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UK rallying gets green light to return

Rallies, such as the Nicky Grist Stages rescheduled for Saturday 28 November, have been given the green light to return, following updated guidelines issued today by Motorsport UK. Motorsport resumed across the British Isles on Saturday (4 July) with 12 events taking place following an enforced 110-day sabbatical, owing to the coronavirus outbreak. Following this successful restart, rallying will now follow suit – with single and multi-venue, closed road, navigational and road rallies allowed to resume, albeit under strict Covid compliance controls and subject to devolved government guidelines. Sadly the resumption of rallying in the UK has come too late for many – with Rali Bae Ceredigion, PokerStars, Mewla, Mull and Trackrod some of the latest events to cancel for 2020 – but there is good news for competitors who are desperate to scratch that rally itch. Several events are set to be staged later this season. In addition to the Builth Wells-based Nicky Grist Stages, these include the OMC Rally Time Trial in Northern Ireland, Abingdon CAR-nival Stages in Oxfordshire, Wyedean Rally in the Forest of Dean and the Harold Palin Stages Rally in Lincolnshire. The organisers of the Jersey Rally have also committed to the planning and running of a closed-road asphalt event in October. Motorsport UK is acutely aware that different devolved territories of the UK may be moving at a different pace in easing restrictions and any application for an event permit will be subject to approval based on the prevailing local government advice. “We were delighted with how our first weekend of motorsport went following the suspension of all permits,” said Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK CEO. “Upon visiting the various events it was clear members of our community were incredibly enthusiastic. Rallying had to follow at a later date, as we worked upon the relevant information and followed the latest government guidelines. “Following the updates from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), this has enabled us to work on similar procedures to accommodate both driver and co-driver in a vehicle. We have also put together information for event organisers, giving them time to implement appropriate measures and Motorsport UK is here to help support or clubs restart this popular discipline.” Rallying, rally, UK, Covid-19, coronavirus, Nicky Grist Stages, Builth Wells, motorsport, motor sport, car