22nd March, 2026
The 2026 Peter Blankstone “MAC” Trial returned to the steep banks and challenging cambers of the Shelsley Walsh a venue famed for providing a truly stern sporting trial test. Conditions lived up to expectations, with wet patches, unpredictable traction forming through the day as competitors tackled eight sections, each attempted across three rounds.
With scores rising sharply in tricky spots throughout the day, it became clear early on that precision driving, clever line choice, and razor-sharp teamwork would determine the winners.
The standout winners of the day were Josh and Tristan Veale, whose exceptional consistency delivered a remarkably low final score of just 5, topping the overall standings and dominating the Red/Indy class. Their car sailed through many sections where rivals bled points heavily. Their mastery was clear from Round 1 and continued throughout the event.
The most competitive category produced some of the finest drives of the day.
Top Performers (Final Scores):
Other notable contenders:
This class demonstrated exceptionally tight margins, with only a few points separating podium contenders.
A demanding day for the live axle field, as the terrain exposed the setup differences.
Key results:
The Blue category saw fluctuating scores as grip varied dramatically between rounds.
Best Blue Class Performances:
Flanagan/Gale were especially impressive, finishing ahead of several higher-class competitors.
A large and enthusiastic rookie field tackled what was arguably the toughest terrain many had ever faced.
Top Rookie Results:
Several rookies, produced notably competitive scores relative to seasoned drivers — a very encouraging sign for the sport's future depth.
Their incredibly low score of 5 is one of the standout performances of the season so far, made even more impressive given the challenging, slippery Shelsley terrain. They led from Round 1 and never looked threatened.
Wilks/Smith and Bricknell/Beveridge traded near-identical section scores across multiple rounds, with only single points separating them in key early climbs.
With a final tally of 60, the Simmons pairing showed control and confidence far beyond typical rookie expectations.
(All scores taken directly from the official results PDF)
The 2026 Peter Blankstone “MAC” Trial delivered everything expected of Shelsley Walsh: steep banks, shifting grip, mechanical challenges, and tight competitive drama. With exceptionally low winning scores and intense battles across all classes, it stands out as one of the most memorable early-season trials in recent years.
A huge congratulations to Josh & Tristan Veale, the overall winners, and to all competitors who battled through a demanding but rewarding day of motorsport.