Shirekeep Gazette, 1758
Shireroth’s “Empyrean” & “Apex” Get Off to a Flying Start: Prologue a Victory for Strategy
BAKUYA – Whilst the field in Bakuya is still struggling in the heat of the second edition of the Bakuya Rally, the Shireroth crowd can look back on the prologue with peace of mind and a smile. Whilst expectations were somewhat cautious going in, the drivers of the Shireroth Rally Club have proven that their blend of raw power and technical precision is the key to success in this inhospitable landscape.
The 98-kilometre prologue – a true test of endurance through the rugged terrain south of the airport – did not end in disappointment for Shireroth, but with a strategically sound starting position that lays the foundation for the days ahead.
A Double Triumph: From the Air to the Ground
The day was dominated by two strong performances that epitomise the Shireroth identity: robustness and resilience.
In the motorbike class, Hubert Martext proved that the AMW rally bike – a machine better known for its power than its top speed – is perfectly suited to the Shireroth style. With a third-place finish and a time of 55:05, he is now the highest-placed Shireroth rider in the top 10 overall.
“The AMW isn’t a car for racing on tarmac, but in this desert it’s like a war machine,” Martext explained after the finish. “We didn’t try to set the fastest time in the prologue, but we saved the car for the long journey that is now beginning. A podium finish in the prologue proves that our strategy is spot on.”
His team-mate Lymoges Montague, riding the Dirt bike M201, finished in 9th place. Although he did not make the top 5, he noted that the M201 demonstrated far more power than expected in the deep sand sections.
In the car class, Silvius Bardolph was the driving force. Driving the Toukotan Motors Apex 94, he finished 4th overall (00:50:08). This is an impressive achievement, particularly given that the Apex 94 is a car designed for balance rather than pure top speed.
The Empyrean Strategy: Patience Pays Off
The Sokoku Automobiles Empyrean, Shireroth’s flagship, was launched this year amid high expectations. The results achieved by Angelo Tyrrell (11th, 51:45) and Fleance Andronicus (17th, 53:28) show that the team is taking a different approach.
“We know the Empyrean isn’t the fastest in a short prologue,” Tyrrell explained. “But we’ve tested the car for its resilience on rough terrain. The section around the airport was tough, but the car remained stable. That’s what we need for the long stages. We aren’t the fastest right now, but we’re best prepared for tomorrow.”
The gap between the two Empyrean drivers (17th vs 11th) shows that the team is still fine-tuning the car, but confidence in the vehicle is high.
A Team That Makes Its Presence Felt, Not Seen
The Shireroth team has opted for a subtle yet effective approach. Whilst other teams are trying to win the prologue by going all out, Shireroth has adopted a ‘long-distance’ mentality.
“The Bakuya Rally isn’t a sprint,” said a spokesperson for the Shireroth Rally Club. “It’s a test of who can keep going the longest. The prologue was a way to test the cars and engines, not to win the race. We’re happy with our positions. We aren’t the fastest, but we’re the most reliable.”
Shireroth Rally Club Holds Firm in Desert: "Strategy Pays Off in Long Haul Stage"
AURANGABAD – The second edition of the Bakuya Rally has provided Shireroth with a day of nuance and strategic victory. While international favorites from Sanpantul and Sanama hold the overall lead, the Shireroth Rally Club has proven that patience and technical precision are just as critical as raw speed in the vast deserts of Bakuya.
The first true stage, a grueling 743 kilometers through the rugged landscape between Bakuya and Aurangabad, served as a crucial test for our riders on the Toukotan Motors Apex 94 (cars) and the AMW rally motor (motorcycles). The result? A solid 4th place overall for Silvius Bardolph and a promising 3rd place in the motorcycle class for Hubert Martext.
Bardolph: "The Car Holds its Ground"
Silvius Bardolph, representing the Shireroth Rally Club on the Toukotan Motors Apex 94, delivered one of the most consistent performances in the field. He finished 4th overall with a time of 05:44:05, just 2:55 minutes behind the stage winner, Ige Hiroya (Sanpantul).
"The Apex 94 isn't designed to be the fastest in the first 100 kilometers," Bardolph explained after the finish, a calm smile on his face. "Our philosophy is built on durability. We set up the car to remain stable all day without forcing it. In a rally of nearly 750 kilometers, that is a major advantage. The competition lost significant time today by driving too aggressively, while we found our rhythm steadily."
His teammate Angelo Tyrrell, driving the Sokoku Automobiles Empyrean, finished in 13th place, improving his position as the stage progressed.
"The Empyrean is a heavy car, but it has a heart of gold," Tyrrell noted. "We lost some time in the rocky sections during the first half, but the car really started to find its pace in the sand dunes. We used the stage to refine our setup for the long haul ahead. The fight is far from over."
Motorcycles: Martext Shows Power in Sand
On two wheels, Lymoges Montague was the standout rider for Shireroth. On the heavier AMW rally motor, he secured 4th place in the motorcycle class with a time of 05:55:55, just 3:45 minutes seconds behind stage winner Elinor Binnion (Sanama).
"The AMW is a machine of power, not just speed," Montague clarified. "In the deep sand sections, where smaller engines struggled, I could utilize our torque. We didn't try to break records in the prologue; instead, we saved the machine for the long journey that begins now. A podium finish in the first real stage proves our strategy is sound."
His teammate Hubert Martext, riding the Dirt bike M201, finished in 9th place, indicating that while the M201 needs some adjustments for the toughest sections, it holds great potential for the coming days.
Silence in the Storm: A disappointing day for the lead riders, but a promising performance from the followers
SURYAPUR – For Shireroth, Stage 2 was a day of mixed feelings. While favorite riders Silvius Bardolph and Hubert Martext saw their positions deteriorate, Fleance Andronicus on the Sokoku Automobiles Empyrean secured a surprising 6th place, the only bright spot in an otherwise disappointing stage.
The stage, which began with heavy rocks and ended with a steep climb to the Bulqan plateau, was a test of adaptability. For Bardolph, who was 4th in Stage 1, this was a heavy setback. He finished in 14th place, far behind the leaders.
"The Apex 94 didn't deliver the performance we hoped for today," Bardolph admitted. "The rocks were too sharp, and the climb too steep for our setup. We lost too much time in the first half, and couldn't make up for it in the second half. This is a lesson for us: we must adapt our car to the terrain, not the other way around."
In the motorcycle class, Hubert Martext on the AMW rally motor was also disappointing with a 6th place, while Lymoges Montague on the Dirt bike M201 even dropped to 9th place.
"The AMW is a powerful bike, but it is too heavy for this climb," said Martext. "We lost too much power in the sand sections, and the climb was too hard to make up for it. We need to do something to the setup tomorrow."
However, Fleance Andronicus on the Sokoku Automobiles Empyrean showed that the heavy car could be an advantage in the steep climb.
"The Empyrean isn't fast, but it is stable," said Andronicus. "In the climb to the Bulqan plateau, where others were slipping, the car held its grip. We aren't the fastest, but we are the most reliable. And in a rally of this format, reliability is everything."
The Shireroth team leader stated that they are analyzing the results and adjusting the setup for Stage 3.
"We are not in panic," said the team leader. "The rally is far from over. We have seen where we stand, and we know what we need to improve. Tomorrow we will go for the win, regardless of our starting position."
With the 6th place for Andronicus and the disappointment for the lead riders, Shireroth looks forward to the next stage with mixed feelings. The battle for the lead is far from decided, and Shireroth remains a factor in the rally.
Tyrrell Secures 2nd Place in Marathon: A solid performance by the heavy Empyrean, while the leaders fall
PARDEH – For Shireroth, Stage 3 was a day of quiet triumph. While favorites from Sanpantul and Sanama saw their positions deteriorate, Angelo Tyrrell on the Sokoku Automobiles Empyrean secured an excellent 2nd place in the marathon stage, just 35 seconds behind the winner Mahdi al-Rasul (Çakaristan).
The 987-kilometer ride, traversing the green foothills of Nidas and the vast Thul Marusthal desert, was a test of endurance. For Tyrrell, who had been racing in the mid-field in previous stages, this confirmed that the heavy Empyrean is built for the long haul.
"The Empyrean is not a race car; it is an explorer," said Angelo Tyrrell after the finish. "In the short stages, we lose time to the faster cars, but in the marathon, our stability becomes an advantage. The other cars had to stop for repairs or suffered tire problems, but we just kept driving. The desert has shown our strength: we are the last ones to stop."
Tyrrell’s performance was all the more remarkable because the Shireroth leader Silvius Bardolph on the Toukotan Motors Apex 94 dropped to 9th place, and Hubert Martext on the AMW rally motor even fell to 4th place in the motorcycle class.
"The Apex 94 is not made for this distance," Bardolph admitted. "We lost too much time in the sand sections. Tyrrell’s Empyrean has proven that heavy can also win. We must learn from this stage: sometimes it is better to keep going than to try to be the fastest."
In the motorcycle class, Hubert Martext was satisfied with his 4th place, though he had dreamed of a podium finish.
"The AMW is heavy, but reliable," said Martext. "We are not the fastest, but we are still here. And in a marathon, that is the most important thing."
With the 2nd place in this stage and a solid 11th place overall (due to previous results), Shireroth looks forward to the finale with confidence. The Empyrean has proven to be one of the best cars for long distances, and with the right strategy, Shireroth can still surprise.
"We are not here to win the first stage, but to finish the last," said the team leader. "And today we have proven that we can be the last ones standing. The battle for the overall victory is not decided, and Shireroth is still in the race."
The final stage promises to be an exciting conclusion, with Tyrrell as one of the biggest contenders for a podium finish in the general classification.
Andronicus Soars, Bardolph Stumbles in Steppe Sprint
FERGHANA – Stage 4 was a day of contrasts for the Shireroth Rally Club. While Fleance Andronicus on the Sokoku Automobiles Empyrean secured a stunning 5th place, his teammate Silvius Bardolph on the Toukotan Motors Apex 94 struggled to 13th. The high-speed nature of the Steppe of Rečnozemlja exposed the different strengths of Shireroth's two vehicles.
The route, which crossed the National Highway 15 bridge and sped across the flat plains, favored the heavy, stable chassis of the Empyrean. Andronicus used the car's weight to maintain traction in the crosswinds that swept across the steppe.
"The Empyrean is a tank, but it is a tank that can run," said Fleance Andronicus. "On the steppe, the wind is a constant enemy. Light cars lose stability; heavy cars like ours cut through the air like a knife. We didn't have the top speed of the Sanpantul cars, but we didn't lose time to the wind. It was a perfect execution of our 'slow and steady' philosophy, but at high speed."
Meanwhile, Bardolph found the Apex 94 less suited to the open plain.
"The Apex 94 is agile, but on this flat, fast terrain, it felt like it was dancing on a tightrope," Bardolph admitted. "We lost time in the corners and the straights. Andronicus was right to take the heavy car approach. We need to learn that sometimes, stability is faster than agility on the steppe."
In the motorcycle class, Lymoges Montague on the Dirt bike M201 took a surprise 2nd place, capitalizing on the open terrain where the bike's light weight was an asset. Hubert Martext on the AMW finished 6th.
"The steppe is a motorcyclist's dream," Montague said. "No rocks, no sand, just speed. The M201 is light and quick. We are happy with the result, but the final stage will be the true test."
The Shireroth team leader saw the day as a strategic victory.
"We have two cars, two strategies, and today we saw both work and fail," the leader said. "Andronicus showed us that the heavy car is a weapon on the steppe. Bardolph showed us where we need to improve. Tomorrow, we will combine our lessons. Whether the final stage is fast or slow, Shireroth is ready."
With a 5th place finish, Andronicus keeps Shireroth in the conversation for a top-5 overall finish, a remarkable achievement for a team that started as an underdog.
Stability Test: Tyrrell Holds 7th as Andronicus Falters in the Grass
PALANKA – Stage 5 was a tale of two Shireroth cars. While Angelo Tyrrell on the Sokoku Automobiles Empyrean secured a respectable 7th place, his teammate Fleance Andronicus (who had shone in Stage 3) dropped to 20th, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the Steppe of Rečnozemlja.
The stage, characterized by a deceptive mix of hard-packed sand and slick, dew-covered grass, tested the limits of vehicle weight and suspension. Tyrrell’s heavy Empyrean initially struggled but found stability in the sand, while Andronicus’s attempt to push on the grass ended in spins and lost time.
"The grass was the killer today," said Angelo Tyrrell. "The Empyrean is heavy, which helped us in the sand, but on the grass, the weight became a liability. We lost time in the corners, but we kept moving. Fleance’s car, which was so fast on the steppe yesterday, simply couldn't find grip on the wet grass. It was a harsh lesson: speed without traction is useless."
Andronicus admitted the difficulty of the terrain.
"I pushed too hard in the grass," Andronicus confessed. "The car was sliding, and I lost control. It was a bad day for the Empyrean in these conditions. But we are still here, and the rally is not over. We will learn from this and be ready for the final stage."
In the motorcycle class, Hubert Martext finished 5th, showing that the AMW rally motor could handle the mixed terrain better than the lighter bikes, which struggled with the slippery grass.
"The AMW is a beast on the rough stuff," Martext said. "The grass didn't stop us. We are happy with the result."
The Shireroth team remains optimistic, hoping the final stage will return to a more technical format where their experience and heavy machinery can shine.
"We have seen the worst of the steppe," the team leader said. "Tomorrow is a prologue. We know the terrain, we know the cars, and we know what we need to do. Shireroth is not out of this race."
Desert Struggle: Bardolph Holds Ground as Andronicus Falters in the Heat
GANESH – Stage 6 was a day of stark contrasts for the Shireroth Rally Club. While Silvius Bardolph on the Toukotan Motors Apex 94 secured a respectable 7th place, his teammate Fleance Andronicus on the Sokoku Automobiles Empyrean dropped to 20th, a significant struggle in the long, flat desert of the Thul Marusthal.
The stage, featuring the crossing of the National Highway 69 bridge and a grueling 777 km run through the desert, favored the lighter, more agile Apex 94 over the heavier Empyrean. Bardolph managed to navigate the heat and sand with precision, while Andronicus struggled with the weight and heat buildup of his vehicle.
"The Apex 94 is a desert warrior," said Silvius Bardolph. "It’s light, it’s quick, and it handles the heat well. We crossed the bridge and then just kept pushing. The Empyrean, on the other hand, is heavy and struggles in the long, flat desert. Fleance fought hard, but the weight of the car was too much. It’s a lesson for us: sometimes the heavy car is not the right choice for the long desert."
Angelo Tyrrell, also on the Empyrean, finished a respectable 15th, showing that the car can still compete, but the team is clearly divided on the best strategy for the final stage.
"We are learning," Tyrrell admitted. "The Empyrean is great for stability, but in the desert, it’s a disadvantage. We need to find a balance for the final stage. If it’s all desert, we are in trouble. If it’s technical, we have a chance."
In the motorcycle class, Hubert Martext finished 5th, showing that the AMW could handle the desert heat better than the lighter bikes.
"The AMW is a beast," Martext said. "It doesn't mind the heat. We are happy with the result."
The Shireroth team is now focused on the final stage, hoping for a technical course where their heavy machinery can shine.
"We have seen the desert," the team leader said. "Now we need to see what the final stage has in store. Shireroth is not out of this race, but we need to be smart."
JEEVITCHINAR – Stage 7 was a tale of two Shireroth cars. While Angelo Tyrrell on the Sokoku Automobiles Empyrean secured a stunning 7th place, his teammate Silvius Bardolph on the Toukotan Motors Apex 94 could only manage 13th, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the Apolloniae Genevae ruins.
The stage, characterized by the narrow, winding paths through the ancient stone ruins, tested the limits of vehicle agility and suspension. Tyrrell’s heavy Empyrean surprisingly found its footing in the rocky terrain, while Bardolph’s Apex 94, usually agile, seemed to struggle with the tight corners and uneven surfaces.
"The ruins were a surprise," said Angelo Tyrrell. "The Empyrean is heavy, but it has great traction. We found a line through the ruins that the lighter cars couldn't match. We didn't have the top speed, but we had the stability. It was a perfect execution of our 'slow and steady' philosophy, but at high speed."
Meanwhile, Bardolph found the Apex 94 less suited to the tight, rocky passages.
"The Apex 94 is agile, but on this terrain, it felt like it was dancing on a tightrope," Bardolph admitted. "We lost time in the corners and the straights. Tyrrell was right to take the heavy car approach. We need to learn that sometimes, stability is faster than agility in the ruins."
In the motorcycle class, Hubert Martext finished 5th, showing that the AMW rally motor could handle the rocky terrain better than the lighter bikes, which struggled with the uneven surfaces.
"The AMW is a beast on the rough stuff," Martext said. "The ruins didn't stop us. We are happy with the result."
The Shireroth team remains optimistic, hoping the final stage will return to a more open format where their experience and heavy machinery can shine.
"We have seen the ruins," the team leader said. "Tomorrow is a prologue. We know the terrain, we know the cars, and we know what we need to do. Shireroth is not out of this race."
Silvius Bardolph Holds Line as Rally Enters the Final Stretch
CHITKHA – The 2026 Bakuya Rally reached a critical juncture on Saturday as the competitors tackled Stage 8, a brutal 739km trek through the Khelaq Mountains. For the Shireroth Rally Club, the day was defined by resilience and strategic consistency rather than outright speed.
Silvius Bardolph, piloting the Toukotan Motors Apex 94, managed to secure eighth place in the car category, a vital result that keeps the Shireroth hopes alive for a top-ten overall finish. Bardolph’s ability to navigate the rocky switchbacks without suffering mechanical fatigue was praised by the team mechanics.
"It is a marathon, not a sprint," Bardolph stated after crossing the finish line in Chitkha. "The Khelaq Mountains are a natural filter; they remove the unprepared. Our strategy was to stay on the track, avoid the dust clouds, and keep the engine cool. We lost a little time to the Sanaman and Sanpantul cars, but we gained confidence."
On the two wheels, Hubert Martext and Lymoges Montague put in a solid shift. Martext finished eighth in the motorcycle class, while Montague took seventh, ensuring that Shireroth has two representatives in the top ten of the bike standings. The AMW rally motor and Dirt bike M201 proved reliable on the mixed terrain of rock and sand.
In the truck division, the Shireroth Rally Club saw Varrius Faulconbridge and Seleucus Urswick finish seventh and eighth respectively. While the gap to the leading Batavian trucks remains, the team is satisfied with their mechanical survival rate. "We are still in the race," noted team captain Elias Thorne. "The road to Bakuya is long, and every kilometer counts."
As the rally prepares for the desert stages ahead, the Shireroth contingent remains focused on consistency, hoping that the fatigue of their rivals will allow them to climb the standings in the coming days.
Shireroth Riders Hold Firm as Rocky Desert Tests Resolve
THAKATI – The "sand-rock" combination of Stage 9 proved to be a true test of resolve for the Shireroth Rally Club. The 712-kilometer trek from Chitkha to Thakati, characterized by its deceptive mix of soft dunes and hard-packed rocky flats, saw the Shireroth contingent maintain their positions with quiet determination.
Silvius Bardolph, piloting the Toukotan Motors Apex 94, finished eighth in the car category, a result that keeps him safely within the top ten overall. While not a podium finish, Bardolph’s consistent pace through the rocky sections prevented any significant time loss, a crucial strategy in a stage where one wrong turn can be costly.
"The terrain here is a puzzle," Bardolph said, wiping grit from his visor. "You can’t drive it like a sand dune stage, and you can’t treat it like a mountain pass. It requires a blend of aggression and caution. We managed the car well, and the Toukotan held up under the stress."
On the motorbikes, Hubert Martext and Lymoges Montague delivered solid performances, finishing seventh and eighth respectively. The AMW rally motor and Dirt bike M201 proved their versatility in the mixed surface, allowing the riders to navigate the narrow rocky tracks without injury.
"We are not looking for glory in every stage," said team manager Julian Thorne. "We are looking for the finish line. The Shireroth team knows that consistency is the key to a top-ten overall finish. Today was about survival and smart driving."
In the truck division, Varrius Faulconbridge and Seleucus Urswick finished seventh and eighth, respectively. The team remains optimistic that their steady approach will pay dividends as the rally moves toward the final stages. "The desert is a long game," Thorne concluded. "We are still in it, and we are not giving up."
KALAGHAR – Stage 10 of the Bakuya Rally, the treacherous 555-kilometer run over the ridge between the Koh-e-Raj and Ghami Dhar, was a day where caution triumphed over speed. For the Shireroth Rally Club, the focus was on survival and maintaining their hard-earned positions in the top ten.
Silvius Bardolph, driving the Toukotan Motors Apex 94, finished tenth in the car category. While not a podium finish, his performance was lauded for its consistency. The narrow ridge, with its loose scree and sudden drops, required absolute focus. "It was a day of nerves," Bardolph admitted. "The Apex 94 handled the turns well, but the real challenge was the mental focus. We kept our heads down and our eyes on the track."
On the motorbikes, Hubert Martext and Lymoges Montague finished seventh and eighth, respectively. The AMW rally motor and Dirt bike M201 proved their worth on the technical ridge line, where balance was everything. "The ridge is unforgiving," said Martext. "But we are still here, and we are still competitive."
In the truck division, Varrius Faulconbridge and Seleucus Urswick finished seventh and eighth. The Jaap Eminence and AMW-46 truck struggled slightly with the steep gradients, but the drivers managed to keep their vehicles intact. "We are not here to win every stage," said team captain Elias Thorne. "We are here to finish the rally. Today, we did exactly that."
As the rally moves toward the final stages, the Shireroth team remains focused on the long game. "The ridge was just one part of the journey," Thorne concluded. "We have the experience, and we have the determination. We will cross the finish line in Bakuya."
Shireroth Survives the Sandstorm; Bardolph Keeps Top Ten Dream Alive
KHABALA – Stage 11 was a day of survival, not glory. The 566-kilometer trek from Kalaghar to Khabala turned into a battle against a sudden, ferocious sandstorm that blanketed the Thul Marusthal in a thick, orange haze. For the Shireroth Rally Club, the goal was simple: keep the machines running and the drivers safe.
Silvius Bardolph, driving the Toukotan Motors Apex 94, finished tenth in the car category. While the stage win went to others, Bardolph’s ability to maintain a steady pace through the blinding dust was a testament to his experience. "The visibility was near zero at times," Bardolph said. "You drive by feel, by the sound of the engine, and by the trust in your co-driver. We lost some time, but we didn't lose our place."
On the motorbikes, Hubert Martext and Lymoges Montague finished seventh and eighth, respectively. The AMW rally motor and Dirt bike M201 were battered by the grit, but the riders stayed upright and on course. "It was a test of nerves," Martext admitted. "But we are still in the race. The final stage is short, and we will give it everything."
In the truck division, Varrius Faulconbridge and Seleucus Urswick held their ground, finishing seventh and eighth. "The storm was the real opponent today," said team captain Elias Thorne. "We are not here to win every stage. We are here to finish the rally. Today, we proved we have the grit to do that."
As the teams prepare for the final sprint to Bakuya, the Shireroth contingent remains focused on consistency. "We have survived the worst the desert can throw at us," Thorne concluded. "Now, we just have to finish."
Shireroth Finishes Strong: Bardolph’s Consistency Pays Off
BAKUYA – The 2026 Bakuya Rally ended with a sense of accomplishment for the Shireroth Rally Club. After 12 grueling stages, Silvius Bardolph, driving the Toukotan Motors Apex 94, secured 10th place overall in the car category, a result that highlights the team’s commitment to consistency and survival.
"The final stage was a sprint, but the real victory was in finishing," Bardolph said, reflecting on the journey. "We faced sandstorms, rocky ridges, and mechanical nightmares. But we never gave up. To finish in the top ten, especially against such fierce competition, is a huge achievement for Shireroth."
On the motorbikes, Hubert Martext and Lymoges Montague finished seventh and eighth overall, respectively. Their ability to navigate the treacherous terrain without major incidents was a highlight of the rally. "We are proud of our riders," said team captain Elias Thorne. "They showed the world that Shireroth has the grit to compete at the highest level."
In the truck division, Varrius Faulconbridge and Seleucus Urswick secured sixth and eighth places. While the gap to the leaders was significant, the team’s focus on reliability paid off, with both trucks crossing the finish line intact. "We are not here to win every stage," Thorne noted. "We are here to finish. Today, we did exactly that, and that is a victory in itself."
The Shireroth Rally Club now looks ahead to the future, confident that their performance in the 2026 Bakuya Rally has set a new standard for the nation. "We have proven our mettle," Thorne concluded. "Micras knows Shireroth is a force to be reckoned with."
