The Ilkley Jubilee on 24th and 25th October marks the penultimate round of 2026’s HRCR championship. Sadly, we lost Ian Mitchell earlier this year and Joseph Mallinson has stepped up to take the reins of Clerk of Course. The new format tested last year proved to be a success; it was also warmly welcomed by residents who enjoyed being part of the atmosphere at the start line. Starting in the historic market place in Otley for the Saturday evening leg, there will be a couple of regularities as darkness falls and then there will be the challenges of returning to Bramham Park in the dark for the final section of the evening. A venue for a hearty supper will give competitors the opportunity to chat and relax before the action resumes in the morning.

Sunday sees crews re-start from Wetherby, tackling six regularities and ten tests across four venues as the route heads into North Yorkshire and takes in some wonderful scenery. It will then return to Otley Golf Club for a carvery where the results will be announced.

Last year’s winners Guy Woodcock and Michael Cochrane are absent from the field, so who will gain the title as the winner? Lewis Ayris and Matt Outhwaite could gain a place from finishing second last year, so can they do it? Andy Pullan has stepped back from the organising committee and this may be his last UK rally on his local Yorkshire turf prior to moving overseas, so could this be his final push? Who knows, there is a fabulous calibre of skilled competitors so the title could be anyone’s. Although some championships have been decided, it’s a close race at the top of the Navigator’s championships with Sarah Binstead, Ryan Pickering, Martyn Taylor, Miles Fieldhouse and Mark Dunkerley all competing and eager to collect top points.

Alongside the main event there is also the Jubilee Run over both days and on the Sunday the Beginners rally will join the event as the organisers want to provide an inclusive event that everyone can compete in.

As with all HRCR events there is a wonderful variety of vehicles and crews competing, we hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding event. These events do not happen without the help and support of many marshals, sponsors and generous landowners so a huge thank you for their support. The sunshine is booked, but it is the competitors’ responsibilities to make sure they change their clocks on the Sunday morning!