The 2026 British Midland Hillclimb Championship (BMHCC) kicked off at Prescott and there was a familiar name making an early statement.

It didn't take long for the defending champion Matt Ryder to make his mark.

Under clear skies and in front of a packed crowd, Ryder began his campaign for a third consecutive title by securing a victory in the very first championship run-off of the season.

Driving the formidable Gould GR59, Ryder, who holds the outright hill record at Prescott set in August 2024, stopped the clock at a blistering 35.29 seconds.

While Ryder appeared to be in total control, the win was hard-fought.

He took the top spot only just ahead of a surging Will Hall, a sure sign that the battle for the 2026 crown will be a tight, season-long affair between the championship's heavy hitters.

The opening session also provided several standout moments beyond the overall win.

Making the long journey from Australia, three-time Motorsport Australia Supersprint champion Dean Tighe proved his mettle on his debut on British soil.

Supporting his entry in the Empire Wraith, Tighe successfully qualified for his first-ever BHC run-off, a testament to his quick adaptation to the technical Prescott course.

Meanwhile, former champion Alex Summers provided a masterclass in giant-killing.

Despite competing in a much smaller 1100cc machine, Summers drove deep into the points, demonstrating the precision and hustle that have made him a fan-favourite over the years.

The technical nature of Prescott’s narrow curves always serves as a high-stakes curtain-raiser and the weekend just gone was no exception.

With the first round now in the books, the championship moves forward with Ryder leading the standings, but with Hall, Wallace Menzies and a hungry pack of challengers right on his heels.