2025 British & Irish Championships [Archive]

HKSjbg

7th November 2024, 10:27

Chris Ingram gave a reply to criticism of the length of the rallies...

"I personally couldn’t afford to do the championship if the rallies were any longer. It’s decent value as it is and fairly achievable through sponsorship."

Osian Pryce seconded that.

Given what we had a year or two ago I think his year has seen a sensible increase in event KMs. It would be wishful thinking to expect much more when the BRC seemed to be dying on its arse not so long ago.

Kielder Forest Rally taking a break for 2025

https://kielderforestrally.co.uk/kielder-forest-rally-to-rest-for-2025/

Shame to see it, but hopefully can come back stronger in the future.

edit:

Looks like it has been replaced with the Grizedale Stages Rally in Dec 2025. Definitely a worthy replacement!

“An innovative plan run a double header alongside the Border Counties Rally in May 2025 was unfortunately not supported by the Border Counties team.”

It would have been interesting to see how that would have worked, perhaps SRC for the BCR and BTRDA for Kielder and BRC or BHRC running the combined event maybe?

archie106

7th November 2024, 11:12

Personally, I think it would be sensible to run the Border Counties and Kielder Forest Rally on alternate years.

Neither event gets a huge entry, and as they are both within a month of each other, shouldn't be too difficult to do. This way you could have both SRC and BTRDA (depending on calendars) on the same event, which would likely make each event much more financially stable.

The alternate years strategy seems to be working quite well over in Ireland, both for the national championship and the gravel championship.

Won't happen though unfortunately.

Steve Boyd

7th November 2024, 23:29

This way you could have both SRC and BTRDA (depending on calendars) on the same eventGo back 40 years and the Border Counties was in both BTRDA & Scottish Championships. I seem to recall there was a barrel of beer at stake between the Scots & the Anglos depending on who finished higher.

Fast Eddie WRC

8th November 2024, 13:10

Kielder Forest Rally taking a break for 2025

https://kielderforestrally.co.uk/kielder-forest-rally-to-rest-for-2025/

It made the BBC News !

On rallying's wider issues, Joe Hutchinson, who is part of the organising committee, said the motorsport was in "an interesting transition period".

"The Jim Clark and other closed road rallies are doing well but forest stage rallies, which have been the mainstay since the 1970s are struggling," he said.

"We all love images of Colin McRae driving sideways through the trees, but if we want that to continue then we need more support from the governing bodies."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxrygz2vrqo

archie106

8th November 2024, 16:18

It's an interesting one.

With the relative lack of snow we have seen in recent years further south and in Wales, I wonder if the rally calendar will end up shifting to September-May rather than March-Dec as in the past.

Fast Eddie WRC

9th November 2024, 12:20

The ITRC has a title sponsor for 2025 and the first for a while - NAPA Auto Parts.

https://www.facebook.com/100063474283753/posts/1087503216708811/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gb8qMUOXUAAnbrF?format=jpg&name=900x900

It looks like the series is still going strong, although the launch did say that greater promotion was required and it deserves more coverage being a 'hidden gem'.

Steve Boyd

14th November 2024, 00:08

2025 PROTYRE BTRDA Rally Series dates :

# MALCOLM WILSON RALLY. 8th MARCH. Cockermouth / Lake District
# RALLY NORTH WALES. 29th MARCH. Welshpool / Mid Wales
# BORDER COUNTIES RALLY. 10th MAY. Jedburgh / Tweed Valley
# NICKY GRIST STAGES. 12th JULY. Builth Wells / Mid Wales
# WOODPECKER STAGES. 30th AUGUST. TBA / TBA
# TRACKROD FOREST STAGES. 27th SEPTEMBER. Filey / North Yorkshire
# CAMBRIAN RALLY. 25th OCTOBER. Llandudno / North Wales
# GRIZEDALE STAGES. 6th DECEMBER. Ambleside / Lake District

Announcement here:
https://www.btrdarally.com/the-stars-come-out-to-play-but-who-with/

Sal yet again

14th November 2024, 07:22

Still think Grizedale is a brave pick at that time of year and using the same stages ostensibly as the opener but fingers crossed for them.

Steve Boyd

14th November 2024, 23:44

Still think Grizedale is a brave pick at that time of year and using the same stages ostensibly as the opener but fingers crossed for them.I'm not sure Grizedale in December is at any greater risk from the weather than Grizedale in March. My fingers are crossed for both!

HKSjbg

19th November 2024, 10:34

Has anyone noticed that ‘Anglo Caledonian Rally’ has changed name to ‘Rally Anglo Caledonian’? I thought it was a mistake the first time I saw it but it now seems official, it must’ve taken the RACMC a year to realise they can still call the event ‘the RAC’

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd November 2024, 14:02

Nice Castrol video with MEM Yaris action from the BRC:

https://x.com/Castrol/status/1859884671972036948

HKSjbg

24th November 2024, 10:00

Do we think sometime after this weekend’s RAC the BHRC will announce the 2025 calendar?

Fast Eddie WRC

26th November 2024, 08:45

2025 Circuit of Ireland and Ulster Rally move to two-day format...

https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motor-sport/circuit-of-ireland-and-ulster-rallies-move-to-two-day-formats-as-part-of-new-look-championship/a1073749199.html

HKSjbg

4th December 2024, 16:28

I can’t find it officially anywhere but ewrc has the 2025 BHRC season down as a 7-event calendar:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/season/2025/453-british-historic/

Steve Boyd

5th December 2024, 00:07

I can’t find it officially anywhere but ewrc has the 2025 BHRC season down as a 7-event calendar:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/season/2025/453-british-historic/You're right, there's nothing on the RACMC web site (yet) but the dates were published in the November 28th edition of Motorsports News in the historic news section edited by Paul Lawrence.

hutchie

13th December 2024, 08:10

2025 Roger Albert Clark Rally route outline

Wednesday - Carmarthen start
Thursday - Welsh forests
Friday - classic mid-Wales stages
Saturday - afternoon and evening leg in the western end of Kielder Forest
Sunday - southern Scotland
Monday - central block of Kielder (40 mile final stage)

https://www.facebook.com/RogerAlbertClark/posts/pfbid0iquXRLjccLJZGJZDUzHxdNvnmKsTJajwVstnh6bjYjTB PPgUFPxZhkKmjf6ymbTrl

archie106

13th December 2024, 08:22

Seems like a good route, especially the late start on Saturday. I just hope they are a bit more adventurous with the Welsh stages next year. Would be nice to see stages such as Brechfa, Trawscoed, Margam or Rheola used for a change.

AndyRAC

13th December 2024, 15:22

The South Wales forests haven't been used for years; all the events that used to use them have gone.....Rheola, Resolfen, Rhondda, Tyle, St Gwynno, Walters Arena, etc What is the saying, "Use them or lose them...."

Steve Boyd

14th December 2024, 00:17

The forests that are used will be those that NRW allow the organisers to use.

Those that haven't been used in a long time may have had permission revoked like the Coed-y-Brenin complex, Beddgelert & Drws-y-Nant in North Wales.

Fast Eddie WRC

17th December 2024, 09:04

It sounds like many of the classic forest stages wont be available now even if by some miracle Wales Rally GB was to receive the funding to come back. :(

A tarmac event (Ceredigion) may be the only hope, which although great in itself, it wouldnt be the proper event we all love.

Tom206wrc

17th December 2024, 11:41

The 2025 Stellantis Cup UK/IE will also include the new Lancia Ypsilon HP Rally4 ;)

But the Lancia Ypsilon range isn't available in the UK and Ireland though :mark:

HKSjbg

30th December 2024, 20:34

Snowman cancelled again, but this time with no chance of it running later in the year as it did this year:

https://www.snowmanrally.co.uk/

Sal yet again

3rd January 2025, 09:47

Entries now open for the East Ridings Stages.

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/ersr/entries.php?type=u

Fast Eddie WRC

3rd January 2025, 09:56

Increased mileage for the 2025 Jim Clark Rally...

https://jimclarkrally.co.uk/borders-competitions-jim-clark-rally-set-for-bumper-route-in-2025/

Fast Eddie WRC

5th January 2025, 10:59

According to Xlerate on FB...

Reigning British Rally Championship Champ Chris Ingram has entered the The East Riding Stages Rally - 23/02/25.

Ingram will return to the UK stages with Alex Kihurani beside him in the co-driver seat to pilot the Castrol backed Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 run by Welsh outfit, Melvyn Evans Motorsport to tackle the first closed road rally of the year in Yorkshire.

Edit. Yep , he's on the list !

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/ersr/entries.php?type=u

Sal yet again

5th January 2025, 12:12

So far a few names from '24 BRC that haven't appeared other than Max McRae (although after I first posted this 2 tba entries from M Sport have popped up) however regardless the provisional entry for the rally does show the appetite for closed road events. I know the organisers have been able to squeeze another 10 entries into the mix but even with 160 start places available and the usual last minute drop outs there will be a few disappointed crews I suspect. Slightly surprised that there arent a few Irish crews testing the water however already looks like being the best rally of the season in this part of the world.

hutchie

6th January 2025, 12:18

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy has two cars entered into East Riding Stages and presumably JBRC but after the initial ballot has closed. So will be 23rd and 24th reserve!

Fast Eddie WRC

6th January 2025, 12:59

I was surprised with Ingram after saying he was taking a break due to impending fatherhood.

No Osian Pryce is a shame and no Cronin too.

hutchie

6th January 2025, 13:16

So as it stands according to East Riding entry the BRC top flight consists of:
Roger Henderson - Fiesta Rally2
Neil Roskell - Fiesta Rally2
Callum Black - Fiesta Rally2
James Ford - C3 Rally2
Matthew Hirst - Fabia Rally 2
John Stone - Polo R5
Sam Touzel - Fiesta Rally2
Jason Pritchard - GR Yaris Rally2
Elliot Payne - Fiesta Rally2
Meirion Evans - GR Yaris Rally2
Hugh Brunton - Rally 2 Evo
James Williams - I20N Rally2
Max McRae - ??
Sean Quigley - Fiesta Rally2
Roger Duckworth - Fiesta R5
M-Sport - Fiesta Rally 2
M-Sport - Fiesta Rally 2

Ingram doesn't say on entry list currently he's doing BRC.

PLuto

6th January 2025, 13:43

I was surprised with Ingram after saying he was taking a break due to impending fatherhood.

He is taking a break from starting on Rallye Monte Carlo ;)

HKSjbg

6th January 2025, 21:14

As I had hoped last year, this year’s Severn Valley Rally will again be 60 stage miles:

https://britishrallychampionship.co.uk/world-class-welsh-forests-await-at-the-severn-valley-stages/

After a few years in the doldrums it appears British rallying is steadily regaining its health - and not going too ambitious after one good year either.

I’m also glad to see the end of the name ‘Rallynuts Stages’. I’m sorry but when the BRC needed some cache, class, whatever you wanna call it - that name just sounded too amateur to me :D

AndyRAC

7th January 2025, 09:43

It had a few names, which never helps; I recall the Kerridge, Mutiny, then Severn Valley, and Rallynuts.......(We see the same in horse racing, and cycling with races/ team names by the sponsor name only)

Fast Eddie WRC

7th January 2025, 10:54

Ingram doesn't say on entry list currently he's doing BRC.

Maybe he's just using it as a warm up rally for a possible WRC2 event.

I'd be a bit surprised if he did the BRC again.

Sal yet again

7th January 2025, 19:58

When was the last time Keith Cronin and Donagh Kelly were on a reserve list?!

archie106

8th January 2025, 07:12

I make it 3 Junior BRC and 2 BRC1 crews on the reserve list. Not really ideal, hopefully the BRC organisers can get them a run, as I believe the entry selection process has already happened.

Sal yet again

8th January 2025, 07:28

They will all get runs as trust that is a condition of the event being part of the BRC. It was always going to be an oversubscribed event and expect there will be mutterings of favouritism. For rally fans though its going to be a belter, just hope it runs more smoothly than the NW Stages in '24!

archie106

8th January 2025, 07:42

I hope that is what happens, the event regulations seem pretty clear about how the reserve list works.

Will be a cracking event anyway! The stages are a lot easier than the NW stages, so there shouldn't be as many blockages.

Fast Eddie WRC

8th January 2025, 09:04

Cronin has swapped to a Citroen C3 this year. Maybe he's using it as he will in the ITRC, for the prize money.

Fast Eddie WRC

8th January 2025, 09:06

I hope that is what happens, the event regulations seem pretty clear about how the reserve list works.
.

This on FB...

A friend who shall be nameless but a leading rally organiser told me that some Irish entries don't think the normal rules apply to them. The particular situation was regarding the desire to only pay the entry fee at the start - and in cash, but be on the seeded list.

archie106

8th January 2025, 09:24

Yeah I've just seen that now!

My impression of the East Riding Stages organisers is that they don't take nonsense from anyone, and want to make sure that the clubmen competitors still get a top event without crews buying their way in.

I suspect that the BRC organisers are currently trying to work things out, we'll see if they succeed!

It's also probably worth mentioning that the order of reserves on the current list (order of entry) is not the order in which spaces will be offered (names out of a hat) so it may be possible for crews to get bumped up.

hutchie

8th January 2025, 11:39

As a clubman currently on the reserve list, and having been emailed the reserve list order. I will be very annoyed if these BRC competitors who entered after the ballot are given any favouritism. BRC championship and its entries already had opportunity in the ballot to secure entries for those they wanted to as well as the event organisers themselves. It seems bizarre to me that such a big name didn't enter before the ballet closed even if they weren't sure if they would be competing.

Hopefully everything carries on as stated in the regulations and we will get a run. Done every East Riding event so far and it's fantastic both the stages and town centre atmosphere.

Tom206wrc

9th January 2025, 12:12

Cronin has swapped to a Citroen C3 this year. Maybe he's using it as he will in the ITRC, for the prize money.

Good news :bounce:
Also his brother Daniel will drive a Citroën :cool:

archie106

9th January 2025, 14:36

Reports on Facebook that Ingram will do a full season of BRC...

Interesting if so.

Fast Eddie WRC

10th January 2025, 10:03

Good news :bounce:

Why particularly ?

Fast Eddie WRC

10th January 2025, 10:04

Reports on Facebook that Ingram will do a full season of BRC...

Interesting if so.

Source ?

archie106

10th January 2025, 12:37

Source ?

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1L1zjBkjrD/

Sal yet again

10th January 2025, 17:27

And still they keep appearing. William Creighton now on the reserve entry but as yet no car nominated..!

archie106

10th January 2025, 19:28

They must be pretty confident of getting a run if they are putting in entries this late....

Also a bit strange that Creighton is not one of the MSport entries.

Tom206wrc

11th January 2025, 10:56

Why particularly ?

It'll be a great opportunity to see a Citroën winning several UK/Irl rallies(maybe even a championship) ;)

Fast Eddie WRC

13th January 2025, 08:45

CRONIN CHOOSES CITROËN

Keith Cronin will defend his NAPA Auto Parts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship title in a Citroën C3 Rally 2. The West Cork driver, who will again be navigated by Killarney's Mikie Galvin, will line up in the French machine for the first time at the opening round of the Tarmac series, the Galway International Rally, which takes place on February 1st and 2nd.

For Cronin, the move sees him return to a marque with which he has enjoyed much success in the past. He won his third of four British Rally Championships in a DS3 R3T in 2012, and in the same model took a WRC3 win at Rally Finland the following year. In 2016, he and Galvin won their first Irish Tarmac Championship in a DS3 R5.

"We looked at various options, and the Citroën came up as the best overall package for us for 2025," said Cronin. "Their current Rally 2 car won over 130 rallies last year on every sort of surface, all over Europe, in Africa and in North and South America, and scored five WRC2 victories in the World Championship. C3 drivers won the French, Danish, Mexican and Ivory Coast Championships. Hopefully we can replicate that type of form with it in Ireland," he added.

The Citroën will be prepared and run by Tom Gahan Motorsport, as was the Ford Fiesta that brought Cronin to the 2024 Tarmac title, and the Volkswagen Polo he drove in 2022 and '23.

Continuing the Gallic flavour, Cronin and Galvin will run on Michelin tyres in 2025.

In addition to committing to their Tarmac Championship campaign, Cronin and Galvin have also entered the opening round of the Probite Brakes British Rally Championship, the East Riding Stages, which falls three weeks after Galway, but they are currently on the reserve list for the Yorkshire closed road event. "We'll have to wait and see firstly as to whether or not we get a start," remarked Cronin. "If we get going, we'll take the BRC on a round-by-round basis after that and see how things progress."

Fast Eddie WRC

13th January 2025, 09:09

Matt Edwards is working on the funding for another shot at the ITRC in 2025.

Fast Eddie WRC

14th January 2025, 16:48

Gary Pearaon on Insta test driving a Hyundai i20. Another ruled out of the M-Sport entries ?

archie106

14th January 2025, 19:25

Fast Eddie WRC

15th January 2025, 09:40

Looks to me like he was sitting in with Eric Camilli for a pre-monte test - not sure he was actually driving?

Would be a strange choice to switch to an Hyundai when the Skoda/Citroen/Toyota are far superior.

Good spot.

Maybe he was seeing how the i20 was performing now as it has had a lot of recent development.

Tom206wrc

15th January 2025, 14:36

Looks like there will be a huge entrylist on the first round of the irish championship at the end of the month(Galway Inter) :)

Can't wait to see it :cool:

Tom206wrc

15th January 2025, 14:41

By the way, does someone know if in 2025 there will be the irish Citroën C3 Cup again :confused:

On the Stellantis Cup UK/IE website they seem to include it again, but no news during the presentation of the 2025 Stellantis Cup itself :mark:

Sal yet again

16th January 2025, 10:36

Will the BRC now look for a replacement following the cancellation of the Severn Valley stages?

Wonder if Rod Parkin will be taking their calls?!!

archie106

16th January 2025, 10:43

Gravel options are the Malcolm Wilson or Border Counties which both fit in the gap between the East Riding and Jim Clark.

Don't know what things are like with trees down in the lake district/Scottish borders, hopefully its better than Wales.

Fast Eddie WRC

16th January 2025, 10:44

HKSjbg

16th January 2025, 10:52

I assume its because of this ?

https://xlerate.net/news/news-rallying-in-the-welsh-forests-paused/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2Q3NlreXdTX9xa7j-G3tZ11ypM7tip0E4ArBWuors1coyUrPIkzsLrnpg_aem_bEevw f1vRzTKfiUnXF-lMg

Yeah, there’s a statement on the BRC website about it too: https://britishrallychampionship.co.uk/probite-british-rally-championship-statement/

I wonder if the Manx could step in as it has moved to the same date as the Severn Valley?

Sal yet again

16th January 2025, 12:24

British Historics left with an even bigger issue losing two rounds already..

HKSjbg

16th January 2025, 14:21

…and the BTRDA

AndyRAC

16th January 2025, 14:41

Might have to be some discussions, about re-arranging calendars of various championships........Two events so far, might be more...

HKSjbg

16th January 2025, 16:10

Yeah the Plains Rally is still possibly in danger from the wording of the statement. It sounds like everything up until the end of April is out the window, then they’ll reassess things. Access of course might be needed before the end of April for an event in May…

Fast Eddie WRC

18th January 2025, 21:05

Meirion Evans interview on the 2025 plans the Yaris...

https://www.rallymedia.uk/blog/meirion-evans-plans-for-2025-season

Fast Eddie WRC

20th January 2025, 17:18

Autosport: Welsh forest rallying in turmoil

https://www.autosport.com/national/news/welsh-forest-rallying-in-turmoil-as-storm-damage-causes-events-to-be-cancelled/10690041/

HKSjbg

20th January 2025, 21:26

Autosport: Welsh forest rallying in turmoil

https://www.autosport.com/national/news/welsh-forest-rallying-in-turmoil-as-storm-damage-causes-events-to-be-cancelled/10690041/

“At present, options for replacement events are being considered and it is believed that there is a particular need for the BRC to meet television commitments with an event on 12 April.”

Sounds like the options could be limited to the Manx Rally on the same weekend as the Severn Valley Rally was going to happen or the weekend after with the Circuit of Ireland. Realistically both ate unfavourable to the current BRC thinking of staying on the mainland, but what other options are there?

AndyRAC

21st January 2025, 10:27

HKSjbg

21st January 2025, 15:32

I've said before that the Severn Valley used to be late May/early June - and used forests further south. I don't know the reasoning for the move to April, or the move north........

Other sports would have postponed, and tried to re-arrange for later in the year - but UK rallying can't do this; for a number of reasons.

I think you’ve said it on this forum once for every competitive kilometre this rally tends to run Andy :D

I’m assuming a lot of it comes down to which forests are available and at which time of year. Didn’t it used to be similar forests to the NG stages and only about a month in between? There’s nothing else that annually runs through the Hafren/Sweet Lamb/Myherin complexes at any time of year now anyway since the demise of the Mid-Wales Stages and WRGB…

Tom206wrc

22nd January 2025, 11:10

Why isn't entrylist Galway International Rally available yet :confused:

AndyRAC

22nd January 2025, 12:39

I think you’ve said it on this forum once for every competitive kilometre this rally tends to run Andy :D

I’m assuming a lot of it comes down to which forests are available and at which time of year. Didn’t it used to be similar forests to the NG stages and only about a month in between? There’s nothing else that annually runs through the Hafren/Sweet Lamb/Myherin complexes at any time of year now anyway since the demise of the Mid-Wales Stages and WRGB…

Ha ha, you're probably correct.,
From memory, (I'd have to root out the event programmes I've still got) I've spectated at Crychan, Radnor, Tywi, Halfway on the event. And yes, most of those are used a month later for the NG/Quinton Stages.

Sweetlamb, Myherin, Dyfnant, Hafren were once used on the Bulldog (now Rally North Wales), as well the Dyfi stages; I remember going to Dyfi in the morning, then driving to Dyfnant in the early afternoon. The Plains when run in September used to use similar stages, but now uses the Clocaenog/Brenig/Alwen area for its mileage - as does the Cambrian.

Going off topic, both ANCRO & BTRDA tended to use the same forests at different times of the year, so you'd go to the same place twice; South Wales had the Red Dragon in May & Swansea Bay July/Aug, whilst North Wales had the Astra Stages in April & Cambrian in Oct/Nov - and even part of the Vauxhall Rally of Wales in March.

The amount of great events which have gone really is depressing - and none at all in South Wales......Walters Arena could probably host a 2 day event without leaving the venue. Now used for Enduro, ADV riding, etc

Steve Boyd

23rd January 2025, 00:05

Autosport: Welsh forest rallying in turmoil

https://www.autosport.com/national/news/welsh-forest-rallying-in-turmoil-as-storm-damage-causes-events-to-be-cancelled/10690041/And if Storm Éowyn is as damaging as Darragh was we could see further cancellations and/or postponements affecting the Lake District and Scotland.

Tom206wrc

24th January 2025, 17:10

Entrylist Galway International Rally available now on http://www.rally.ie :cool:

dck1989

27th January 2025, 10:24

Organizers have cancelled Galway international rally after storm damage.

Fast Eddie WRC

27th January 2025, 12:35

Organizers have cancelled Galway international rally after storm damage.

Oh no ! The stormy weather is getting to be a disaster for rallying. :(

Fast Eddie WRC

27th January 2025, 12:38

And if Storm Éowyn is as damaging as Darragh was we could see further cancellations and/or postponements affecting the Lake District and Scotland.

Local news featured the boss of NW Electricity who said it was as bad as Storn Arwen. Things are going from bad to worse for UK forest rallying.

archie106

28th January 2025, 07:41

https://britishrallychampionship.co.uk/carlisle-stages-steps-in-to-replace-the-severn-valley-stages-in-the-brc/

Kielder returns to the BRC!

HKSjbg

28th January 2025, 08:06

It’s a shame to lose Severn Valley but now the BRC is at least two events each in England, Scotland & Wales as well as each being one tarmac, one gravel.

Fast Eddie WRC

28th January 2025, 08:58

https://britishrallychampionship.co.uk/carlisle-stages-steps-in-to-replace-the-severn-valley-stages-in-the-brc/

Kielder returns to the BRC!

Killer Kielder, a great substitute !

Let's hope that doesn't get affected by a storm now....

HKSjbg

28th January 2025, 21:47

There’s already an itinerary ready for it!

https://www.ewrc-results.com/timetable/93300-carlisle-stages-2025/

81.53km and only one stage repeated - 17.25km of Buck Fell. Kershope and Chirdonhead both at 20ish km. This already has the feel of a 90s Pirelli International to it :D

Steve Boyd

28th January 2025, 23:56

This already has the feel of a 90s Pirelli International to it :DIt's being organised by RACMC not CSCC though.

Well done to Colin & Nicola for doing this. They sure must be gluttons for punishment!

HKSjbg

29th January 2025, 08:32

Yes I’m aware of that :D it was more about it being Kielder in April and longish stages - though not quite to the scale of the first Pirelli International in ‘92 which was just four big stages! For this period of British rallying and for a rally hastily organised for under 3 months’ time they’ve got something pretty impressive planned.

Fast Eddie WRC

29th January 2025, 09:43

Great job !

https://www.autosport.com/rally/news/new-brc-kielder-rally-organised-in-record-time/10691985/

Steve Boyd

30th January 2025, 00:10

Great job !

https://www.autosport.com/rally/news/new-brc-kielder-rally-organised-in-record-time/10691985/Colin Heppenstall is quite good at short notice rallies in Kielder. I was working on the 2010 Roger Albert Clark Rally when Colin designed a whole new last day of the event with one day notice after the huge snowfall during the rally.

Sal yet again

30th January 2025, 17:54

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/riponian/entries.php?type=u

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/riponianinterclub/entries.php?type=u

Nice looking provisional entries for the Riponian in a week or so's time even with one or two regular names missing.

Interesting that they are back to using Boltby which I never thought would happen

HKSjbg

30th January 2025, 21:55

Hasn’t been used since 2019 so I thought the same too. It’s at the expense of the Wass/Pry Rigg combo of recent years - hopefully that will make a return soon as it gives the Riponian some notable differentiation from the Trackrod and Malton Forest Stages.

Sal yet again

31st January 2025, 08:15

Interesting that the road closing orders for the Wass area are still showing for the day of the event..

archie106

31st January 2025, 08:35

Looks like they applied for the Wass closures and the Gale Rigg closure with the same application, probably too late/too much work to edit or resubmit now. The council will be aware that the Wass roads won't be closed, so it is paperwork only.

Fast Eddie WRC

1st February 2025, 10:41

The NW Stages has lost Legend Fires as the sponsor after 20 years and will return to a multi-venue format in 2026.

archie106

1st February 2025, 13:58

Melvyn Evans Motorsport has posted a pic of 3 Castrol Yaris Rally2 cars on Instagram - interested to see who the 3rd one is for...

HKSjbg

1st February 2025, 19:23

The NW Stages has lost Legend Fires as the sponsor after 20 years and will return to a multi-venue format in 2026.

I’m confused, it’s always been a multi-venue format hasn’t it?

Melvyn Evans Motorsport has posted a pic of 3 Castrol Yaris Rally2 cars on Instagram - interested to see who the 3rd one is for...

Is Ingram 100% back for another season in the BRC or is it not yet confirmed? I’m gonna take a wild guess and say it’s Kieth Cronin in the 3rd car. Or Matt Edwards. But I’d put my money (figuratively) on Cronin

Steve Boyd

1st February 2025, 23:26

The NW Stages has lost Legend Fires as the sponsor after 20 years and will return to a multi-venue format in 2026.

I’m confused, it’s always been a multi-venue format hasn’t it?I think they mean returning to the format of multiple private road venues (Weeton &c) rather than the closed roads format of recent years.

AndyRAC

2nd February 2025, 08:21

Oh, that's a shame, losing the title sponsor can't be good, and closed roads aren't exactly cheap, and are time intensive to organise. At least it's still able to run; I remember spectating at the old Pontins holiday park, the Promenade, opposite the Norbreck Castle Hotel, and a stage closer to Lytham, near the sea front.

Fast Eddie WRC

2nd February 2025, 10:03

Is Ingram 100% back for another season in the BRC or is it not yet confirmed? I’m gonna take a wild guess and say it’s Kieth Cronin in the 3rd car. Or Matt Edwards. But I’d put my money (figuratively) on Cronin

It's not confirmed for Ingram yet.

Matt Edwards is planning on an ITRC program this year & Cronin is in a Citroen C3 Rally2 this season.

HKSjbg

2nd February 2025, 12:34

Oh yeah I forgot about Cronin in the Citroen. Osian Pryce or James Williams maybe?

Fast Eddie WRC

3rd February 2025, 10:50

Oh yeah I forgot about Cronin in the Citroen. Osian Pryce or James Williams maybe?

Neither are on the entry for the East Riding Stages but I suppose a deal could be done for later in the year.

Fast Eddie WRC

3rd February 2025, 10:55

Ingram news just in...

2025 Rally Plans

Our focus in 2025 is on key international events where we can make the biggest impact and continue pushing toward the highest level of the sport.

While we had an incredible time in the British Rally Championship last year, we will not be returning this season to defend the title.

That being said, Alex and I are still looking forward to competing in select high-profile UK & Irish events with Castrol MEM, ensuring we stay connected with rallying back home.

At this stage, our backing is aligned with this international vision, and we’re fully committed to taking the next step on the International stage.

Exciting challenges ahead—stay tuned !

Sal yet again

3rd February 2025, 11:52

Neither are on the entry for the East Riding Stages but I suppose a deal could be done for later in the year.

Williams is on the entry list in the Hyundai so hopefully will remain to provide some relief from all the Fiestas and Citroens!

Shame about Ingram but fingers crossed for the other potential championship contenders yet to confirm their appearances

Sal yet again

3rd February 2025, 19:15

Riponian seeded entry is out and sadly no Miggins in the TR7 V8 amongst the Historics however the Interclub entry resembles a round of the Irish Forestry championship now!

Fast Eddie WRC

3rd February 2025, 20:48

Chris Ingram confirmed to me on FB that he wont now be at the East Riding Rally.

archie106

4th February 2025, 05:28

Shame about Ingram, but Creighton is now a confirmed entry for the East Riding Stages. Still no info on what car he is using though.

hutchie

6th February 2025, 15:09

Jürgenson and Pearson set for BRC assault with M-Sport

https://britishrallychampionship.co.uk/jurgenson-and-pearson-set-for-brc-assault-with-m-sport/

Nice to see M-Sport using the BRC to try out an up and coming junior. Possibly championship favourite?

Fast Eddie WRC

6th February 2025, 16:55

HKSjbg

6th February 2025, 21:41

M-Sport for the Teams title, maybe... but for the Driver's its probably Creighton & Cronin.

Who’s Creighton driving for this season if not M-Sport?

Not sure if anyone’s noticed it already but Jason Pritchard is on the entry list for the East Riding in a Toyota Yaris…

archie106

7th February 2025, 05:51

Yeah Pritchard finally managed to get his Yaris registered with the DVLA, I think he is doing a season of the Protyre Asphalt Championship rather than the BRC. Could change if he has a good run on the East Riding Stages though!

Not sure on Creighton, his car was TBA on the Galway entry list as well. Melvyn Evans has the extra Yaris now, so could see him in that?

HKSjbg

7th February 2025, 11:58

Good to see another big(ish) brand supporting the BRC:

https://britishrallychampionship.co.uk/mrf-tyres-join-the-british-rally-championship-as-an-official-tyre-supplier/

MRF may not be one of the mainstream tyre brands but their commitment to rallying has been pretty good for the past few years

Fast Eddie WRC

7th February 2025, 16:40

Rally4Wales have been busy the last few weeks surveying forests around Wales with the help and collaboration of Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales.

We have managed to find mileage in various forests for the Plains, Nicky Grist and Woodpecker Rally.

Our findings have been collated by our Operations Manager Wenna Roberts @robertswenna and passed onto the organizers and NRW. Hopefully a positive outcome will be forthcoming soon as there has been a lot of work cutting and moving trees by NRW.

It has been a good exercise which we will continue for the events later in the season.

https://www.facebook.com/100063441685515/posts/1042834361174610/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Sal yet again

9th February 2025, 13:25

Just managed one run at Gale Rigg and the combo of the big delay in the Historic field, the mizzling and the pot smoke being created by several groups of speccies just proved too much of a dent to my enthusiasm! Think there will be a few crews wishing they had fitted lights for the 2nd runs.

HKSjbg

10th February 2025, 21:52

Fast Eddie WRC

11th February 2025, 10:31

BRC organisers take note:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/meeke-switches-from-hyundai-to-toyota-portugal/

If a former WRC rally winner wants to compete in a domestic series, why can’t we strive for that in Britain? Meeke vs Ingram in the BRC would be epic to witness!

It sounds good in theory but it's all about funding. In Portugal the Hyundai & Toyota importers are coughing up to pay for Meeke.

It seems there's no such interest in the UK and M-Sport are the closest but prefer to pay for young prospects. TBH the drives for Creighton, McRae, Pearson etc are better for the future of the sport in Britain.

Destra quattro

11th February 2025, 12:05

It sounds good in theory but it's all about funding. In Portugal the Hyundai & Toyota importers are coughing up to pay for Meeke.

It seems there's no such interest in the UK and M-Sport are the closest but prefer to pay for young prospects. TBH the drives for Creighton, McRae, Pearson etc are better for the future of the sport in Britain.

"Prefer to pay for young prospect'
Don't think so....

Sal yet again

11th February 2025, 12:38

Creighton now announced to be in a Yaris so will be taking it to Cronin for sure

Fast Eddie WRC

11th February 2025, 14:56

Looking good !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GjgzFuHXQAA9-zZ?format=jpg&name=medium

HKSjbg

11th February 2025, 15:19

Looking good !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GjgzFuHXQAA9-zZ?format=jpg&name=medium

It was nice to see a retro Castrol-Toyota livery last year but this is cool. Would love to see it on that Rally2 version of the GR Corolla that was quietly rolled out at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon…

It sounds good in theory but it's all about funding. In Portugal the Hyundai & Toyota importers are coughing up to pay for Meeke.

It seems there's no such interest in the UK and M-Sport are the closest but prefer to pay for young prospects. TBH the drives for Creighton, McRae, Pearson etc are better for the future of the sport in Britain.

Of course, but my point is; what conditions make that feasible in Portugal? The BRC to its credit is enjoying a bit of a boom compared to recent years - without it being overhyped to disappoint or being a one-year wonder. It would be great if they can keep that going and perhaps tempt someone of Meeke’s stature to the championship.

Fast Eddie WRC

11th February 2025, 17:07

I totally agree, it would be great. But sadly the sport here just isn't at the level that it is in Portugal to give a return on a high investment.

TBH we're really lucky that we have M-Sport, and now Castrol, willing to put the money in to run a couple of actual Teams

dck1989

13th February 2025, 07:19

Did Creighton swap teams because there was no progression or prospect of another wrc2 campaign with m-sport or have castrol came up with a more attractive package and car?

tbazsi95

17th February 2025, 07:02

Max McRae will be competing in the full British Rally Championship in a citroenracing C3 Rally2.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGKtL_DKwbt/

Fast Eddie WRC

17th February 2025, 09:23

Max McRae will be competing in the full British Rally Championship in a citroenracing C3 Rally2.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGKtL_DKwbt/

Full details from Dirtfish...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/brc/max-mcrae-makes-citroen-switch/

Fast Eddie WRC

17th February 2025, 10:21

For the East Riding Stages I make it an entry of 41 Rally2/R5 Cars in total and 20 in BRC.

It'll be interesting to see how the different makes compare with Citroen vs Toyota vs Ford vs Hyundai and some of the top guys having swapped cars for 2025.

Fast Eddie WRC

17th February 2025, 14:36

Jurgenson ready for BRC after Rally2 car debut at Rally Sweden...

https://britishrallychampionship.co.uk/jurgenson-prepares-for-brc-with-sweden-success/

Steve Boyd

17th February 2025, 23:07

East Riding seeded entry list:
https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/ersr/entries.php?type=s

Sal yet again

18th February 2025, 07:03

Appreciate that not all those R5/Rally 2 cars are necessarily the latest versions however when you compare that entry to say the 2 litre WRC era then its hard to deny that the current level/standard of machinery competing at this level is at an all time high.

tbazsi95

18th February 2025, 15:01

Max McRae Citroën C3 Rally2 test in Hungary
https://www.duen.hu/fotoalbum/trt_-_max_mcrae_teszt_-_citroen_c3_rally2

Fast Eddie WRC

19th February 2025, 15:45

Put in the 2025 Thread...

Max McRae Citroën C3 Rally2 test in Hungary
https://www.duen.hu/fotoalbum/trt_-_max_mcrae_teszt_-_citroen_c3_rally2

dodge33cymru

19th February 2025, 19:41

Steve Boyd

19th February 2025, 23:07

Nice entry, looking forward to making the trip this weekend... one thing, I can't really find any spectator info beside the town centre stage. Is it an old school case of park up, walk in and find a spot? I've not even really seen anything to dissuade spectators or to try and corral us into a few spots for this one, which makes me think I'm missing something.Spectator guide is on the club web site here:
https://www.bdmc.org.uk/spectators
There don't appear to be any designated spectator areas from my quick look, but don't forget that it's illegal to drive, ride, walk or stand on a closed road so you aren't going to be able to wander along a stage until you get to a good bit unless you try your luck in the fields.

Fast Eddie WRC

20th February 2025, 12:09

With the first round of the Asphalt championship taking place this weekend at the East Riding Stages, M-Sport is pleased to announce that it will again provide the ultimate prize to one lucky winner !

The top-placed Ford driver at the end of the season will earn a private test drive in a Ford Puma Rally1 on M-Sport’s Evaluation Centre test track, plus a full systems check and shakedown if they are driving a Fiesta Rally2.

dodge33cymru

20th February 2025, 13:18

Spectator guide is on the club web site here:
https://www.bdmc.org.uk/spectators
There don't appear to be any designated spectator areas from my quick look, but don't forget that it's illegal to drive, ride, walk or stand on a closed road so you aren't going to be able to wander along a stage until you get to a good bit unless you try your luck in the fields.

I mean, they've published detailed maps and there's nothing anywhere saying "don't go to the stages" so I assume they're fair game to park on a side road and walk to the junctions/fields.

The spectator guide says "We ask rally spectators heading to watch on the other [non Beverley town centre] stages to please obey any instructions given by the or officials."

So I'm planning to park in a non-access road and go for a walk in. Last year's North West stages had all sorts of pleas for folk to only use the awful, cramped paid areas - this one seems more relaxed, hence my surprise.

Sal yet again

20th February 2025, 14:21

Previous years havent been as restrictive as say the Ceredigion/NW Stages however with the BRC being part of the mix then am expecting things to tighten up and hope that the increased publicity doesnt bring the organisers more headaches. If you have the right maps, exercise common sense and work with the officials then you should be fine.

I think they are looking at increasing the mileage/stages next year so will be interested to learn what new locations might come into the mix.

HKSjbg

20th February 2025, 14:40

I think they are looking at increasing the mileage/stages next year so will be interested to learn what new locations might come into the mix.

I hope so, didn’t someone say on here a while back that the organisers had ambitions for (eventually) the ERC? I think they’ve done the right thing in keeping to a sensible level of stage mileage and keeping it consistent for the first few years and not relying on thrice run stages like NW/Three Shires.

Ceredigion went from 70km up to 180km in a few short years but that’s an exceptional example.

Steve Boyd

20th February 2025, 23:11

So I'm planning to park in a non-access road and go for a walk in. Last year's North West stages had all sorts of pleas for folk to only use the awful, cramped paid areas - this one seems more relaxed, hence my surprise.That's what I used to do on the Isle of Man and never had a problem - but that was over 40 years ago!

Give it a go - hope you find some good specs.

Steve Boyd

20th February 2025, 23:19

not relying on thrice run stages like NW/Three Shires.Running a loop of stages three times is often done with success in Ireland but the stages need to be on the right roads. Not those narrow enough to get blocked and preferably roads that can be easily by-passed if you do lose the stage. You also need to have all of your contingency plans worked out in advance for losing any stage at any time & act on those plans quickly if there's an issue.

dodge33cymru

21st February 2025, 08:11

That's what I used to do on the Isle of Man and never had a problem - but that was over 40 years ago!

Give it a go - hope you find some good specs.

Aye, that's how I remember rallying being in my youth... and still is in several places. Just surprised to see it in the UK in 2025! Will be fun do some some map hopping again - unlike 30 years ago, now with the added advantage of onboard videos to do my own recce...

Fast Eddie WRC

21st February 2025, 11:55

The weather forecast looks poor for Sunday, particularly the afternoon with heavy rain and strong winds. A shame for all involved and watching. I hope it doesn't impact the running of the event with more accidents.

Fast Eddie WRC

21st February 2025, 21:19

Keith Cronin's new wheels:

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

satnav

22nd February 2025, 12:38

Tracking for East Riding Stages ;

https://tracking.sporttraxx.com/races/east-riding-stages-rally/map2d/

cmac

22nd February 2025, 15:55

anybody know what car on the road no1 car will be running as trying to work out timings for stage hopping?
Seem to think car 1 wont be first on rd?

archie106

22nd February 2025, 17:35

anybody know what car on the road no1 car will be running as trying to work out timings for stage hopping?
Seem to think car 1 wont be first on rd?

Cars are running in seeded order with car 1 first.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/sportity/90539-east-riding-stages-rally-2025/

Start times are on the Sportity page for the event.

cmac

22nd February 2025, 19:24

Great thanks for that.

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd February 2025, 19:28

Special Stage are showing live action from SS1 & SS10.

BRC have live stage ends at SS1/7 & SS4/10.

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd February 2025, 19:58

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gka-LxzWoAAJREP?format=jpg&name=medium

archie106

22nd February 2025, 20:23

Really looking forward to seeing how things play out tomorrow. Wish I could make it, but just a bit too far.

Not sure I agree with the event seeding, Max McRae at 16 is odd, hopefully the road conditions don't get too muddy or he will have no chance. Similar also for Jurgenson, though the effect won't be as bad. MRF tyres for McRae might be tricky on tarmac though, so the seeding may end up being correct!

archie106

23rd February 2025, 09:43

Fantastic morning for Creighton, 18.7 second lead after the morning loop. Very close for 2nd though, 4 crews within 3 seconds.

Good to see Jurgenson building pace throughout the morning.

Now for the rain...

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd February 2025, 10:41

Yes a great loop by Creighton, adapting quickly to the new Yaris. A cautious start by Cronin has cost him.

Also good to see some decent stage times by the likes of Williams, Pearson, Evans and young Jurgenson.

Sal yet again

23rd February 2025, 10:51

Back in the car waiting for the 2nd run of Coom and the weather has certainly taken a turn for the worse! Not surprised that Creighton is leading as great to watch him slide the Yaris round the 90 past the church. Cronin clipped the bank on the inside as did a few others. Decided to wait and brave it for run 2 instead of heading to Westwood. It could be a lottery this afternoon!

EstWRC

23rd February 2025, 12:21

Jurgenson is such a great talent. Nice times so far with that Ford

archie106

23rd February 2025, 13:07

TypeR

23rd February 2025, 13:12

Jurgenson is such a great talent. Nice times so far with that Ford
Seems like that 1-minute penalty has been taken away also.

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd February 2025, 13:40

Chaotic event for Pearson, went off on SS4 with a fair amount of damage, demolished the timing equipment with an off over the flying finish of SS7, then looks to have gone off again on SS8, retirement this time.

Shame as he had really good pace over the first few stages.

Indeed. Not a good start for him or M-Sport. I had hopes of a good points finish but he did look on the limit on the first stage.

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd February 2025, 21:12

https://youtu.be/nUq-OLTF1_8?si=ForBhCIVsjpCzYz8

https://youtu.be/g42YdEb6Crk?si=KfzX7nF4a2yCatUs

Way better camera positions than the SS live stream and no annoying commentator. :)

Sal yet again

24th February 2025, 09:01

After the tricky start to last years' BRC with the crashes/delays on the NW Stages it was good to see that the East Ridings appeared to run with relatively few issues apart from Pearson wiping out the flying finish of SS7!

Seemed to be a lot more people stage side than non BRC years where I was during the day so decided to dodge Westwood and the rain that manifested at lunchtime and stayed at Coom for both runs. Hopefully the event continues to be welcomed by the locals and that it can go from strength to strength.

Fast Eddie WRC

24th February 2025, 17:16

Yes it seemed to go virtually without a hitch. There was just a small delay to the afternoon loop but all seemed to run very smoothly... unusual compared several BRC events in recent years.

There was also a very decent-looking turnout at the Beverley SSS so I dont think there'll be any issue going forward.

Well done to all involved.

Fast Eddie WRC

25th February 2025, 12:49

Matt Edwards is on the entry for the Midland Stages in Ireland this weekend and making his debut in a Hyundai i20 Rally2.

Josh McErlean is also there in a Fiesta Rally2.

https://www.rally.ie/index.php/stories/250115-125320#250220-165211

Sal yet again

26th February 2025, 09:05

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/malcolmwilson/entries.php?type=u

Meirion Evans is the latest entry for the Malcolm Wilson in order to get some more miles in for the next BRC round

dodge33cymru

26th February 2025, 16:17

Really enjoyed East Riding stages, got to see three passes and could have managed a fourth but for family - nice old school vibes to it. Was a slight frustration on the first stage, where the safety dude in the car tried to bunch a hundred people into a small and far more dangerous spot on a bank... but the marshals made an appeal to the next safety one to undo the changes successfully. Quite a few of the accessible junctions had pretty poor views, but was happy with my research and choices.

What an amazing success the R5/Rally2 ruleset is; having more than 40 of them in a regional UK event was very impressive, as was the variety at the front with Citroen, Toyota, Ford and Hyundai all occupying top places. I don't understand why people think they're any less exciting than Rally1 cars, when driven at pace by a pro they're damned spectacular IMO.

archie106

26th February 2025, 20:16

Decent entry so far for the Carlisle stages. Interesting to see no Keith Cronin as yet, hopefully he puts an entry in.

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/carlisle/entries.php?type=u

Sal yet again

27th February 2025, 08:49

With the Manx running the same weekend as the Carlisle/Keilder event on the surface it would appear that UK rallies are in quite rude health entry wise. Appreciate the Nth East event will also include the Welsh championship as well as the BRC and BRC.

Manx provisional entry:

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/manx/entries.php?type=u

Fast Eddie WRC

27th February 2025, 10:20

Feature on Will Creighton BRC leader by Dirtfish..

https://dirtfish.com/rally/brc/the-driver-shunning-any-perceived-pressure/

Tom206wrc

27th February 2025, 10:41

HKSjbg

27th February 2025, 16:43

Feature on Will Creighton BRC leader by Dirtfish..

https://dirtfish.com/rally/brc/the-driver-shunning-any-perceived-pressure/

That’s their quota of BRC articles for the year…

Fast Eddie WRC

27th February 2025, 20:56

Matt Edwards on FB;

C & M Motorsport will once again make a Rally2 Car available for three times British Rally Champion Matt Edwards to contest the 2025 Tarmac Championship; as the Omagh based Rally Car Sales team take on the Hyundai Motorsport Franchise for UK & I.

After a successful debut Championship season for Edwards and the C & M team in 2024 where the Welshman and Co-Driver Dave Moynihan won the famous Circuit of Ireland Rally en-route to 3rd in the series, the focus for the year ahead is to capitalise on experience gained on new territory and make the Hyundai Marque and its Hyundai N Rally2 variant a force to be reckoned with once more.

The team will be one of the first in Europe to take delivery of the eagerly awaited “Step 2’ Upgrades to the car for Round 2 in West Cork, whilst customers will be able to order their Hyundai Motorsport parts from C & M Motorsport going forward.

“Its another exciting project to be part of, particularly given it being a brand I’ve done the least work with in recent times, but that doesn’t seem to have prevented us being on the pace before so its just a case of doing our usual preparations and working hard with the team at NPL and the Hyundai Engineers to dial the car in to my preferences as quickly as we can, which is a part of the challenge I really enjoy,” explained Edwards who has previously rallied 2 generations of Ford Fiesta, a VW, and a Citroen in Ireland.

With the Galway International Rally postponed, Edwards will use this weekends Midland Rally to aquaint himself with the new car, after a busy closed season for the pair organising the new programme including sourcing the budget to contest the series for a second year, and Edwards admits it’s a challenge he and Moynihan spend considerable time on behind the scenes;

“The rally itself is probably the easy bit these days! Dave and myself spend a lot of time communicating with potential and existing partners to make it all happen, and that includes maximising the exposure and return for those involved as we appreciate their commitment to us so it’s the least we can do. We are still looking for further support to cement our budget for the year but have a clearer picture this year of how to get the best returns for our partners”.

“We are really proud to be aligned with Hyundai Motorsport for the coming season,” enthuses Marty Mckenna of C&M Motorsport. “Our business is still really in its infancy, but we have tried really hard to offer the best quality of cars we can from the outset and with the support we have gained by teaming up with Matt and Dave for 2024, the franchise for Hyundai Motorsport Vehicles and Parts for 2025 and another attack at the Tarmac Championship ahead is a really exciting prospect for us all here, as rallying is our passion through and through and its great to be part of the journey with such like minded hard working people”.

Edwards will once again be ‘Vlogging’ his experiences throughout the season to give viewers a frank and honest behind the scenes view of competition at the sharp end which proved popular in 2024.

The Midland Moto Stages takes place this Sunday based in Longford and will cover 93KM over 9 Stages

Fast Eddie WRC

2nd March 2025, 14:25

What a battle between McErlean and Edwards... nip & tuck all rally with McErlean taking the win on the final stage by just 0.5sec !

A tremendous drive by Edwards showing himself and the updated i20 Rally2 have great speed ahead of the 2025 ITRC.

Sal yet again

6th March 2025, 12:54

Tv coverage of the East Ridings was pretty ok with little of the constant background music that has blighted the WRC highlights amongst others.

Grady

7th March 2025, 11:00

2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for the British & Irish Championships! The level of competition and passion here is just amazing. If you're as excited as I am and want to be a part of this journey, Join now (https://houseofargyll.com/kilt-hire-glasgow/).

Steve Boyd

7th March 2025, 23:02

Live results from TCS here:
https://btrdarallyresults.co.uk/results/?e=722&simple

Fast Eddie WRC

8th March 2025, 17:39

Meirion Evans:

P2 at the end of the Malcolm Wilson Rally for us.

We lead all day and entered the last stage level on time with Garry. We had a really strong run through the last stage in Greystoke but just over a mile from the end we picked up a puncture and lost the win by 1 second !

We didn’t feel that we hit anything to justify a puncture but it’s just one of those things I guess. But it’s still a massively positive day for us on gravel on stages I had never seen before today, which bodes well for the next round of the @brcrally in Carlisle

Steve Boyd

9th March 2025, 23:08

which bodes well for the next round of the @brcrally in CarlisleHmmm.
I'm sure the seat time will have done Meirion & Garry some good but the pace in the BTRDA championship is quite a way off BRC level so, while they may be good bets for the top 5, I doubt they'll both be on the podium even though one of them might.

Fast Eddie WRC

10th March 2025, 14:41

Entries flood in to Roger Albert Clark Rally

The entry list for the 2025 Roger Albert Clark rally has broken the 200 mark after entries opened on Friday evening (March 7). The maximum entry for the five-day rally is 180 cars for a route of around 350 stage miles running from November 20-24. The initial draft entry list will be published on Monday, March 24.

In just 48 hours, a total of 205 entries were received for the main five-day event, with a further 22 entries for the MINI Challenge Kielder Rally, which will cover 43 stage miles on Saturday November 22.

Entries poured in from across the UK, Ireland, Europe and around the world, including entries from South Africa, Australia and the USA. Significantly, 28 entries have been taken from overseas crews, with a group of cars from Italy including three of the new Lancia Ypsilon Rally4s, three cars from the Czech Republic and two Ford Escorts from Australia. In all, 48 types of car are represented in the list.

Prospective entrants are required to pay a £1000 deposit to secure a place on the initial entry list, and the great majority of the 205 entrants to date have already paid their deposit.

Rally manager Colin Heppenstall said: “We're overjoyed by the response. We're very pleased that competitors from all over the world want to come and do the Roger Albert Clark Rally.”

Entries for the rally remain open as there will inevitably be some withdrawals in the build up to the event. However, it is expected that the drop-out rate will be less than in previous years.

Importantly, the Open Rally for two-wheel-drive non-historic and four-wheel-drive historic Category 4 cars is very well supported. The quality of the entry matches the quantity with many leading contenders. A number of star names are expected to join the entry list and more details of those will be announced in due course.

Sal yet again

28th March 2025, 16:18

https://youtu.be/nlxFqguvuhU?si=D_6DGdxy31FSVQf1

Video from the first round of this years Northern Irish championship at Bishopscourt including a very expensive looking off for Jonny Greer in his new Yaris Rally 2..

Fast Eddie WRC

1st April 2025, 18:55

Kielder Carlisle Stages 2025 - Seeded Entry List:

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/carlisle/entries.php?type=s

Sal yet again

8th April 2025, 12:45

Sad news with the passing of Mike Nicholson

Mike was co-driver to lots of top drivers inc Jimmy McRae, Russell Brookes, Tony Pond, Dave Metcalfe, Pentti Airikkala and later became Vauxhall Motorsport Operations Manager, overseeing GM Rallying and Triple 8 Racing in BTCC.

Many will remember him being co-driver to Derek Bell on the RAC and the famous line "Listen To Me", which became the title of his book....

RIP

Fast Eddie WRC

8th April 2025, 17:13

From Xlerate -
Carlisle Stages LIVE STREAM DETAILS

No commentary, it's just pure and raw rally sounds from stage side and we are hoping to try a few new things from this event, so all of our fingers are crossed that we can go live. This is both technology and signal dependent. All times are approx. and subject to change,.

SS3 - BUCK FELL 1
FIRST CAR DUE 10:18
https://youtube.com/live/qbTw7WL72zk

SS5 - BUCK FELL 2
FIRST CAR DUE 13:30
https://youtube.com/live/KCUfhIwvVuQ

Sal yet again

11th April 2025, 13:16

Big weekend of rallying for the UK. The "other" event is the Manx National which is already under way with Gary Jennings setting the early pace in his Festa

https://www.rallies.info/res?e=630

Steve Boyd

11th April 2025, 23:12

Carlisle Stages start list and live results updates here:
https://results.djames.org.uk/results/?e=726&simple

Fast Eddie WRC

12th April 2025, 08:19

Cronin time on SS2 - Mikie Galvin said it was 12.11 but showing 12.02 ?

Fast Eddie WRC

12th April 2025, 08:24

Gutted for James Williams getting a puncture after all the effort to fix the car after the crash in Spain. :(

Evans stuck in his dust too.

TypeR

12th April 2025, 09:17

Be a man and you can win stages with Ford also..

Jurgenson 2/3 stage wins so far and leading by 0.2s over Creighton.
Nice battles!

Fast Eddie WRC

12th April 2025, 10:44

Max McRae out... looks like a technical after SS2.

Fast Eddie WRC

12th April 2025, 11:47

Great time by Jurgenson on SS4 taking a bigger lead into the final stage. Cronin had to stop and re-start so he's lost any chance of a win.

Steve Boyd

12th April 2025, 12:32

Jurgenson has it by 14.4 seconds after SS5 with Creighton second and Pearson third.

Fast Eddie WRC

12th April 2025, 12:45

Good win for the M-Sport man and the team with Pearson in 3rd.

I wonder if Jurgenson benefitted from his later road position and if Creighton suffered from cleaning the road ?

Steve Boyd

12th April 2025, 14:20

I wonder if Jurgenson benefitted from his later road position and if Creighton suffered from cleaning the road ?Quite possibly, but the passage control I was talking to at the end of SS4 was complaining about the dust - and that's after the stage so goodness knows what it was like in stage!

Fast Eddie WRC

15th April 2025, 13:08

Quite possibly, but the passage control I was talking to at the end of SS4 was complaining about the dust - and that's after the stage so goodness knows what it was like in stage!

Creighton comments...

“The stages were typically challenging for Kielder, fast, flowing, and unforgiving, but we were feeling good in the car. Whilst we had the benefit of no dust to follow running first on the road, that brought its own challenges and the very dry surface was particularly loose, meaning we were doing quite a bit of cleaning."

https://britishrallychampionship.co.uk/creighton-retains-brc-lead-with-strong-second-at-carlisle-stages/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR5TyXzmFfe8ELuvbIGQWbq7 ZE-0Q997UoZIVPhDvbzheB_iK1vti9V8a6wIcA_aem_1wJP6rKRpu 71D9K8rBYlkQ

Fast Eddie WRC

15th April 2025, 21:56

Howard Davies at MEM Castrol Rally Team:

https://youtu.be/MjOJU8OUAdo?si=lhL1bCWDSGGwpIlc

hutchie

16th April 2025, 12:57

Good win for the M-Sport man and the team with Pearson in 3rd.

I wonder if Jurgenson benefitted from his later road position and if Creighton suffered from cleaning the road ?

If there was any event that would naturally suit Jurgenson I suspect it would be Kielder as a fast gravel rally. But to win i the manner he did was impressive especially knowing the Fiesta has been out-developed by the Yaris, Skoda and C3.

Will be interesting to see if he can keep the form up on Jim Clark.

Fast Eddie WRC

17th April 2025, 08:26

Meirion Evans wasnt happy...

"It was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time when a car ahead of us came back onto the road after changing a puncture and then spun on the next corner, so we were stuck in his dust for ten miles. It was frustrating at the time, and it was disappointing that later on we weren’t given the time back. With the technology that we have at our disposal these days, with in-car cameras and trackers, you’d have hoped something could have been done to make it a bit fairer. It cost us three places and a chance to fight for a podium."

Why wasnt he given the time back ?

Sal yet again

17th April 2025, 11:54

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/jimclark/entries.php?type=u

Early entry list for the JCMR. As per previous rounds no early sight of Creighton or Cronin but interesting to see an entry for Jonny Greer in his Yaris Rally 2

Steve Boyd

17th April 2025, 23:22

Why wasnt he given the time back ?Did he ask for the time back?

Fast Eddie WRC

18th April 2025, 09:04

Did he ask for the time back?

He told me on FB that he did but was told it was 'Force Majeure' ..

Matt Edwards said: "Not the case these days. CofC has the authority and means to issue a fair time."

Fast Eddie WRC

18th April 2025, 09:05

The Circuit of Ireland starts today. A preview here:

https://rallyinsight.com/2025/04/17/champions-line-up-for-tantilising-circuit-of-ireland-rally/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7AiuAn2J7hDh7qgpVJ4Ynf sYXOXiy50GmGAKldoCkOXmnTDQYIdoF9kLoLiw_aem_bBRMRJU CvGBY-0n44I3cHA

PLuto

18th April 2025, 10:31

He told me on FB that he did but was told it was 'Force Majeure' ..

Matt Edwards said: "Not the case these days. CofC has the authority and means to issue a fair time."

I must say that giving back times after dust/issues of other competitors is quite interesting topic. In the past it was almost always force majeure and time was adjusted only in case car has stopped at the accident. But then FIA stewards started in WRC events with adjusting times after almost each issue of previous competitor. From my point of view too many times. And I know that also inside FIA there is "discussion war" about adjusting or not adjusting the time and it is not clear, which version has more supporters. For sure now we have split times (WRC/ERC), we have onboard cameras etc. Another big issue is completely wrong starting order on WRC/ERC events, which is not based on speed of drivers, but order in championship, making groups of same car etc. Personally I was always against adjusting the time in case you catch any car on the stage - for me it is part of competition. Only where I agree with giving notional time is when crew stop at the scene of accident or receive red flag.

Fast Eddie WRC

18th April 2025, 12:10

PLuto

18th April 2025, 21:05

The issue for me is that the costs are now so high to buy and run a top Rally2 Car that losing time and positions through no fault of your own is very harsh. This is particularly so when a driver and team are fighting to win a Championship.

I dont agree that costs to buy and run Rally2 car are so high comparing to the top cars in the past...

Steve Boyd

18th April 2025, 23:47

The issue for me is that the costs are now so high to buy and run a top Rally2 Car that losing time and positions through no fault of your own is very harsh. This is particularly so when a driver and team are fighting to win a Championship.

Also 'force majeuer' should mean issues outside of anyones anyone's control. Was this really ? And why wasnt Williams told to pull over knowing a car would be due right behind him after he rejoined ?The costs these days are no higher in real terms than they have been in the past. Top level rallying has always been costly.

It's force majeur when it's outside of the control of the event. Cars having punctures or going off and losing time and then re-starting is not within the control of anyone running the event.

Would you care to explain how you woulld tell a car to stop and let another one behind pass in a forest with poor mobile phone coverage (even the tracking signals were intermittant) and when crews may have their phones off to avoid distractions while running on the stage - and that's assuming that anyone in HQ knew that Evans was being held up.

As PLuto rightly says, the actions of the Stewards on WRC events have created this attitude that sh*t doesn't happen because there's always compensation available. Well I'm sorry, but at BRC level we don't have the facilities or manpower to carry out the level of investigation that's possible in the WRC so if the CofC says it's force majeur then that's what it is.

Fast Eddie WRC

19th April 2025, 09:13

Well if 3x BRC Champion Matt Edwards thinks the CoC can make a decision based on all the available information, I stand by my opinion.

On costs, MEM are running two top cars and fighting against WRC Team (M-Sport). It must be very hard to take when they get a result like this after all their outlay.

FB quote:
Surely with todays technology force majeur is a thing of the past?! Why couldn’t the organisers check the tracker data? Would the tracker on the car you caught have flashed up and warned them you were there?

Edwards : It is a thing of the past on most other rallies!

Fast Eddie WRC

19th April 2025, 14:10

Carnage on SS10 on the Circuit of Ireland with 3 of the top 4 cars stopped with punctures !

Callum Devine now leads with 1 stage to go.

Steve Boyd

19th April 2025, 23:18

Why couldn’t the organisers check the tracker data? Would the tracker on the car you caught have flashed up and warned them you were there?Evans was 30 seconds behind Williams on the road at the end of the stage!

No tracker with a proximity alert is going to give a warning at that distance. If he'd had better notes or been a bit braver he might not have lost so much time.

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd April 2025, 17:24

Evans was 30 seconds behind Williams on the road at the end of the stage!

No tracker with a proximity alert is going to give a warning at that distance. If he'd had better notes or been a bit braver he might not have lost so much time.

The dust was pretty horrendous so that was probably as close as he could get. Also he might've expected to get the time back so didn't want to take big risks...

Steve Boyd

22nd April 2025, 23:35

The dust was pretty horrendous so that was probably as close as he could get. Also he might've expected to get the time back so didn't want to take big risks...The dust was there for everyone. If the CofC had given him an allowance, how many others would have wanted one? Jurgenson was only 30 seconds behind Evans at the end of SS2. Where did he catch up with the dust from two cars travelling together before setting a time only 2.7 seconds slower than Creighton running in clean air?

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd April 2025, 09:35

The dust was there for everyone. If the CofC had given him an allowance, how many others would have wanted one? Jurgenson was only 30 seconds behind Evans at the end of SS2. Where did he catch up with the dust from two cars travelling together before setting a time only 2.7 seconds slower than Creighton running in clean air?

It all depends on where and when he 'caught' them and if it was in the part that was less dusty. Also Evans caught Williams earlier and ran behind him for 10 miles.

satnav

23rd April 2025, 18:12

2nd Rd of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship
The Go Tour of the Sperrins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8TBuCDEBWU

Sal yet again

2nd May 2025, 08:34

JCMR seeded list out and no Creighton on the sheet....

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/jimclark/entries.php?type=s

hutchie

2nd May 2025, 09:47

JCMR seeded list out and no Creighton on the sheet....

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2025/jimclark/entries.php?type=s

Very strange I can't see any obvious other event he would be doing instead there's no entry in for Portugal which is the week before anyway, ERC doesn't have a round that weekend. Would be a shame for the championship if he's not there.

Fast Eddie WRC

2nd May 2025, 10:48

Sal yet again

2nd May 2025, 17:08

A "family commitment" is the reason been given for Will Creighton's absence from the JCMR so hopefully we will see him out later in the year.

Fast Eddie WRC

3rd May 2025, 10:45

On The Limit Sports are showing live coverage of this weekend's Rally of the Lakes. Meirion Evans is there in the Yaris and Matt Edwards hoping to get back in the ITRC fight.

https://www.facebook.com/OnTheLimitSport

Cronin just crashed out of the lead live on camera on SS4 !

(Clipped a bank on a corner, ran wide and into another bank and rolled. They're re out of the rally but crew ok)

Evans now leads from Edwards by 1.3s after SS5.

Fast Eddie WRC

4th May 2025, 10:25

Callum Devine with his foot down this morning has taken the lead ahead of Edwards and Evans.

SS11 live
https://www.youtube.com/live/vFKYCiFsEWw?si=PtOxKK3u5JXD-KKY

Evans faster than Edwards and now up to 2nd Overall after SS14 ...

SS14 live
https://www.youtube.com/live/g2augpCzqwc?si=Um3Q3wbRLuEvaJ0d

Fast Eddie WRC

10th May 2025, 17:06

Re dust & Force Majeure
Today Korhonen's time on SS6 of Rally Hungary was corrected after being caught in Jon Armstrong's dust (after a second puncture). So it does happen.

Steve Boyd

11th May 2025, 23:12

Re dust & Force Majeure
Today Korhonen's time on SS6 of Rally Hungary was corrected after being caught in Jon Armstrong's dust (after a second puncture). So it does happen.As covered in Art. 52.2 of the 2025 FIA Regional Rally Sporting Regulations. No such regulaion exists in the 2025 MSUK National Competition Rules.

Sal yet again

14th May 2025, 09:51

Appreciate this is 2026 news however looks like the north of England will be well served by closed road events early in the year. There is a new rally planned based on Richmond in North Yorks in March and this will be preceded by the NW Stages only a week earlier which contrary to early indications will stick to being closed roads rather than reverting back to a multi venue format. Suspect there will be enough competitors for both!

We also have the East Ridings so looks like being a being a bumper start to the season although if the ER retains its BRC status we will have to see.

https://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/25134324.new-rally-planned-yorkshire-dales-2026/

https://www.northweststages.co.uk/2026-north-west-stages-all-go/

hutchie

15th May 2025, 11:42

Fast Eddie WRC

15th May 2025, 21:57

Good new interview / podcast with Matt Edwards on his life and career:

https://youtu.be/8HSdnGTKlSg?si=YmKmcZbYySe5nzoL

Fast Eddie WRC

19th May 2025, 12:09

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd May 2025, 08:11

Live in-stage action for JCR:

@BRCrally
We will also be trialling 'Langton Live' - featuring both in-stage and stage end interviews - which will also available on our Youtube channel.

Sal yet again

22nd May 2025, 09:09

Looking at the weather forecast for the weekend in and around Duns it could be an "entertaining" hard rally as usual, at least Steve Petch isnt competing so the bridge at Langton should be safe! Will have to catch the YT footage as double booked with an off road event on Saturday and lets see who can take advantage of Creighton and Cronin being absent.

dck1989

22nd May 2025, 10:07

So Cronin now also confirmed as missing the Jim Clark. In a way I'm glad as it keeps him and Creighton equal.

It's also good for the others, giving them a chance to get a rally win and put themselves back in the fight for the Title.

Keith Cronin Taking a break from rallying for the immediate future.

https://www.southernstar.ie/premium-exclusives/keith-cronin-to-take-a-break-from-rallying-4329374

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd May 2025, 15:37

In case you cant access...

"Reigning Irish Tarmac Rally champion and four-time British Rally champion Keith Cronin is stepping back from rallying for the immediate future due to the expansion of family business interests.

As revealed in The Southern Star a few weeks ago, the Ballylickey driver withdrew his entry from this weekend's Jim Clark Rally, round three of the British Rally Championship, in the aftermath of his accident when in the lead on the Rally of the Lakes in Killarney."

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd May 2025, 15:08

SS1 Link https://www.youtube.com/live/8pOaM5pH7do?si=QCYFNiHCKVzfGUub

Sal yet again

23rd May 2025, 16:44

Would be a bit annoyed if I was at Langton ford and that big banner was obscuring my view!

archie106

23rd May 2025, 17:00

Looks like Pearson damaged his rad in that off, lost 30 seconds in SS2.

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd May 2025, 17:12

Special Stage has a better view of the water splash...

https://www.youtube.com/live/CmHgro2at0U?si=nelO6ZXlOPnvIR8W

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd May 2025, 21:59

Bit of a night-mare for the M-Sport cars with engine issues for Garry Pearson and a puncture for Romet Jürgenson.

Euan Thorburn impressive here again and should go well tomorrow but Meirion Evans might be just too quick.

Fast Eddie WRC

24th May 2025, 10:29

A statement released by the organisers at 11.20am says:

"The Jim Clark Rally has been halted after an incident on SS8 Edrom. Further information will follow in due course."

Anyone know what happened ?

Fast Eddie WRC

24th May 2025, 10:31

EDIT -

Sorry - That quote was actually from 2022 when there was an incident. A website used it after todays incident as an example of what has happened here before..

archie106

24th May 2025, 11:34

Best not to speculate, the organisers will issue a statement in due course.

Fast Eddie WRC

24th May 2025, 12:03

The Jim Clark Rally has been halted following a crash at Edrom.

Emergency services raced to the scene in Berwickshire after the alarm was raised, and the public’s being urged to avoid the area.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The D41/6 Edrom Mains road is closed at Broomhouse Mains near Edrom, following a one vehicle crash that happened around 10:50am on Saturday.

“Emergency services are in attendance and road users are asked to avoid the area.”

https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/jim-clark-rally-2025-halted-edrom?fbclid=IwY2xjawKenYtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF xSE1SOHR6UTc1bTVmMmVsAR536wP1Wt4kekTJIO9tAey1mu3vN NJWKNFih8RgKQuIP48Kb25ECn6tWzvu9A_aem_vL5qinao6Igz pTojE4Lprw

TypeR

24th May 2025, 12:20

Is the rally continuing? 0 information

Fast Eddie WRC

24th May 2025, 12:26

Is the rally continuing? 0 information

I dont think so from some comments I read on You Tube.

NoBudgetWRT

24th May 2025, 12:43

1. Event Statement
Following an incident at the Jim Clark Rally today [Saturday 24 May 2025], the Jim Clark
Memorial Motor Club have made the decision to cancel the remainder of the event and
tomorrow’s Jim Clark Reivers Rally.
Graham Couser
Secretary of the Event
from sportity

Fast Eddie WRC

24th May 2025, 12:51

Fast Eddie WRC

24th May 2025, 13:49

Grim news.

https://news.stv.tv/east-central/co-driver-competing-in-jim-clark-rally-dies-following-crash-as-driver-taken-to-hospital-with-serious-injuries

Fast Eddie WRC

24th May 2025, 14:44

https://britishrallychampionship.co.uk/motorsport-uk-statement/

And I think Dai Roberts is the brother of Gareth (Jaffa) Roberts who was also killed. Unbelievable. :(

archie106

24th May 2025, 15:05

RIP Dai, a huge loss.

saco0o

24th May 2025, 17:49

oh man, i was happy to see max doing well, but ehh, this news was bad
rip

AndyRAC

24th May 2025, 18:10

https://britishrallychampionship.co.uk/motorsport-uk-statement/

And I think Dai Roberts is the brother of Gareth (Jaffa) Roberts who was also killed. Unbelievable. :(

I think so; he actually sat with Craig on the Nicky Grist Stages shortly after Gareth was killed on the ERC Targa Florio.......How awful for the family.

Fast Eddie WRC

27th May 2025, 10:23

ITRC regular Garry Jennings and his co-driver survived a horrendous crash at the weekend's Cavan Stages. He said his fellow competitors were crucial in keeping him alive until the emergency services arrived. It took an hour to get him out of the car !

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/15270310/garry-jennings-fermanagh-brian-hoy-crash-cavan/

Fast Eddie WRC

9th June 2025, 12:34

Matt Edwards Statement:

Rallying has undoubtedly had a very dark couple of weeks.

Scotland, Ireland, and latterly Barbados. All incidents have been particularly close to home, both due to the good relations I have with every person involved, and even proximity to the incidents at the time to a degree.

There is also no doubt that the consequences and events i am about to detail pale into total insignificance compared to those that are being dealt with by those directly involved, however I feel it is important to address various rumours about my involvement at the forthcoming Donegal International Rally, for the sake of the stakeholders that have made my involvement in the championship possible, and the wider community.

Following the unthinkable accident in Scotland that shook us all, another serious accident happened involving an immediate family member of my Co Driver, just as I was about to participate in King of the Hill in Barbados. The resulting discussion was totally understandable, respected, and accepted unequivocally.

Following the event I was participating in that Sunday, I reached out to the most feasible co- driver option I had recent experience with; and whilst that was being considered logistically, I informed the insurance of the change of plan as I had been reprimanded for not doing so on the previous occasion earlier this year.

This option was met unfavourably due to "lack of experience", and therefore put a huge doubt im my mind that persuing further avenues to continue with the entry was sensible, logical or justifiable, considering the complexity of this situation, which was more psychological than material. In escence, Id be heading to the rally with someone new.

Come Thursday, with the facts I had, decided it was the sensible but difficult decision to withdraw from the rally and spoke to relevant parties out of respect before it was mentioned publically.

Two further accidents happened on the main event I was competing on in Barbados , one 30s behind us on the road, the other whilst we were on the start line; the latter being one I had almost completely forseen on our recce of the stages given the road conditions.

Some aspects of events that followed that one only really confirmed the decision, and despite some variations in outlook from involved parties in the meantime, particularly given that sometimes matters that affect you may be wholly or partly of your control.

This has been a very difficult decision to make, and I know will be of huge disappointment to many, especially given the time and effort taken to raise all the funds to cover the costs of the season and all the people involved that have helped behind the scenes that this decision effects. However I believe the human reasons behind it sit comfortably with me, and I am grateful for the support I have had from my family for whichever route I chose to take.

What the future holds now at this level im not totally sure, but I am eternally grateful for the support of the Irish Rallying fraternity over the last few years, its certainly made that effort worth while and I have fond memories of the adventure along the way.

I wish Dave and the C&M Motorsport team the very best for the future.

Time for a power cycle...

Matt