Motorsport suspended until at least end of April [Archive]

Fast Eddie WRC

24th March 2020, 09:47

Motorsport UK - COVID-19 Update

Following the address to the nation by the Prime Minister, Motorsport UK has today extended its suspension until at least 30th June.

Head to http://motorsportuk.org to read more.

Fast Eddie WRC

24th March 2020, 10:54

The Scottish Rally Championship had cancellef the remainder of its 2020 season, having previously called off four of its seven rounds due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

HKSjbg

24th March 2020, 16:48

I expect most championships around the world will follow suit. It’s the big World- or Regional championships (ERC etc.) that are still trying to keep going - but I don’t see that happening for the rest of this year.

AndyRAC

18th May 2020, 19:37

https://www.autosport.com/national/news/149498/motorsport-uk-issues-guidance-for-motorsport-return

Rallysprints rather than Special Stage rallying.......Is/ would there the will for these? Haye park, Sweetlamb both held them, and the Malton Forest rally was originally a Rallysprint.

Fast Eddie WRC

18th May 2020, 21:47

RALLY - GETTING BACK ON TRACK:
Click here to read or download @ourmotorsportuk’s newly published plans to restart rallying in the UK...

https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/1262464057946316800?s=20

the sniper

19th May 2020, 01:20

It'll be interesting to see how other countries approach this, but it's no surprise under any circumstances to see MSUK jump to put another nail in the coffin of rallying. At least it gives someone the opportunity to get some momentum behind another relaunch of the BRC in a few years.

A well organised Rally Sprint Championship in the style of the old Mobil 1 Rally Challenge would be a nice idea though, under the circumstances, in the meantime. If done properly and presented professionally, it could be better than the current BRC! I shan't hold my breath though, as MSUK would probably only stretch to sending the work experience boy to stand up on Sweet Lamb and stream proceeding on the BRC Facebook page via his phone... How about a 2021 Mobil 1 British Rallysprint Championship, with evocative venues like Gale Rigg, Walters Arena, Sweet Lamb, Great Orme, Castle O'er, Drummond Hill, Torr Head, Tholt-y-Will...

AndyRAC

19th May 2020, 08:58

How about a 2021 Mobil 1 British Rallysprint Championship, with evocative venues like Gale Rigg, Walters Arena, Sweet Lamb, Great Orme, Castle O'er, Drummond Hill, Torr Head, Tholt-y-Will...

To be honest, I've always wondered why there wasn't a Rallysprint series; a single venue, no road miles, less costs, a car can be shared between two, etc
You could even run a 2 day event at Walters as there are loads of roads in there. And talking of 'normal times' they can be a better spectating experience; 1 practice run followed by 3-4 timed runs, a lunch break, then the same again, but in the opposite direction. Haye Park & Sweetlamb were fabulous days spectating.

However, back to the current situation, I've constantly stated that flexibility is the way to survive; events, if they can run, will have to be flexible - and multi stage events are seemingly out - so Rallysprints seem to be the only solution. Or not bother at all....

Fast Eddie WRC

19th May 2020, 11:11

There's already the MN Circuit Championship as a guide to what could be used.

http://msnrallychamp.co.uk/calendar/

Fast Eddie WRC

28th May 2020, 09:46

https://www.motorsportuk.org/motorsport-uk-opens-throttle-on-restarting-motorsport-from-4th-july/

Re-start 4th July - no details about rallying though...

AndyRAC

28th May 2020, 10:04

Listening to the Dirtfish podcast, and David Evans was furious with MUK's guidance in regards to rallying's return, or not as it turns out.

Fast Eddie WRC

28th May 2020, 11:27

Listening to the Dirtfish podcast, and David Evans was furious with MUK's guidance in regards to rallying's return, or not as it turns out.

Yeah, MSUK then backtracked and said it was 'just to stimulate conversation' !

Fast Eddie WRC

9th July 2020, 14:05

UK Rallying to resume & updated guidance:

https://www.motorsportuk.org/motorsport-uk-gives-green-light-to-rallying/

https://dirtfish.com/rally/brc/uk-rallying-given-go-ahead-to-return/

AndyRAC

10th July 2020, 09:51

Good news, a shame most events have gone this year. But I saw the Nicky Grist (Quinton) Stages is going ahead late November; and the BTRDA is hoping to compete the championship.

Fast Eddie WRC

14th July 2020, 09:24

M-Sport event !!

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2020/07/14/M-SPORT-RETURN-TO-RALLY-STAGES

the sniper

14th July 2020, 16:25

although spectators will unfortunately not be permitted, work is afoot to deliver the best of the action to the public.

I'm intrigued to see what this'll mean. To me, one of the critical things going forward with British rallying is how it's going to reach the public. This has to be the point at which internet coverage of National events (all we've got left...) finally comes to the fore.

Watching the Mediasport.cz/videonovinky coverage of Czech events shows the quality of coverage that can be achieved with modest means. Okay, many of our National rallies are now too short to tell any kind of narrative story of an 'event', but at least coverage like that is a model that facilitates it.

AndyRAC

15th July 2020, 09:51

This will annoy the purists but having events with no spectators, either at the event or online watching is almost pointless.......

the sniper

15th July 2020, 14:44

The spin they seem to be giving it elsewhere is that its to be filmed to produce a number of videos to act as training guides for rallying in the CV-19 era. Will be interesting to see if any of these will involve how to deal with spectators as know some in the sport would love it if all rallying was held behind "closed doors"

Think it was a bit of a feck up to publicise this on social media platforms as was bound to attract attention from fans starved of the live experience

If there's no decent coverage of it online, it makes no sense. Though as we know, the sport in this country does seem to be oddly comfortable with the idea of nobody watching it. It's been such a receipt for success... Though I've seen the argument online that there shouldn't be online live coverage as it only encourages people to turn up. I don't buy into that at all!

I think the only 'progress' we'll actually see in the sport in this country is a re-emboldening of the anti-spectator types who'll take great satisfaction from approaching people to quote Covid laws in the middle of an empty forest.

Fast Eddie WRC

16th July 2020, 13:27

"...work is afoot to deliver the best of the action to the public".

Well if they are filming it for training and example purposes I expect there to be good professional coverage online.

And the fact that it is held in Greystoke, M-Sport's private testing forest, they should be well used to policing the area from prying eyes..

AndyRAC

11th August 2020, 09:46

It's happening.....we knew it was going to happen but, the pandemic is providing them with a reason/excuse to pull access to motorsport on their land. It may only be for this year for now, but sooner rather than later they'll more than likely decide 'no more'. The warning signs have been there; less and less events particularly in Yorkshire; also both the Robin Hood & Dukeries have gone from Sherwood forest area.
Saying that, I take it leisure visitors (Mountain bikers, etc) are still allowed in the forests? I take it they're not a CoVID risk, but motorsport is? Okay......

the sniper

11th August 2020, 22:50

Yep, wouldn't surprise me if they take the opportunity to substantially limit events going forward. The opportunity is there, the continuity of unofficial grandfather rights has been broken. The sport hasn't helped itself by alienating spectators and rendering the sport culturally irrelevant, so there'll be no mass uproar if Forestry England say no more.

Being forced into fewer, more substantial EVENTS of note, shaking up the system of Clubs and forest allocations could be a good thing, if we get away with that. Time will tell.

AndyRAC

13th August 2020, 08:58

Being forced into fewer, more substantial EVENTS of note, shaking up the system of Clubs and forest allocations could be a good thing, if we get away with that. Time will tell.

Proper events; imagine that; something we don't really see that much in UK rallying. That could work, but even that maybe not possible.

Taking my rally tinted glasses off; one has to say the sport has been poorly run when compared with lots of other motorsports/sports - is it any wonder we are in this position?

Fast Eddie WRC

13th August 2020, 12:43

Malton Stages now cancelled and Forestry England announced no events of any motorised sport to take place on their land for the rest of the year. Also they are undertaking a review of future motorsport activity so it really could be bad long term news as well.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/brc/forest-rallies-unlikely-in-england-for-rest-of-2020/

Fast Eddie WRC

21st August 2020, 16:20

No live online coverage of the M-Sport Return to Rally event :( :

"The M-Sport Return to Rally Stages takes place this Saturday, and the Cumbrian squad are pleased to confirm a rally review programme for fans as well as copyright-free images, video and an extensive prize list for competitors.

While the event is strictly non-spectator and designed to showcase how rallying can restart safely and responsibly in the UK, fans have been missing the action and M-Sport have commissioned Seb Scott and Adam Smith to produce a 40-minute review programme.

The programme will be aired on M-Sport’s Facebook page at 7pm (BST) on Thursday 27 August and is the first project of this size for the young film crew."

Fast Eddie WRC

21st August 2020, 16:22

https://dirtfish.com/rally/who-to-look-out-for-on-m%e2%80%91sports-rally/

the sniper

21st August 2020, 16:44

AndyRAC

21st August 2020, 18:10

Not really a surprise, is it? However, it's still somewhat disappointing. Never mind, there's plenty of other live motorsport to watch online. Rallying losing out again......

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd August 2020, 10:07

Social media clips is all we have:

https://twitter.com/DirtFishRally/status/1297101010805108736

Simmi

22nd August 2020, 10:29

Some of the tweets and PR wording make me laugh. Essentially "everything is fine" when in reality there are no other events this year and nothing of note planned for what, five/six months? Top level rallying taking place across Europe this weekend.

the sniper

22nd August 2020, 15:05

Social media clips is all we have:

https://twitter.com/DirtFishRally/status/1297101010805108736

Looks like even Dirtfish had to hide in the trees to avoid offending the powers that be... :D

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd August 2020, 16:04

At least the'Official' M-Sport cars finished 1-2-3.

Overall Results - M-Sport Stages

1/ Mathew Wilson-Stuart Loudon
2/ Rhys Yates-James Morgan +0.36
3/ Adrien Fourmaux-Renud Jamoul +0.43

AndyRAC

22nd August 2020, 21:09

https://dirtfish.com/rally/matthew-wilson-dominates-m-sport-return-to-rally-stages/

dimviii

23rd August 2020, 07:42

Μalcolm

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EgDDpftXsAIdYNu?format=jpg&name=medium

the sniper

23rd August 2020, 17:22

Μalcolm

Plenty of time to get it fixed for the 2021 Roger Albert Clark Rally... ;)

AndyRAC

23rd August 2020, 17:25

If it runs...

...As a fan one hopes it does - but nothing is for certain especially in UK rallying.

the sniper

23rd August 2020, 17:40

If it runs...

...As a fan one hopes it does - but nothing is for certain especially in UK rallying.

That's me being optimistic! Hopefully Forestry England don't call time on us and Mr Heppenstall still has the opportunity to do the impossible...

Malcolm explains his off: https://dirtfish.com/rally/malcolm-wilson-explains-return-to-rally-stages-incident/

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd August 2020, 22:07

https://youtu.be/4ZynOfD7u_E

Fast Eddie WRC

24th August 2020, 17:43

Nice write-up by David Evans:
https://dirtfish.com/rally/the-inside-story-of-m-sports-return-to-rally-stages

pantealex

24th August 2020, 21:09

At least the'Official' M-Sport cars finished 1-2-3.

Overall Results - M-Sport Stages

1/ Mathew Wilson-Stuart Loudon
2/ Rhys Yates-James Morgan +0.36
3/ Adrien Fourmaux-Renud Jamoul +0.43

Actually none of those 3 did finish...
They did give up after last SS.
Last liaison is also mandatory for overall results.

Fast Eddie WRC

25th August 2020, 09:37

Actually none of those 3 did finish...
They did give up after last SS.
Last liaison is also mandatory for overall results.

But this was only done to allow prizes to go to the highest non- M-Sport competitors.

AndyRAC

25th August 2020, 12:12

One wonders how many license holders decide to either give it up altogether, or decide to switch to circuit racing. With very few forest events likely to take place, the circuit championship could be oversubscribed. Where do you get your rallying fix?
You couldn't blame people for doing so; having a car sitting in the garage, with nowhere to go, all the while there is still plenty of circuit racing taking place.

Steve Boyd

25th August 2020, 17:52

You couldn't blame people for doing so; having a car sitting in the garage, with nowhere to go, all the while there is still plenty of circuit racing taking place.
If only it was that simple. First you need to pass an ARDS approved course to qualify for a race licence. They aren't cheap and finding one while covid restrictions are in place will be a challenge. Then when you've got your race licence you'll find that your rally car isn't the best thing to have. The class structure in racing is completely different from rallying and if you do find a race that your car is elligible for it'll probably be overweight and underpowered compared with the cars it's running against. Swapping to racing will be more like a complete career change than just nipping out to do a race or two. Bored rally drivers will find doing track days a lot easier than taking up racing.

AndyRAC

25th August 2020, 19:01

Bored rally drivers will find doing track days a lot easier than taking up racing.

That is actually what I was thinking of. As you say it's quite a bit of hassle getting a race license, and a suitable car.....

Fast Eddie WRC

26th August 2020, 09:43

Closed road racing has come in last year though hasnt it, with Bae Cerredigion & also Clacton. More of these type of events may be the future.

Fast Eddie WRC

26th August 2020, 09:51

Re Return to Rally - I have to admit it was more like an M-Sport promo than a demo of how rallies are to be run in future.

Great publicity for them and maybe hoping a few cars had problems and needed to buy some parts ! ;)

Steve Boyd

26th August 2020, 17:36

Closed road racing has come in last year though hasnt it, with Bae Cerredigion & also Clacton. More of these type of events may be the future.
I think you mean closed road rallying. Bae Ceredigion and Corbeau Seats Rally Tendring & Clacton are rallies, not races. I'm not aware that any races on closed public roads have taken place in UK since the last Birmingham Superprix, though there have been a couple of speed events under the new legislation.

Regarding the MSport event, part of the thinking behind it was to trial the Motorsport UK initiatives in paperless timing and documentation in a real rally environment. It seems only fair that the offer of the venue and event support from MSport to enable the trial to take place should be rewarded by the subsquent publicity.

Fast Eddie WRC

26th August 2020, 17:46

Yeah, dont know why I said racing, maybe it still seemed strange to call it that after being only on private roads before.

Anyway, if the forests dont want rallying any more at least there's a chance for more events on tarmac.

Steve Boyd

26th August 2020, 17:51

Tarmac events on closed public roads might prove difficult until limits on public gatherings are relaxed, as keeping crowds to the size limits may be impossible. Tarmac events in secure locations, racing circuits, MOD land &c, may well be all we have until next year at the earliest.

Fast Eddie WRC

26th August 2020, 19:24

They seem to manage ok in Europe like in Italy recently.

Are there any Rally Championships still running in the UK ?

the sniper

26th August 2020, 23:31

I imagine the Motorsport News Circuit Championship will run over the Winter as booked, unless the Covid situation deteriorates greatly. In which case it won't be the only sport to have to stop again. Starts in November, I imagine it'll be even more popular than normal!

Fast Eddie WRC

27th August 2020, 17:36

Μalcolm

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EgDDpftXsAIdYNu?format=jpg&name=medium

I hear Malcolm was gutted - the damage was much worse than the photos show.

Fast Eddie WRC

27th August 2020, 17:46

On the AR podcast, single-venue gravel events with the likes of Greystoke, Walters Arena & Sweet Lamb were mooted as a possiblity for a championship.

AndyRAC

27th August 2020, 18:12

To be honest, I've always wondered why there wasn't a 'Rally Sprint/Time Trial' series using those venues. Walters has loads of roads in there, you could possibly run a 2 day event in there, using different layouts.

the sniper

27th August 2020, 20:21

On the AR podcast, single-venue gravel events with the likes of Greystoke, Walters Arena & Sweet Lamb were mooted as a possiblity for a championship.

That'd be great, make the most of the situation.

Who owns Llandegla nowadays? It'd be nice to see a single venue return there. Going by the website it looks like it could be owned by a 'Oneplanet Adventure' now, rather than Tilhill, or are they just tenants?

Fast Eddie WRC

27th August 2020, 21:29

M-Sport eye further evrnts...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/m-sport-eyeing-further-events-after-return-success

Fast Eddie WRC

28th August 2020, 11:38

Return to Rally video:

https://youtu.be/J0ZUpIHsxtE

Fast Eddie WRC

28th August 2020, 17:48

The Welsh view:
https://www.dai-sport.com/wales-rally-gb-crisis-economy/

AndyRAC

28th August 2020, 20:46

Have just read that article; lots of good points, and highlights the complete shambles that the guidelines are. Go shopping, go to a pub/restaurant - all indoors = okay. But can't allow groups of people outside in the open air to take part in some sports, or to spectate.

A 4X4 event is allowed, because it's classed as 'Elite'. Who decides these things?

the sniper

28th August 2020, 22:12

A 4X4 event is allowed, because it's classed as 'Elite'. Who decides these things?

The power of having an organised promoter, compared to the rudderless, Captainless ship that is rallying?

AndyRAC

29th August 2020, 09:09

The power of having an organised promoter, compared to the rudderless, Captainless ship that is rallying?

Well that is one way of putting it.

I thought rallying brought all kinds of financial benefits to Wales, or so it is claimed. But not enough that the sport has any influence/bargaining power.

AndyRAC

29th August 2020, 09:11

Watched this last night and unfortunate to see a couple of marshals filming the action on their phones one of whom was stood pretty close to the edge of the track. Not a great advert.

This was commented on Twitter by a few people, who were 'shot down' for raising it.

Fast Eddie WRC

29th August 2020, 16:18

Watched this last night and unfortunate to see a couple of marshals filming the action on thier phones one of whom was stood pretty close to the edge of the track. Not a great advert.

This could be an issue with fans becoming 'marshals' just so they can get close to action with spectators banned...

the sniper

30th August 2020, 02:48

The only time I've seen a 0 car stop on stage was in Dyfnant on Rally GB a few years ago. Very tight hairpin on a narrow section at the end of a section where they've been flat for 550m. Three marshals stand on the outside of the hairpin, slightly off to the side, while all us speccies had put ourselves up an adjacent embankment. We could hear the 0 car nav shouting at them to move! :D They'd already been told to move by either the 00 or 000 (can't remember which)...

I've got a lot of time for marshals, always polite to them and try to chat, but we're all just enthusiasts there to watch a rally at the end of the day.

Fast Eddie WRC

1st September 2020, 17:29

Iain Campbell interview on Dirtfish pod:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/37IKiiuav7Hi63lLwRQlja?si=W8ZTMfNOTPapHfIjt11fbw

the sniper

3rd September 2020, 02:20

Iain Campbell interview on Dirtfish pod:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/37IKiiuav7Hi63lLwRQlja?si=W8ZTMfNOTPapHfIjt11fbw

Listened to this now. I've got a lot of respect for Iain as a rally organiser, but I feel he really rather swerved talking about the issues of the BRC in particular, now and in the future. Understandable given his position maybe, but I'd hoped he might be a bit more frank. We all know that this country's never ending love affair with the Escort is not healthy for the future of the sport here, but the BRC has its own issues. I appreciate though that he can't really bite the hand that feeds him or the constituent parts of his Championship that are organised for him. It's a small community. It's funny though listening to him correctly highlight the importance of a pinnacle level, bigging up the WRC in this role, while not mentioning the BRC at all...

AndyRAC

3rd September 2020, 09:45

The Escort and 45 mile one day BTRDA events are seemingly what most British competitors want. Affordable events, good value for money and all done and dusted in one day. Fine, that is what the people want. No point in a series if not enough people are interested in it. Modern homologated cars and longer more expensive events just aren't wanted by UK rallying.

I remember, not that long ago we had BTRDA, ANCRO/Mintex and BRC. All offered something different; now only the BTRDA is what you'd say is in a 'healthy' state. ANCRO has gone, and the BRC seems to stumble along year to year. It gets a refresh every so often, but with the same result.

I really have no idea how you change the rallying culture in the UK.

PLuto

3rd September 2020, 18:09

I agree with Sal the 2nd, problem of rallysport in UK is more complex. Especially BRC needs reborn, but to be done in a proper way. Not like they were trying in last years. They had big eyes, but forgot to make proper basic things to be successful...

AndyRAC

3rd September 2020, 20:45

Look at the entry list for this weekend's Rallye Mont Blanc. Other countries are getting it right. Think a lot of parties are to blame for the demise of the sport in the UK be it the governing body, championship organisers, clubs and yes competitors themselves. Add in landowners who are scared of the green lobby and insurance/liability issues and too many calls for use of ever decreasing locations.

Other sports like cycling seem to have a very vociferous lobby behind them rallying just seems to want to apologise and dissappear up its own exhaust.

The aforementioned Rallye Monte Blanc-Morzine:

https://data.pksoft.fr/pksoft/RA_MontBlanc_20/01-Engag%C3%A9s.pdf

https://data.pksoft.fr/pksoft/RA_MontBlancVHC_20/01-Engag%C3%A9s.pdf

and there are three other classes/events. What a fabulous entry.

Fast Eddie WRC

4th September 2020, 13:12

Petition:
Relax the excessive restrictions to allow motor sport rallies to take place in Wales.

https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/244155

AndyRAC

5th September 2020, 11:42

https://www.dai-sport.com/pembrey-circuit-operators-incredibly-disappointed-to-cancel-yet-another-race-meeting-due-to-arbitrary-welsh-government-rules/

Fast Eddie WRC

10th September 2020, 10:19

Historic event at Weston Park to allow spectators... :)

https://www.autosport.com/historics/news/152002/new-historic-rally-festival-to-welcome-uk-fans

Fast Eddie WRC

10th September 2020, 17:39

The FC want your views:

https://www.forestryengland.uk/news/forestry-england-asking-views-motorsport-the-nations-forests

Fast Eddie WRC

14th September 2020, 10:00

This is probably the most important topic ever discussed on the forum

Anyone with an interest in motor sport and in particular rallying in the forests in England needs to read, digest and get involved. Supporting the push to keep the Forestry England woods available for all is crucial as the closed roads act doesnt mean all events will simply migrate to tar. In Yorkshire and the East Midlands alone the loss of forestry venues would have a massive impact.

Two-page email sent in support. Hope others do the same or traditional UK rallying could be finished.

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd September 2020, 10:14

Some good need at last...

https://www.motorsportuk.org/motorsport-uk-signs-agreement-for-rallying-to-continue-in-wales-until-2023/

the sniper

26th September 2020, 14:15

Postponed til June 2021

Indeed. I held off buying tickets as that seemed inevitable, though I was surprised when they did the media day.

Fast Eddie WRC

15th October 2020, 14:49

News on Osian Pryce on the Goodwood rally event starting today.

https://m.facebook.com/135798096463261/posts/3541234399252930/

https://www.countytimes.co.uk/resources/images/11918909.jpg?display=1&htype=0&type=responsive-gallery

Fast Eddie WRC

16th October 2020, 11:14

Some BRC guys in action at Goodwood...

https://twitter.com/BRCrally/status/1317041110284468226?s=20

Fast Eddie WRC

16th October 2020, 14:22

Rhys Yates has won every stage so far and been really on it...

https://i.imgur.com/HQBlNuB.jpg

Simmi

21st October 2020, 11:56

Anyone heading to Oulton Park/Neil Howard Stages next month?

I'm hoping that slips through the net and is deemed a small enough event to run with spectators. Not been to anything since the Monte!

AndyRAC

21st October 2020, 12:12

Surely it depends on whether you're in Tier 3? If so, then I'd probably say no.

Simmi

21st October 2020, 13:18

I've heard they will be serving substantial meals there so should be okay...

Who knows what will happen in all seriousness.

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd October 2020, 11:41

With its location is it likely more entrants are from the North ? If so most of it is in Tier 3 and travel only ok for work or study.

Could this be considered work ? ;)

Fast Eddie WRC

30th October 2020, 17:37

The Cambrian Rally slated for Spring 2021 has been put back and would be the closing BRC event...

But... its reported that the BRC still needs a 'commercial partner' to run at all next year.

This will be a pretty hard sell in these grim times. :(

AndyRAC

2nd November 2020, 14:07

No surprise, all 'non Elite' permits have been pulled by Motorsport UK following advice from the DCMS. So, it seems only the BTCC will run. The Neil Howard at Oulton Park has been moved back to February.
To be honest, the future is looking pretty bleak for the sport - with no forest events likely until the spring - and even that is being optimistic.

tbtstt

2nd November 2020, 17:16

Absolutely gutted by the news, as I have been looking forward to the British RX at Lydden this weekend.

Bloody annoying as the lockdown should have been stepped up six weeks ago and, if they had done that, we'd likely have no cancellations now.

Fast Eddie WRC

19th November 2020, 14:23

RAC 2021 plans:

https://www.autosport.com/historics/news/153644/2021-roger-albert-clark-rally-plans-announced

AndyRAC

20th November 2020, 11:30

Not really rally related, but another indication of rallying in the UK being the poor relation.

https://www.motorsportuk.org/government-loan-fund-support-for-motorsport-venues/

£6m loan for Motorsport venues.

the sniper

21st November 2020, 16:33

I'm fascinated to see if/how MSUK will play a part in reviving rally. And I don't mean sending out masks to clubs...

AndyRAC

21st November 2020, 18:27

It really is hard to be optimistic about the future of rallying in the UK; even with the possibility of having the WRC Champion. It really has been decimated by Covid-19.

the sniper

21st November 2020, 21:11

It really is hard to be optimistic about the future of rallying in the UK; even with the possibility of having the WRC Champion. It really has been decimated by Covid-19.

Other than the RAC (the Roger Albert Clark, of course), I have little faith in any of it going forward. The rudderless ship of UK rallying looks to have finally been put out of its misery and sunk by the waves of Covid...

Another blot on Mr Richards record? We'll see.

adrianbay

29th November 2020, 18:25

Thanks for updates

AndyRAC

30th November 2020, 19:20

Must admit, I was quite surprised by that; I had seen comments that it may run later in the year, possibly replacing Manx GP/ Classic TT. They've been quite pro-active and made a very early decision. I wonder if they've jumped the gun a little too early?

Steve Boyd

2nd December 2020, 23:56

The Isle of Man have just announced the cancellation of next years' TT festival so guess thats also going to mean no Manx National rally as well.

I'm not so sure. The Manx National doesn't attract 10's of thousands of spectators like the TT. I think the chances of the Manx National going ahead will depend on the level of infection in the UK & Ireland and what tier of border control the IoM Government have set in April/May.