 and SS8, Semer Water. Brewers of the eponymous blonde ale, they are well known for beers inspired by the character of the Dales. With a taproom at Badger Yard in the heart of Leyburn, the brewery's support adds to the rally's strong local identity and celebrates the businesses that help make the area such a special place to visit.
RES Teesdale Scaffold Ltd are a scaffold, temporary fencing and non-mechanical plant supplier, providing services throughout the north-east.
Owned and managed by father and son rally competitors Keith and Andy Davison, Andy will be campaigning his Sunbeam VXR at # 42 on the event, co-driven by Tom Murphy.
The Reubens is a well-known hotel, restaurant and venue at the heart of the community in Leeming Bar, just a few minutes drive from Junction 51 of the A1. Their support helps the rally to deliver a warm welcome.
Bolton Estate has deep links to the landscape, local economy and rural life of the Yorkshire Dales. Bolton Castle is a magnificently preserved 14th-century fortress and luxurious former home. Renowned for holding Mary Queen of Scots prisoner in 1568, the castle provides the backdrop for the first stage of the rally.
Catterick-based PLS Group UK offer a range of land-based services from arboriculture to landscaping and fencing.
They are supporting driver Mick Quinn, who lives in Castle Bolton. He will be competing on the event in his Renault Clio, starting at # 70 alongside co-driver Mark Casey.
Motoscope has been part of the motorsport and performance scene in North Yorkshire for many years and is a familiar name to competitors.
Owner Richard Pocklington from Northallerton will be taking part in the rally in his Mk II Ford Escort RS, starting at # 54 with Ripon co-driver Steve Bielby.
Metcalfe Farms is a respected Yorkshire Dales business with strong local roots and a proud reputation built across generations. The company offer award winning farming and agricultural services, and their support provides an important community connection for the event.
White's Bakery is a long-established Yorkshire business with a reputation for quality and consistency. The organisers are very grateful to Whites Bakery for providing cookies for all the marshals. The cookies should be delivered speedily by rally competitors David and Matthew White, starting # 26 in their Subaru Impreza.
The organising team would also like to extend their thanks to all the officials, marshals and volunteers who are giving up their time to make the rally happen. Their contribution is absolutely vital and very much appreciated.
For anyone planning to watch, there are official spectator areas on each of the four stages: Castle Bolton, Surrender, Whitaside and Semer Water. These are the best and safest places to enjoy the rally, and spectators are encouraged to read the official spectator information before travelling and to follow all parking and event guidance on the day. Tickets are £10 per car and are available now.
The Yorkshire Dales Rally promises not only a day of top-class motorsport, but also a chance to experience the atmosphere, scenery and community spirit that make this part of the country so special.
