KIDDERMINSTER-based Hills Ford, which has had decades of involvement in rallying and community support, is backing Irish driver Jon Armstrong who is undertaking his first full FIA World Rally Championship season.
The family business has been a familiar name across the region, not just as a major local employer, but as a business with a consistent record of supporting people, sport and community life well beyond its showroom doors.
From backing local charities and individuals, to supporting grassroots and regional sport, the family run Ford dealership has built a reputation for giving back to the area it serves.
Motorsport, however, has long been one of the most visible expressions of that commitment.
The Hill family’s involvement in rallying stretches back more than 50 years, whether that be competing, car preparation or sponsorship in the sport.
Their passion has seen Hills prepared cars compete on British stages, on track and even attracted notable visitors – including a young Ayrton Senna, who is remembered as having visited the family during his early career.
Making rallying more accessible
The company’s passions and support continues today through the likes of the Hills Ford Stages Rally.
This premier Closed Road Rally brings the festival of national rallying in from no accessible to public stages and the forests and to local communities, drawing competitors, teams and spectators and tourism, providing economic and social benefits locally.
That same long-term approach of supporting motorsport and people is extending to the world stage.
Impressive
Hills Ford is backing Armstrong in the FIA WRC 2026, competing with M-Sport Ford.
Armstrong’s WRC campaign is supported by the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and marks a significant milestone in a career built steadily through junior and European competition.
Hills Ford has a tradition of backing individuals as they progress, with an emphasis on development rather than short-term gains.
Armstrong has established himself as one of rallying’s most consistent performers of recent years.
A two-time runner-up in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship, he also claimed the 2018 WRC eSports title and went on to secure multiple wins and podium finishes across Europe.
In 2025, he finished second overall in the European Rally Championship – a hard-fought competition which attracts some of the world’s best drivers and teams and earning his opportunity to step up to rallying’s highest level.
Close relationship
Armstrong will work closely with Hills Ford throughout the 2026 season, using a range of Ford vehicles and taking part in activities away from the stages alongside his competitive programme.
He may also be attending some local activities throughout the year.
For Hills Ford, the support of a driver reaching the pinnacle of world rallying sits comfortably alongside its continued investment closer to home.
From regional events and scheme to its ongoing role in the Hills Ford Stages.
Hills Ford director Tim Hill said “Armstrong’s journey through the sport reflected the values the business has long supported, describing his progression as the result of persistence and earned opportunity rather than overnight success.”
Armstrong, meanwhile, welcomed the backing as he prepared for the biggest season of his career, noting the importance of having support from a business with a genuine understanding of rallying and its demands.
As preparations built towards the 2026 season, Hills Ford’s involvement at both local and at an international level offered a clear example of how a regional businesses can play a meaningful role in sport and the community – not only by supporting elite competition, but by sustaining the pathways and events that connect world-class motorsport back to the communities where it all begins.
The company are also opening a new site this year in Worcestershire adding job opportunities to the list too.
The next round of the FIA World Rally Championship is in Sweden on February 12.
