2026 Essex Carpet Clash: Ben Elliott and Ben Smith kick off the BRCA carpet season

Photo: Circus RC News (source)

Britain’s indoor season officially got underway with the Essex Carpet Clash, in the south of England, now in its 9th season. An open, flowing layout featuring a triple jump set the stage for this first carpet meeting of the winter.

Ben Elliott and Ben Smith dominate the Essex Carpet Clash

In 4WD (honeycomb tyres), Ben Elliott took the Final A win ahead of Richard Miller and Riley Butler. In 2WD, Ben Smith (Schumacher) claimed victory ahead of Ellis Stafford (R1 Wurks) and Tommy Dale. The B-to-G finals also produced their share of winners, including Shane Baker, Brooke Marshall, Daniel Marshall, Jessie Russell and Franz Brange.

This season opener confirms the strong form of Ben Smith and Ellis Stafford, two regular carpet podium finishers in the UK worth watching as the series continues.