Record Time: BRC Kielder Rally Makes Debut
A swift and surprising turn of events has led to the creation of a new rally within a mere 12-week timeframe. The Carlisle Stages, set to take place on April 12th, will fill the void left in the British Rally Championship calendar after the cancellation of the Severn Valley Stages. This unexpected development, orchestrated by Colin Heppenstall, marks a significant moment in the rally world as it showcases the resilience and adaptability of the rallying community.
The original plan for the second round of the BRC was the Severn Valley Stages in mid-Wales. However, the aftermath of Storm Darragh in early December wreaked havoc on the region, resulting in Natural Resources Wales pulling the plug on the event due to extensive forest damage and a multitude of fallen trees that needed clearing. This unforeseen setback prompted Heppenstall, known for his work on the Roger Albert Clark Rally historic marathon, to step in and offer an alternative solution by organizing the Carlisle Stages in the renowned Kielder forest on the same day as the canceled event.
Heppenstall’s initiative not only salvaged the BRC’s second round but also secured a spot for the British Historic Rally Championship. The event will encompass 50 challenging stage miles within the Kielder complex, promising an exhilarating experience for both drivers and spectators. Despite not being part of the original plan for this year, the Carlisle Stages came to fruition due to Heppenstall’s quick thinking and dedication to the sport, even amidst his preparations for the upcoming R.A.C. Rally in November.
The rallying community has rallied behind Heppenstall’s efforts, with the Forestry Commission in the Kielder region, Motorsport UK, and a team of dedicated volunteers lending their support to ensure the success of the Carlisle Stages. Reece Tarren, the BRC championship manager, expressed gratitude towards Heppenstall and the Roger Albert Clark Rally Motor Club for stepping up in the face of adversity, highlighting the seamless integration of the rally into the existing calendar to minimize disruptions for teams and drivers.
While the creation of the Carlisle Stages showcases the rally world’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, the sport has recently faced another setback with the postponement of the Galway Rally. Scheduled to take place this weekend, the rally was halted due to the aftermath of Storm Eowyn, which caused significant infrastructure damage along the rally route. The Galway Motor Club made the difficult decision to prioritize the well-being of residents still grappling with power and water outages, as well as the safety of participants given the compromised mobile phone networks in the region.
Looking ahead, organizers of the Galway Rally are exploring options to reschedule the event later in the year to maintain the integrity of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. Despite these unforeseen obstacles, the rallying community remains resilient, adaptable, and committed to delivering thrilling experiences for drivers and fans alike.
As the rallying world navigates through unexpected challenges, the spirit of camaraderie and determination shines through, showcasing the resilience and passion that drive this exhilarating sport forward.
