11-08-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Planning pays off as delighted William Creighton toasts Grampian Forest Rally success
Creighton delivered a masterclass on Friday and Saturday, recording fastest times on five of the 10 speed tests that made up the gravel fixture West of Aberdeen to secure a second victory of the campaign at the controls of his Melvyn Evans Motorsport-run Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
The former Junior World Rally Champion and Junior British Rally Champion laid the foundations for success by navigating the short Friday leg 16 seconds faster than anyone else before extending his advantage across Saturday's eight special stages to lead the main field home with 32.5 seconds in hand.
With his driving-mate Melvyn Evans losing valuable ground in Scotland by coming home third, beaten to the extra points by the Citroen C3 Rally2 of Max McRae — nephew of the late Colin McRae, and the grandson of sporting legend Jimmy — the result had added significance for Creighton's pursuit of the drivers' crown.
The result came against the backdrop of Creighton having to open the road for his Rally2 rivals and, in the process, sweep a cleaner, grippier line — yet despite this, he somehow still managed to find an extra gear on the fast, flowing forest roads around Banchory.
It was also a different outcome to 12 months ago when a frustrating run at the same meeting eventually ended in retirement for the 27-year-old from Moira.
'It feels amazing, we put a lot of preparation into this rally,' said Creighton, who now turns his attention to the closed roads of Rali Ceredigion in Wales, the penultimate round of the British Rally Championship.
'We have been working on the videos and working on the car to improve the driving and get the most out of this weekend and the final result has made that all worthwhile, so I am delighted.
'I want to thank Melvyn Evans Motorsport, the team of mechanics who have helped us prepare, all my sponsors and the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and, of course, Liam as well because we have worked hard in the build-up to the Grampian.
'The win is fantastic and it is super points for the Championship, so I am just super, super happy with how the weekend has gone. It has gone a lot better than last year; we learned a lot and I think we have done well — it is great to achieve what we have.'
