ORC Canal Rally 2025 Report

Scott Barnes and Bill Paynter pulled off an incredible result at last weekends ORC Canal Rally, finishing 9th overall in the mighty 106 Rallye.

The event, held in Oostrozebeke, was the second round of the Flanders International Rally Challenge, which took place on 24th and 25th May. The Peugeot pairing were seeded at car 29 on a strong entry list of 100 cars, including several Rally 2 cars, and seven GT3 Porsches.

The team got started on Saturday where Scott and Bill completed the recce. Being over a year since Bill had sat in the codriver’s seat, it was a good refresher, with preparations going to plan.

Overnight rain and heavy downpours on Sunday morning made tyre choice difficult. The rain seemed to increase whilst the car was being prepared for the first loop of stages, so a last minute decision to bolt extreme wet tyres onto the 106 was made.

This choice proved correct as the team were met with soaked roads and muddy cuts on the first test. The stages included many surface changes, with some new tarmac which seemed like glass when wet. The extreme wet tyres however offered excellent grip and the team had a good run through the first loop. Consistent with no errors, the crew were delighted to find themselves rounding out the top ten after the first three stages, a fantastic effort against stiff competition.

Heavy winds coupled with the sun breaking through meant that the stages dried quickly, and Scott made the decision to move straight onto a soft slick for the second loop of three stages. Again a wise choice as the stages now appeared dry with the muddy cuts turning into dust. Scott and Bill had another clean loop, although the drier conditions meant the more powerful machinery started to try and chase down the 1600cc Peugeot 106.

Unfortunately on the third loop, two stages were cancelled (SS7 & SS8) due to cars needing to be recovered and also electric cables needing to be moved from the road following a fellow competitors collision with a telegraph pole.

SS9, shortest stage of the loop was run before the team again headed back for a quick check over in service.

The final loop would be an extended one, with four stages to contest before the podium finish. Scott and Bill found themselves in a battle for the overall Flanders International Rally Challenge honours after sitting only a few seconds behind Richard Weatherley and Shaun Layland, in their Citroen C3 Rally 2 car. Hard to believe that Scott’s home built little 106 can compete with such machinery, but such was the level of commitment shown in his driving.

The team would engage full attack mode in the last four stages, trying to gain time wherever possible. The times and pace were getting quicker and quicker, culminating in a 7th fastest overall time on the last stage of the day. This was driving on the absolute limit, mechanical sympathy went out the window. Unfortunately it was not quite enough to catch the C3 Rally 2, as the team finished 1.9 seconds (excluding notional times) behind Weatherley/Layland. Still a fantastic result, and as so many spectators have commented, the drive of the rally.

The team collected the award for 1st in Class 3F, finished 2nd overall in the FIRC (1st 2WD) and an incredible 9th overall, one place ahead of local legend Paul Lietaer.

Scott’s trajectory seems to be ever increasing, as he builds experience on the Belgian roads and the amazing 106 continues to be refined. An awesome result for us all to celebrate.

As always Scott would like to say a big thank you to his partners for their continued support.

Our video from the event will be published on YouTube soon, so keep an eye on the @bprally YouTube channel for our story from the event.