Stuart Maloney and Kristian Yearwood are the champions of BCIC Rally Barbados 2026 after a hard-fought victory on Sunday.
After three days of action, the pair, driving a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, defeated defending champions Kyle Gregg and Kreigg Yearwood by ten seconds.
It marked a comeback victory for Maloney, who crashed heavily in last year’s event, while Gregg also impressed, despite an earlier crash at First Citizens King of the Hill on May 24.
Speaking to Hollie McRae following the race, Maloney said he was delighted to reclaim the region’s most prestigious rally title.
“I can’t explain, it was great, especially coming off (the crash) of last year.
Finding the confidence to be out here and be leading was tremendous and having Kristian next to me, him having the confidence in me to get back in the car after how I unfaired him last year, it was brilliant. It was such a great, great result for both of us and I am very happy for it,” he said.
Co-driver Yearwood was equally upbeat following the result. “Yeah, it’s really amazing where we are actually standing now, literally, because 12 months ago we were both on our back. I remember that very well you know, we couldn’t move. So to be here on the top step is a true testament of the resilience of the team to actually get us back here.”
“I’m thankful to everybody who’s supported us on the recovery journey,” noted an elated Yearwood.
Gregg was happy to be back on the podium following last week’s crash. “One hell of a week, I mean P1 would have been sweet.That would have been an awesome story, but you know, Stewart drove well today. We clawed it down to five seconds at one point, but props to him. I drove my life out yesterday trying to gain back some time after losing time on special stage one, but you know, the car worked fine.”
For Kreigg Yearwood it was also a good redemption story.
“Hats off to Kyle for an amazing drive this weekend, especially mentally getting back into it this weekend to finish P2. We had that minor stall on Friday night, but who knows what could have happened without that. But you know, steady drive, and here we are on the podium again,” he concluded.
The pair of Mark and Justin Maloney finished third, following a steady performance.
“I remember when you guys were interviewing all the drivers at King of the Hill and we were like back in the tent and all that, and you passed us by and I said, ‘you’re not interviewing us?’” You said, “When you guys are up front, we will, so here we are. That’s all it took. You inspired me, so that’s where it started. It was, it was an awesome rally,” said a pleased Mark.
“Thanks to Justin, my son and co-driver, and we’ve been at this for a while, everything went well this weekend and the pace was hot.”
Barry Mayers and co- driver Moishe Steinbok finished eleventh as the top two wheel drive finishers.
“Yeah, a long, long weekend is what I would say. The car held together, which is incredible, and to be able to fight this morning to give a little bit of pushing with Declan from Ireland, he is quick. So I’m happy to be here in one piece for sure!” noted Mayers.
(KH)
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