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Carlisle Stages Rally to Fill Gap in British Rally Championship Calendar
A new rally, known as the Carlisle Stages, has been set to take place in mid-April, marking a significant addition to the British Rally Championship (BRC) calendar in response to the recent cancellation of the Severn Valley Stages. This event is being organized in a remarkably short timeframe of just 12 weeks.
The Severn Valley Stages, which was originally scheduled as the second round of the BRC, faced cancellation following the severe aftermath of Storm Darragh. The storm caused extensive damage in mid-Wales, prompting Natural Resources Wales to revoke their permission for the event due to the hazardous conditions posed by fallen trees and other forest destruction.
In light of this disruption, Colin Heppenstall, known for orchestrating the Roger Albert Clark Rally, stepped up to manage the Carlisle Stages. This rally will take place on April 12 and follow a similar structure to the originally planned event, set within the challenging terrain of the Kielder Forest.
The Carlisle Stages will not only serve as the second round of the BRC but will also feature as part of the British Historic Rally Championship, encompassing 50 stage miles across the tough Kielder complex while starting from Carlisle. Notably, although this event has been held in the past, it was not on the schedule for this year due to plans already in place for the R.A.C. Rally later in November.
Despite the busy calendar, Heppenstall recognized the urgent needs of the rallying community and acted quickly to transform the idea of the Carlisle Stages into a reality within a record timeframe. His initiative was greatly supported by the Forestry Commission in the Kielder area, Motorsport UK, and a dedicated team of volunteer organizers and officials.
Heppenstall expressed his sentiments on the situation, stating: “It’s been a tough few weeks for forest rallying in Wales. Both the BRC and the BHRC are in a similar position, and we have the resources available to launch the Carlisle Stages in April.”
BRC championship manager Reece Tarren also acknowledged the collaborative effort involved, saying, “We’re very thankful to Colin and the Roger Albert Clark Rally Motor Club for stepping up to fill the gap left by the cancellation of the Severn Valley Stages. The rally’s itinerary has been designed to align with the other gravel events on the calendar, providing a smooth transition for teams and drivers.”
In an additional setback for the rallying community, the Galway Rally, which was scheduled to occur this weekend, has been postponed due to the impacts of Storm Eowyn. The Galway Motor Club confirmed that extreme winds have inflicted considerable damage to infrastructure along the rally route, rendering it unsafe for the event to proceed as planned.
The club’s statement read: “The storm caused significant infrastructure damage along the rally route. It was clear that a large number of residents will still be without power and water when the rally was due to run. Priority has to be given to workers bringing back crucial surfaces.” This situation has also complicated communication systems, further jeopardizing the rally’s safety.
Organizers of the Galway Rally are actively exploring alternative dates later in the year to maintain the integrity of the high-profile Irish Tarmac Rally Championship schedule, ensuring it remains a seven-round series as intended.
As the rallying landscape continues to evolve amidst these challenges, the introduction of the Carlisle Stages offers a refreshing opportunity for teams and drivers to compete while honoring the spirit of the sport in the UK.
Source
www.autosport.com