This past Sunday, Dan Mennell etched his name into the annals of the British Historic Rally Championship with a remarkable victory during the Riponian Stages Rally. This success marks a significant milestone in Mennell’s budding rally career, showcasing not only his talent but also his determination. Having previously hinted at his potential in the previous competitions, Mennell has, in just his tenth rally, claimed a win that many had anticipated for the entire year. The event, held amidst the picturesque yet treacherous Yorkshire forests, was a testing ground both for Mennell and fellow competitors, displaying the unpredictability synonymous with rallying.
Rallying in Yorkshire is no easy feat, particularly under adverse weather conditions. On the day of the event, overnight rain transformed the typically forgiving trails into a slippery challenge for even the most seasoned drivers. Such rigors required Mennell to exhibit not only driving finesse but also extraordinary mental resilience. He was paired with co-driver John Roberts in a classic Ford Escort Mk2, a vehicle that has come to symbolize rallying history yet demands respect and understanding from its pilot. With the slippery terrain forcing all participants to adapt quickly, Mennell’s ability to navigate these challenges was commendable. He managed to finish with a lead of 20 seconds, a testament to his skill and preparation.
The competition in the historic rallying scene is fierce, and Mennell’s victory did not come without challenges. His closest competitor, Northern Ireland’s David Crossen, initially set the pace at the Gale Rigg stage, leading Mennell by a slim margin. However, as the rally progressed, Mennell found his groove, overtaking Crossen in the high-speed Cropton stage. This back-and-forth battle underscores the dynamic nature of rally sports where fortunes can shift dramatically within the span of miles. Crossen and his co-driver Ben Teggart showcased commendable skills despite ultimately finishing in second place. The sheer experience they garnered from this event will undoubtedly be beneficial in future competitions.
For Mennell, the victory was not only a personal achievement but also a dream realized. At the finish line, his emotional response highlighted the magnitude of his accomplishment: “That’s absolutely magical. I used to watch all these guys when I was a lad and think: ‘I’d love to do that one day’. And here we are. It’s like a dream come true.” His words encapsulate the spirit of many aspiring motorsport athletes, who view rallying not only as a sport but as a lifelong passion that can inspire dreams and drive perseverance.
While Mennell celebrated his victory, other competitors faced their own battles against mechanical failures and unpredictable events during the race. Adrian Hetherington and Ronan O’Neill, both familiar faces in the historical rally scene, found themselves fighting back after an early misfortune, culminating in a third-place finish. Their ability to recover from a punctured tire demonstrates the resilience necessary in rallying, where the outcome often depends on a mix of skill and sheer luck.
In contrast, drivers like Matthew Robinson and George Lepley were not as fortunate, facing mechanical woes that sidelined their participation prematurely. Such unforeseen failures serve as a reminder of rallying’s inherent unpredictability, where the thrill of racing can be overshadowed by the realities of hardware vulnerabilities.
Dan Mennell’s victory at the Riponian Stages Rally is a remarkable chapter in his still-nascent rally career. As he emerged victorious in his local forests, it serves as an inspiration to budding drivers and a reminder of the sheer exhilaration that motorsport can provide. As Mennell and his fellow drivers reflect on their experiences and challenges, the British Historic Rally Championship continues to be a proving ground for thrilling narratives, fierce rivalries, and the undeniable allure of speed on the open roads. Looking ahead, the future remains bright for both Mennell and the historic rallying community, full of potential and promising stories waiting to unfold.