2015 BRC promoter

[Jack4688`]

The position of promoter of the BRC will go up for tender next year for the 2015 season onward. In a recent feature in Motorsport News UK Rally said they will re-apply, which comes as no surprise, while an earlier issue stated that former rally driver Jon Ingram will apply for the position too.

Hopefully this subject will become more and more intriguing as times goes on.

[AndyRAC]

The current Promoters have to try a lot harder. It’s currently not good enough – look at the BTCC/ BSB. That is the level the BRC should at least be.

[Jack4688`]

I agree, those two championships have great TV coverage which keeps the fans watching and sponsors happy and willing to get involved. I've often thought BTCC and BSB are a good marker for the BRC to aim for.

Whenever they cited the economic situation for downgrading most aspects of the championship it just felt like they hadn't really looked at other options. The whole world has got to deal with the same situation but look at other domestic rally championships and other forms of racing in Britain - they've managed to sort themselves out, so why can't the BRC?

[AndyRAC]

Round 1 of the 2014 BRC, the Rally of North Wales, cancelled - due to lack of entries!!

A shame for the event organisers; 2nd year in a row cancelled, last because of snow.

Poor - the whole series needs a rethink.

[Mirek]

What do You guys think now about the "2WD only" rule after two seasons? I remember we had a long discussion when the rule was introduced and there were actually some people who thought it was a good idea.

[AndyRAC]

They went 2WD as they are the most affordable cars. Problem is, they aren't very exciting, and not much of a spectacle.

The BRC needs to decide what it's for. Then it can decide what cars to include.
We already have national club series for both gravel and Tarmac. The BRC must offer something different. Citing slow economic recovery affecting Motorsport won't wash - the BTCC looks on fine form this year. Ex champions returning, lots of media and excellent TV package, etc

The BRC is up for tender - time for new operators, the current lot have had their chance - and failed.

[Tom206wrc]

First round of BRC cancelled !!! Damned I'm gutted :mad:

[Allyc85]

Never good, but wasn't the entry fee well into 4 figures and more than other events, or did I mis-read that somewhere?

[BDunnell]

They went 2WD as they are the most affordable cars. Problem is, they aren't very exciting, and not much of a spectacle.

The BRC needs to decide what it's for. Then it can decide what cars to include.
We already have national club series for both gravel and Tarmac. The BRC must offer something different. Citing slow economic recovery affecting Motorsport won't wash - the BTCC looks on fine form this year. Ex champions returning, lots of media and excellent TV package, etc

The BRC is up for tender - time for new operators, the current lot have had their chance - and failed.

This is a very difficult situation for any promoter to deal with. The case for running two-wheel-drive cars was a good one, but I am firmly of the view that no domestic rally championship will get anywhere unless it's running the same equipment as people can see competing in the WRC. The British series would never have amounted to anything in its heyday had it not been for that. Sadly, we know that running WRCs in domestic championships is financially all but impossible. And coupled with all of this is the fact that the WRC, even with two front-running British drivers, has barely any following in Britain these days. At its best, the British Open championship was probably as good as, if not better than, the WRC. Pentti Airikkala once said that the British series enjoyed far better promotion at that time. Now, what hope is there for the British series if it enjoys poor promotion and is contested by cars people can't be bothered to go and watch?

One contrast with the BTCC is that, even at its lowest ebbs, the BTCC has always managed to retain decent TV coverage. This the BRC cannot claim. Could it do a BTCC in another respect and go down the route of adopting a technical formula different from that used in the world championship? Possibly, but, personally, I don't think it would work. Also in the BTCC's favour is the line-up of well-known champion drivers, further bolstered this season. This the BRC cannot now hope to offer; in the past, when it was strong, it could.

[MrJan]

Round 1 of the 2014 BRC, the Rally of North Wales, cancelled - due to lack of entries!!

A shame for the event organisers; 2nd year in a row cancelled, last because of snow.

Poor - the whole series needs a rethink.

There's a lad in my motor club (think he's only 19) that was looking to contest the BRC this year. Speaking to his old man about the costs involved it doesn't surprise me a great deal. Not only are entry fees extremely expensive (plus travelling all over the country) but the costs to upgrade the car are just crazy. With this in mind it doesn't surprise me that entries are low.

[Tom206wrc]

I hope more success to next month Pirelli International Rally :rolleyes:

[Juha_Koo]

Quite amazing to be honest... BRC had few good years with FWD cars, young fast drivers both in R2 and R3. Now suddenly nothing...

[Langdale Forest]

The BRC is a sick dog championship now.

[Jack4688`]

This makes for an interesting read: http://www.msauk.org/uploadedfiles/tenders/BRC_Tender_2014.pdf

Page 2, point xi in particular

[AndyRAC]

With the BTCC and British GT looking in rude health; the BRC is the poor man of British Motorsport. A real shame - but I don't know what the answer is.

[MrJan]

This makes for an interesting read: http://www.msauk.org/uploadedfiles/tenders/BRC_Tender_2014.pdf

Page 2, point xi in particular

In short: "HELP!!!"

[Jack4688`]

Whatever the full solution is I think it should start with a better TV deal and general promotion - I can't ever remember BRC being mentioned on autosport.com...

Without decent TV coverage sponsors won't be interested and neither will manufacturers (whether works teams would be a good idea is another thing, I'd just personally love to see official R5 Fords, Peugeots, Skodas & Citroens competing against each other) and I would guess the events themselves would benefit from the increased coverage too.

Unfortunately it's a viscous cycle as the TV deal probably can't happen without a strong enough championship to show - someone's going to have to take a punt and commit to it. Personally I think a TV channel would be more open to it if the championship was under new management rather than the current promoters who seem to be doing a pretty poor job of it.

[MrJan]

The sad fact is that people aren't interested enough in rallying to watch it on TV...at least not enough to count. People get out on the stages often enough but Tv lacks the excitement. Circuit racing on the other hand makes sense, people can see who wins and you have drama of close racing (sometimes). It's why I believe that Rallycross has the potential to be big business, get enough star names (with Jacques Villeneuve doing it this year it's certainly a start) 600bhp cars and short races and it really should be popular...plus you have sponsors like Monster already involved.

[Mirek]

Honestly, how many people would watch R2 cars on live TV show? Hardcore fans sure but the rest of the crowd? Hardly anybody unless it's some celebrities driving. In my opinion the way out is only with more spectacular and more expensive cars. Look at MSA events. There are plenty of drivers who can afford WRC cars. Make them invest in BRC and part of Your problem is solved. The promoter must work as a good businessman. Why the hell they drive some "village" events and not my "bestofall" championship? What do I do wrong?

[BDunnell]

The sad fact is that people aren't interested enough in rallying to watch it on TV...at least not enough to count. People get out on the stages often enough but Tv lacks the excitement. Circuit racing on the other hand makes sense, people can see who wins and you have drama of close racing (sometimes). It's why I believe that Rallycross has the potential to be big business, get enough star names (with Jacques Villeneuve doing it this year it's certainly a start) 600bhp cars and short races and it really should be popular...plus you have sponsors like Monster already involved.

Look at how popular rallycross used to be when the BBC showed it in the 1980s. Helped enormously by Murray Walker, it was hugely popular. Remember that the Grand Prix at Brands was a major annual 'Grandstand' event! Make the sport look a bit more professional and it'll be a big player, I'm certain.

[BDunnell]

With the BTCC and British GT looking in rude health; the BRC is the poor man of British Motorsport. A real shame - but I don't know what the answer is.

The truth is that those are championships with which competitors of good quality want to be involved. The BRC, to put it bluntly, isn't.

[BDunnell]

Whatever the full solution is I think it should start with a better TV deal and general promotion - I can't ever remember BRC being mentioned on autosport.com...

Without decent TV coverage sponsors won't be interested and neither will manufacturers (whether works teams would be a good idea is another thing, I'd just personally love to see official R5 Fords, Peugeots, Skodas & Citroens competing against each other) and I would guess the events themselves would benefit from the increased coverage too.

Unfortunately it's a viscous cycle as the TV deal probably can't happen without a strong enough championship to show - someone's going to have to take a punt and commit to it. Personally I think a TV channel would be more open to it if the championship was under new management rather than the current promoters who seem to be doing a pretty poor job of it.

Only way this is going to happen now is, I think, if a promoter spends some serious money on the championship in order to help bring in the sort of teams you describe. As things stand, you can't imagine them having any reason to enter. But I can't see it happening.

[AndyRAC]

The truth is that those are championships with which competitors of good quality want to be involved. The BRC, to put it bluntly, isn't.


Exactly!! The 'customer' actually wants to take part in these championships - they are providing 'value for money'. The BRC doesn't. And, people aren't entering. The F2 days was the last great era of the BRC - so, 15 years ago. When we had Manufacturer entries from Renault, Seat, VW, Vauxhall, Proton, Peugeot......

It will be interesting to see who gets the tender; the current promoters have again put in a bid. Are the MSA really behind rallying - I get the feeling they'd prefer people racing on circuits.

A new promoter with a new plan is what is needed; what those plans are is anybody's guess. However, R2/3 cars is not the answer.

[MrJan]

The problem with BRC is that it needs to do too much to suit too many people. It's not easy coming up with a format that produces the cars fans want to see, at a price that competitors can afford and young drivers can use as a proving ground to get into the WRC...of course that opens up a whole new debate over whether it's even feasible these days for a young driver to get in to the WRC without paying their own way.

Fans want exciting cars (which I think we can all agree does not come from the current format or the Group N format we had previously) but they simply aren't cheap. They also need to live up to quite a lot, especially when you consider that a big portion of the field in the MSA Asphalt championship are running WRCs or Escorts/Darriens with £20k Millington engines and sequential boxes.

[Tom206wrc]

Good that Pirelli International Rally will start normally this week-end :bounce:

[Tom206wrc]

As expected, it's a battle between Osian Pryce and Daniel McKenna ;)
Are Raftery's times correct in SS3 :confused: Being less than 5" slower than Pryce and in a Fiesta R2 makes me wonder if it is...

[Jack4688`]

Please keep this thread relevant. The topic is the 2015 promoter tender.

Thank you

[AndyRAC]

Whoever gets it has a lot of work to do. When motorsport websites don't even bother reporting it you know you're in trouble.

[Jack4688`]

Anyone know when we're supposed to hear anything from the MSA? I know that the submission deadline was mid-April but when are they making a decision? I suppose it's up to them whether to announce it in June or September or whenever but you'd hope the announcement would be made in good time to allow everyone involved in the BRC to adjust to any changes.

[Jack4688`]

According to this week's issue of Motorsport News the MSA will announce it before the end of this month

[the sniper]

Surely the new promoter will switch the main class to R5/S2000? It seems inconceivable to me that they'd persist with running R3 as the top class, as surely that move can only be seen as an utter failure? There are people running R5s and S2000 in the UK who would surely be interested in BRC were they the top class? For instance Simpsons Skoda, David Bogie (he's doing the Scottish Rally in an R5+) or maybe Robert Barrable is he's not totally set on a few WRC outings? Even Mark Higgins was out on Rally GB last year in an R5...

In an ideal world I'd also like to see the new promoter at least try and encourage its rally organisers to run longer rallies. Though I appreciate the implications in organisation and cost of this, the gravel rallies in particular this year and in recent times have virtually been none events (the Wales rounds has been a real none event ;) ), what with them being so short. The 220km limit for events in the ERC should be an aspiration for BRC events. All two day events, with the calender ending with a single round, 3 day rally on the Isle of Man would be nice.

[makinen_fan]

Is there going to be a new promoter? I remember I have read somewhere that the promoter will not change and rights were given to the same company that runs it now.

[Jack4688`]

Yesterday's (small) post in Motorsport News stated that the regional championships would not change promoter i.e the English Rally Championship, Welsh Rally Championship & Scottish Rally Championship. I think everything under MSA's jurisdiction was up for re-application, so presumably things like the Tarmac Championship and historic championship were too. Now that I write this I've remembered that the people who organise the R.A.C. Championship have won the tender for the British Historic Rally Championship.

So the main British Rally Championship tender award has not been announced yet.

[BDunnell]

Surely the new promoter will switch the main class to R5/S2000? It seems inconceivable to me that they'd persist with running R3 as the top class, as surely that move can only be seen as an utter failure? There are people running R5s and S2000 in the UK who would surely be interested in BRC were they the top class? For instance Simpsons Skoda, David Bogie (he's doing the Scottish Rally in an R5+) or maybe Robert Barrable is he's not totally set on a few WRC outings? Even Mark Higgins was out on Rally GB last year in an R5...

All very well, but would this attract (a) the public and (b) media coverage? Somehow I doubt it. I fear the BRC is, effectively, dead. It pretty much is to me.

[AndyRAC]

There aren't enough R5/ S2000 cars in the UK for a viable BRC. As Ben said above - the BRC is more or less dead, and more worryingly, forests are being lost to leisure activities.

[MrJan]

In an ideal world I'd also like to see the new promoter at least try and encourage its rally organisers to run longer rallies. Though I appreciate the implications in organisation and cost of this, the gravel rallies in particular this year and in recent times have virtually been none events (the Wales rounds has been a real none event ;) ), what with them being so short. The 220km limit for events in the ERC should be an aspiration for BRC events. All two day events, with the calender ending with a single round, 3 day rally on the Isle of Man would be nice.


The BRC is already crippingly expensive for most competitors, making all events into two dayers only increases costs for them.

[satnav]

It has been announced that the 2016 BRC will be run by International Motor Sports IMS , and it will take a break in 2015 , so no BRC next year.
This is on irally heres the link , http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00006992&10

[Mirek]

That gets really worrying...

[AndyRAC]

Not good - but understandable. And IMS now running it...... hmm

[the sniper]

I was shocked when I first saw the news, but to be honest, it's probably best just to put a stop to the current championship. You only have to look at the entry for the Scottish Rally this weekend to see where the BRC is now, the SRC/National B entry embarrasses the BRC/National A entry. I'm going but I not really too fussed about seeing the National A field. Whether it's still possible to make a success of the BRC, only time will tell. It'll be interesting to see what IMS will do with it, though they don't automatically inspire confidence!

To me this move is as much about the MSA being seen to doing something, what with the dire state that British single seater racing (including British F3) is also in.

[Jack4688`]

I really hope that this VERY radical approach works

[NaBUru38]

Honestly, how many people would watch R2 cars on live TV show? In my opinion the way out is only with more spectacular and more expensive cars.


Surely the new promoter will switch the main class to R5/S2000? It seems inconceivable to me that they'd persist with running R3 as the top class, as surely that move can only be seen as an utter failure? There are people running R5s and S2000 in the UK who would surely be interested in BRC were they the top class?

Exactly.


All very well, but would this attract (a) the public and (b) media coverage? Somehow I doubt it.

R2 certainly can't. You need 280hp to attract viewers.

[nafpaktos]

Can somebody inform me why they need so much time to revamp the championship?and one more question because i don't have knowledge of things in the island.exept for the BRC what other options have the drives?i mean for this year and for the next one.please be specific in the answers because as i told i am irrelevant to things in the island.thanks in advance!

[Mirek]

I don't follow the national series so much (except some high profile events such as Epynt) but I would say that there is enough crews competing in national series including lots of very expensive cars. Just check entry list of this years Epynt (part of national asphalt series): http://results.djames.org.uk/results/entry.php?EventID=298&e=298

[the sniper]

and one more question because i don't have knowledge of things in the island.exept for the BRC what other options have the drives?i mean for this year and for the next one.please be specific in the answers because as i told i am irrelevant to things in the island.thanks in advance!

I imagine a good number of them will find their way to the BRTDA series: www.btrdarally.com Those who are junior drivers looking to take a step up the ladder who can afford it will probably move over to the JWRC or the DMACK Fiesta Trophy.

[Langdale Forest]

The BRC is way past its best now so the continuation of the series really doesn't matter now.

[MrJan]

Can somebody inform me why they need so much time to revamp the championship?and one more question because i don't have knowledge of things in the island.exept for the BRC what other options have the drives?i mean for this year and for the next one.please be specific in the answers because as i told i am irrelevant to things in the island.thanks in advance!

There's the BTRDA championship and MSA Asphalt Championship. Both generally have better and more interesting entries than the BRC. Plus entry fees are cheaper, you don't have to spend as much money to be competitive in your class and you have much freer reign on what car you can drive. It's more interesting for spectators too.

As Langdale says the BRC is past it, the MSA would be better off just putting their support behind the BTRDA and throwing in some of the tarmac events.

[Tom206wrc]

Any news about BRC 2015(program, rules, drivers programs,...) :confused:

[PLuto]

I imagine a good number of them will find their way to the BRTDA series: www.btrdarally.com Those who are junior drivers looking to take a step up the ladder who can afford it will probably move over to the JWRC or the DMACK Fiesta Trophy.

For juniors should be the best (and cheapest) to go to JERC...

[John Williams]

Any news about BRC 2015(program, rules, drivers programs,...) :confused:

There will be no BRC in 2015.

My feeling is that it will return in 2016 with R5/S2000 cars as the premier class.

[AndyRAC]

Is there a need for a BRC?? Most competitors are quite happy with 45 mile BTRDA events, all done in 1 day. BRC events are rather expensive - and coverage is pretty poor.
The days of the British Open, and the F2 era have long gone.

[N.O.T]

Can somebody inform me why they need so much time to revamp the championship?and one more question because i don't have knowledge of things in the island.exept for the BRC what other options have the drives?i mean for this year and for the next one.please be specific in the answers because as i told i am irrelevant to things in the island.thanks in advance!

BRC was a useless farce... they thought by banning the 4wd cars a few years ago cars they would make the championship more competitive but that basically excluded all the rich boys that wanted to run expensive toys so the championship had no interest.

Apart from the british rally championship we have the BTRDA championship(s), they have both tarmac championship and gravel (something like the joke gravel/tarmac cups in Greece but since this is a country which is inhabited by humans it is actually pretty fun) which attracted all the WRCs/N4s and the heavily modified escorts (some worth around 200.000 pounds). From a driving point of view the BTRDA is just an assortment of overweight old people with money but some of them actually are good to watch.

In general rallying in the UK from a driving point of view is very very low compared to countries like France/Czech republic even italy, but they use some amazing cars and they have quite a lot events to spectate which gather around 100-120 drivers so it is not that bad...

http://www.btrda.com/index.php this is the webpage for BTRDA, go to championships and then go to asphalt and forest rallies to see the rounds.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I gave up on the BRC a few years ago, when it went 2WD.

Compared to what it was like in the 'good old days' of the 80's & 90's it went from bad, to worse, to pathetic.

I've watched the Irish Tarmac Champ and the MSA Asphalt Champ instead, which have at least had some decent WRC machinery.

If the BRC doesnt have at least R5 cars in future it might as well not bother.

[Jack4688`]

I think the only way it can go is to try and be the best domestic championship, otherwise who (in terms of fans) would bother showing any interest?

It's all well and good claiming that the move to 2WD and national distance events worked but nobody was interested in watching R3 and R2 cars quietly making their way through the forests. The old management often cited Elfyn Evans as proof of the format's success but that's ONE guy out of, what, 2 years? 3 years? Not enough to prove it was the format of the championship or just the fact that Malcolm Wilson thought he was good enough to get a WRC seat this year.

The BRC should never have been about being a feeder into JWRC, which is really all it was claiming to be up to this year. If the MSA have more sense than Rally UK did they'll try and get the domestic importers involved like in Italy, Germany, France, Czech Republic etc etc and have good quality events like the Manx, R.A.C. (I can only dream) & Rally GB.

[Tom206wrc]

So if no BRC this season where the Citroën Racing Trophy UK/Irl will take place :confused:

[Jack4688`]

It's not certain to go ahead this year but I read in Motorsports News a while ago that they are trying to put something together for this year. I may be wrong but perhaps they want to run it as part of the BTRDA series, can't quite remember now.

[Tom206wrc]

Thanks ;)

[AndyRAC]

I think the only way it can go is to try and be the best domestic championship, otherwise who (in terms of fans) would bother showing any interest?

It's all well and good claiming that the move to 2WD and national distance events worked but nobody was interested in watching R3 and R2 cars quietly making their way through the forests. The old management often cited Elfyn Evans as proof of the format's success but that's ONE guy out of, what, 2 years? 3 years? Not enough to prove it was the format of the championship or just the fact that Malcolm Wilson thought he was good enough to get a WRC seat this year.

The BRC should never have been about being a feeder into JWRC, which is really all it was claiming to be up to this year. If the MSA have more sense than Rally UK did they'll try and get the domestic importers involved like in Italy, Germany, France, Czech Republic etc etc and have good quality events like the Manx, R.A.C. (I can only dream) & Rally GB.

I'm not sure the domestic importers are interested. The BTCC is the biggest Motorsport series in the UK, and it is privateers; I'm almost certain there is no official Manufacturer involvement. What the BTCC had is massive coverage from TV, and gives fans, teams & drivers what they want = a succesful series. BSB, and British GT are also in decent health. The BRC is the opposite, and has been for years; mainly because nobody knows what to do with it. I'm not confident the MSA will do any better; rallying isn't their strong point.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The massive resurgence of Wales Rally GB in 2013 & 2014 shows the fans are still out there and what they will come out to watch. There has to be some top level, exciting cars in the BRC - thats what puts people out in the forests...

Its noise and spectacle people want and that means R5 cars.

[tommeke_B]

Its noise and spectacle people want and that means R5 cars.
Where's the link between noise and R5? There was only one "noisy" R5 car in Wales Rally GB and it was the DS3 R5 of Lefebvre... :p

[Mirek]

Yes, all R5 cars except DS3 and 208 are very quiet. Clio R3 or Civic R3 are much louder.

[AndyRAC]

Let a few R-GT cars in as well. Now they are crowd pleasers.

[Jack4688`]

R-GTs on the Isle of Man would be a sight to behold!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Where's the link between noise and R5? There was only one "noisy" R5 car in Wales Rally GB and it was the DS3 R5 of Lefebvre... :p

Noise AND spectacle ... they need both in the BRC and none of the 2wd cars have any sense of spectacle, even the louder ones.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Clio R3 or Civic R3 are much louder.

But boring to look at..

[Mirek]

But boring to watch...

I know but You spoke about noise...

[makinen_fan]

Motorsport News ‏@MNRally 1m1 minute ago
BREAKING: The top class of the MSA British Rally Championship will be four-wheel-drive when the series returns in 2016

[makinen_fan]

So R5 cars will be allowed + 'strong' 2wd class structure

More details published here
https://www.msauk.org/IMS-confirms-4WD-for-2016-MSA-British-Rally-Championship

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Finally the BRC is back on the right road !

It would be great to see some different R5's fighting for the title in the UK.. lets hope there's plenty of entries and make the rallies worth watching again.

Some drivers from Europe and Scandinavia would be fantastic - I'm sure they'd love to drive our classic forest stages...

[Jack4688`]

Lets hope the top class doesn't just become a gentleman driver class and the serious competitors compete in the 2WD classes until jumping ship to ERC-3 or JWRC

[Allyc85]

Well R5 was the only way it could really go, even if it might become a bit of a Fiesta fest.

Hopefully Rally Dorset (Formally Rallye Sunseeker) will be included in the calendar. The south really needs more rallying!

[Paul Hudson]

In 2016 we could see R5 Cars available from Ford, Citroen, Peugeot, Skoda, and the usual Evo's and Subaru's,S2000 Cars, R3 Cars, R2 Cars, R1 Cars, Homologated cars 5 year extensions.

So a better range of cars, which will hopefully attract a wide range of Competitors of all ages and experience,. If the format is good enough we should attract more competitors from overseas.

Hopefully this will encourage some manufactures to also consider a return , time will tell.

We await the details of Events that will make up the Championship, but changes must be made to which events are included . Clean sheet of Paper for all.

Looking at 2016 BRC But a lot remains to be sorted, we await more details with interest.

[cardy]

also the Mitsubishi R5 which was at rally day be good to see that out

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just been confirmed that the 2016 British Rally Championship will feature an RGT class. Great news !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CDNCyUiWEAAYeqj.jpg

[MrJan]

Great idea, the kind of move that will help the series grow again.

[AndyRAC]

A sensible move - cars which are crowd pleasers. However, how many will we see?

Lets hope the BRC becomes a championship worthy of the name. One day 50-60 mile events are not what the BRC should be about.

I was looking at some of the top UK motorsport series; BTCC, British GT, BSB, British Hillclimb, etc and they all seem to be held over the whole weekend; ie 2 day events. The BRC should hopefully be looking at the same.

[cardy]

A sensible move - cars which are crowd pleasers. However, how many will we see?

Lets hope the BRC becomes a championship worthy of the name. One day 50-60 mile events are not what the BRC should be about.

I was looking at some of the top UK motorsport series; BTCC, British GT, BSB, British Hillclimb, etc and they all seem to be held over the whole weekend; ie 2 day events. The BRC should hopefully be looking at the same.

just steve perez be interesting to see a 911 on gravel

[MrJan]

A sensible move - cars which are crowd pleasers. However, how many will we see?

Lets hope the BRC becomes a championship worthy of the name. One day 50-60 mile events are not what the BRC should be about.

I was looking at some of the top UK motorsport series; BTCC, British GT, BSB, British Hillclimb, etc and they all seem to be held over the whole weekend; ie 2 day events. The BRC should hopefully be looking at the same.

Would be amazed to see as many as 5...however suspect that there will be two or three that are well up for.

[the sniper]

Looks like it hasn't been mentioned specifically, but in the 23rd April issue of Autosport magazine (UK) they refer to a leaked document that revealed plans for 2016 BRC to have 7 rounds, the calender "filled with events running to a higher profile than last season" (not hard). As above it confirms the RGTs and says that a National Rally Championship, open to "all cars", will run alongside the BRC. Does anyone know if this document is available on the web?

Regarding the RGTs, my hope for the category at least in the short term is that Richard Tuthill can churn out as many 911s as possible. Essentially it could be like a rally version of the Carrera Cup. He's been able to turn out and run a load of cars on the Safari Classic.. Bbviously dealing with the 997 is a different situation, but I'd be interested to know how many cars he'll be able to get out there. Hopefully as many as possible!

Got to agree with AndyRAC too, more than anything personally I hope that these are proper rallies. Surely at least aiming for similar distance/format to ERC rallies is a must if this Championship is going to be respected again? 50-60 mile events are an embarrassment at what should be the pinnacle of UK rallying. I'd like them to aim for 250km, but surely a minimum of 200km is realistic? It'd be inline with the ERC anyway.

[MrJan]

I'd like them to aim for 250km, but surely a minimum of 200km is realistic? It'd be inline with the ERC anyway.

Find them some venues where that kind of stage mileage is achievable, then they might be able to consider it. I think that the admin involved would make it too tricky to get a decent list of events at that distance.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Motorsport: Remembering Colin McRae - 'best ever' rally champion.

Former British touring car champion Gordon Shedden says the late Colin McRae should be remembered as "the best ever".

It is 20 years since McRae famously won the world rally championship and a special invitation event is being held in Fife to mark the occasion and honour his memory.

Shedden is one of several racing stars, present and past, who are converging on Knockhill racing circuit on Saturday and Sunday for the McRae Rally Challenge.

Former world champions Hannu Mikkola, of Finland, and Sweden's Stig Blomqvist are also taking part in the event which features competitive racing, displays and demonstrations, including a line-up of all the cars McRae drove throughout his career.

McRae's father Jimmy, who helped organise the event, will be there, as will Alister McRae, Colin's brother.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/motorsport/32745673

[Steve Boyd]

Find them some venues where that kind of stage mileage is achievable, then they might be able to consider it. I think that the admin involved would make it too tricky to get a decent list of events at that distance.Most of the events in the last incarnation of the BRC used to run those sort of mileages not too long ago. Getting hold of enough marshals under the new event safety rules might be difficult, but that aside, organising events of that length is far easier than finding entries who have the time and money to compete on them or do you want to go back only having a dozen or so runners in the BRC?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CI2SXd9WUAA7G5J.png

BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP GEARS UP FOR ROUSING RETURN IN 2016


• Exciting new dawn for Britain’s premier national rally series
• Seven-round calendar announced for new-look IMS-run championship
• Events in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales


The MSA British Rally Championship returns in 2016 with an exciting new-look calendar to go with the revised vehicle eligibility regulations that were announced in January.

In what’s set to be the biggest shake-up for many years, next season’s revitalised BRC will be staged throughout the British Isles and will include a mix of gravel and asphalt surfaces to provide crews with the ultimate challenge in national rallying.

Starting in March and concluding in September, the new championship will comprise seven events, of which four are retained from previous years, while three are new or returning rounds of the championship.

The campaign opens with the Mid Wales Stages, using the legendary forests of Myherin and Hafren that test the world's best drivers each year on Wales Rally GB. A visit to Belfast after Easter allows crew to test themselves against the FIA European Rally Championship's top stars on the UK's second biggest stage rally, the Circuit of Ireland, before returning to Carlisle for the first of four long-standing BRC events, the Pirelli Rally.

Having tackled Kielder over the Bank Holiday weekend, the BRC crews will take on the Borders' asphalt for the Jim Clark Rally at the end of May. The Scottish Rally occupies its traditional date at the end of June, before an eight-week gap to the championship's second visit to Northern Ireland for the Ulster Rally in August. The season will conclude with a journey north for the end of year celebrations at the Granite City Rally in Aberdeen, which put on such a great show earlier this year.

The inclusion of a made-for-TV one-day special event remains a possibility for 2016, subject to discussions with broadcast partners and securing a suitable venue/date.

Ben Taylor, IMS Managing Director, said:
"Compiling a brand new calendar has been one of the most challenging aspects of putting the new BRC together; every event and date change has ramifications across the sport and we have tried to be mindful of that. We are grateful to all the events that expressed an interest in being involved, either next year or in the future - they have taken a great leap of faith to support what we are trying to achieve.

"I am thrilled with the quality of the events that we have secured on the calendar and I am sure they will provide the best possible test of the best drivers in British rallying next year.

"But we should also spare a thought for those events that narrowly missed out. We have had to make some tough decisions, but we feel that this is the optimal calendar to relaunch the championship in 2016. Nothing is set in stone beyond that and we will continue to talk with them; it is important that ambitious events know that the BRC is not a closed shop."

Now that the calendar has been agreed, Taylor explained that his team's attention will turn to the remaining aspects of the creation of the new championship.

"Competitors, teams and events need as much notice as possible to get things in place for next year, so we have moved to publish the calendar as early as we can. I would like to thank everyone that has played a part so far, as the creation of a new and exciting championship takes a huge amount of work. We are nowhere near finished yet and there are still a lot of things to sort out, like TV and media, one-make championships and prize funds.

"I must also pay tribute to the sport and the other championships, because there has been a lot of change and uncertainty caused by the absence of a BRC in 2015 and then the creation of a new series for 2016. We have been clear in our ambitions to raise standards and provide a fitting pinnacle for the long-term strength of the UK rally scene, and it is encouraging that most people throughout the sport seem to have welcomed this approach. The most important thing is that we all work together as one sport to give the competitors and the fans what they want, which will make the events more successful and the clubs behind them stronger.

"We now look forward to starting work with our partner events to create the best possible rallies for our competitors and putting in place the remaining elements to create an outstanding and exciting new British Rally Championship.

"The enthusiasm to date has been overwhelming and, while we know that talk is cheap and what counts is what happens in March 2016, if only half of those who say they are coming actually turn up, we'll be absolutely delighted."

Mark Higgins (British Rally Champion 1997, 2005 and 2006):
“The British championship has historically been a fantastic stepping stone for aspiring drivers aiming for the WRC, especially as it allows crews to recce and make their own pace notes on fantastic events and stages. I’m very glad to see the championship back again and hope the new format can put it back on the map as one of the best the world.”

Daniel McKenna (British Rally Champion 2014):
“The BRC was an important stepping stone for me to cut my teeth and prepare for the World Championship. To follow in the footsteps of great names like Burns, Vatanen and McRae is a real achievement and honour.

“It’s a great move for the BRC to adopt the R5 rules as drivers can enter the British series and then use the same car in the WRC and ERC, keeping costs down and allowing young talent to develop against the world’s best. I would certainly love to defend my title next year in what will be an exciting year for the BRC. It won’t be long before it is back to the success of its heyday.”

Osian Pryce (British Rally Championship runner-up 2013 and 2014)
“The British Rally Championship was once the world’s best domestic series and, from what I’ve seen in recent months, it looks like we could be back on the road to that sort of standing again. The calendar is a great mix of new rallies and classic events. And, obviously, starting in mid-Wales is the best news!
“British rallying needs a strong BRC and after a year away, I’m sure our premier series is going to come back stronger than ever in March.”

[Jack4688`]

Granite City is the biggest surprise, partly as it moves from it's usual time of the year. Seems quite early for the championship to reach it's finale but nevertheless that'll be some great stages to bring the season to a close!

Let's hope the media coverage is better than it had been the last few years. ITV4 would be a good place to do it given that it's a sports channel half the time with 6 or so hours of BTCC when it's on plus BSB and MotoGP

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CJokGvUWoAAEtiZ.jpg

[Allyc85]

Pissed off with the northern bias of the championship. Even with high ticket prices, Rallye Dorset always drew in massive crowds and promoted the sport well..

[AndyRAC]

Three events north of the border? There has to be a reason for that, surely? Anything to do with the Scottish motorsport safety review?

All I can say is they haven't taken a leaf out of the BTCC's success story.

[MrJan]

Pissed off with the northern bias of the championship. Even with high ticket prices, Rallye Dorset always drew in massive crowds and promoted the sport well..

Dwindling stage miles and expensive forests though, was going to be a tough one to carry on with. I wonder if the Wyedean could be moved up the ladder a bit, although may struggle with getting the required stage mileage.

[Allyc85]

Haven't you heard that Wyedean isn't running (In BTRDA at least) next year, due to the massive crowds and idiots?

They may try and have a non-championship event though.

[Simmi]

Calendar gripes aside - nice to hear that DMACK have committed to a two-car team next year in the series. Seems to be some desire to hire a Scandinavian as one of the drivers too. I guess depending on how he goes in the Fiesta Trophy this year Max Vatanen could be an interesting candidate.

[Allyc85]

Max Vatanen has indeed been confirmed in a Dmack, R5 Fiesta next year.

[Simmi]

Yep happy to say I called that one. I was even more sure after they put him in the R5 for a bit ahead of Finland. And with Ari being a Dmack ambassador it didn't take a brain surgeon.

Great bit of PR for everyone involved. The question is which Brit do they put alongside him?

[the sniper]

Well that's good news. Any word on who else is interested? Theoretically I can think of a lot of possible entries. Are Simpson's Skoda getting an R5 car? I wonder whether Peugeot UK will stump up for an R5 campaign with Chris Ingram? I seem to remember they said they'd fund a drive on Rally GB this year in a R5 208 if he did well this year, which I can only see that he is (he's been leading the ERC Juniors in the last two rallies he's retired from due to mechanical issues). Surely it'd make more sense to do BRC than ERC next year if they continue to back him?

Regarding the calender, I'd rather Rally Yorkshire was on there than the Granite City Rally, or a rekindled Rally of Scotland, but overall not too bad. Hopefully the Mid Wales Stages will become a bit more ambitious scale wise for next year.

[Jack4688`]

Can a moderator rename this thread? Or should we start a new one about 2016 BRC season?