Brc 2017

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Calendar announced !

2017 MSA British Rally Championship Calendar*

4/5 March Mid-Wales Stages, Newtown
29/30 April Pirelli Carlisle Rally, Carlisle
19/20 May RSAC Scottish Rally, Dumfries
23/24 June Ypres Rally, Ypres, Belgium
15/16 July Nicky Grist Stages, Builth Wells
18/19 August Ulster Rally, Derry/Londonderry
14/16 September Rally Isle of Man, Douglas

http://msabrc.com/2017-msa-british-rally-championship-calendar-announced/

[Mintexmemory]

Ypres here I come - full deal from Historic SD though to hangover recovery on Sunday morning I think!

[PLuto]

I dont know if it is the best solution. I dont prefer foreign events in national championships. Without any doubt, it is good step for Ypres, they will have better starting field. Only future will show if this is good step or not for others...

[Mintexmemory]

I dont know if it is the best solution. I dont prefer foreign events in national championships. Without any doubt, it is good step for Ypres, they will have better starting field. Only future will show if this is good step or not for others...

Pluto 'best solution' implies this development is in answer to a problem. Indeed it is, Ferry costs to Ireland are way more expensive than Dover to Dunkirk / Calais so to as BRC competitors to go twice to Ireland for very similar roads (Circuit and Ulster) seemed unattractive. Involvement with Ypres makes BRC so much more attractive as an international stepping stone so a win for Ypres and BRC but maybe long term ERC needs a re-think. Azores and Canaries both suffering (redux) the problem BRC has with Ireland.

[mousti]

Brilliant news that Ypres is in and will hopefully see a few Belgian crews doing some of the other British rounds as well. Got to be a win win.
That I don't see happen at all. They tried that with Netherlands and Luxemburg and almost none was interested to go over the border.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONE E1003 met Tapatalk

[AndyRAC]

Pluto 'best solution' implies this development is in answer to a problem. Indeed it is, Ferry costs to Ireland are way more expensive than Dover to Dunkirk / Calais so to as BRC competitors to go twice to Ireland for very similar roads (Circuit and Ulster) seemed unattractive. Involvement with Ypres makes BRC so much more attractive as an international stepping stone so a win for Ypres and BRC but maybe long term ERC needs a re-think. Azores and Canaries both suffering (redux) the problem BRC has with Ireland.

Exactly! But it's not going to happen.

As for the BRC (the British version, not the Belgian one) it seems good news. I hope they improve their promotion; it seems this years Ulster will have a Rally Radio; that is what ALL events need. At this level, there needs to be standardisation; rather than the current disparate events that happen to make up the BRC.

[Mad cat jnr]

That I don't see happen at all. They tried that with Netherlands and Luxemburg and almost none was interested to go over the border.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONE E1003 met Tapatalk

That and the fact that every Belgian crew I have spoke to about british rallying cant get over how expensive it is to do a British rally!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wales Rally GB given green light to use Welsh Forests, NRW and @MSAUK have signed a new deal for the next three years. #GreatNews #WRGB #WRC https://t.co/VjKWxObo9X

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Threat to Rally GB 2016 averted as crucial deal to use Welsh forests secured in time: https://t.co/9obWtJ5k0s #WRC https://t.co/5ewLDbIcBI

[Simmi]

Early picks for the 2017 title?

With another year's experience I have a feeling about Desi Henry. But then again he does have his Fabia up for sale...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Could be wide-open assuming Elfyn Evans doesn't take part...

If Freddie Ahlin has another season I think he'll go well with a year's experience. He's really quick and just needs to cut out the mistakes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great story in MN that Chris Ingram is hoping to do the BRC next year in an R5 ! :)

That would be excellent for him and the BRC if it happens.

[pantealex]

Great story in MN that Chris Ingram is hoping to do the BRC next year in an R5 ! :)

That would be excellent for him and the BRC if it happens.

excellent to go from ERC to BRC ? NOT

excellent is from ERC to WRC!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

excellent to go from ERC to BRC ? NOT

excellent is from ERC to WRC!

The R5 entry in the ERC hasnt been great in 2016 and with events like Ypres going to the BRC next year I can see why Ingram would prefer it.

He also lacks R5 driving experience so to learn the car and learn WRC(2) events would be really tough.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great news ! :)

The future of rallying in Wales has been secured, with an agreement to avoid a large cost increase for using roads. https://t.co/qYS2h3sHvs https://t.co/rlTl91Yfle

[AndyRAC]

Well done to all at Rally4Wales, and especially Jamie Edwards who has done so much. Every UK rallyfan owes him a pint....

However, it really shouldn't have come to this; the MSA were again asleep on the job.

[the sniper]

This news is nearly a month old now but I forgot to post about it at the time, it is good news though: All gravel rounds will be required to have at least 80 miles (129km) of stage mileage.

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/motor-sport-news/20161116/282162175800019

[AndyRAC]

https://twitter.com/MSA_BRC

Mid Wales Stages cancelled, and replaced by the Border Counties on March 18th.

https://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127660/brc-opener-mid-wales-stages-cancelled

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Poor situation for the leading UK rally series to be in. They should have had this sorted well before now.

[AndyRAC]

It's 2017, can you imagine the BTCC cancelling their first round?
The sport in the UK needs a massive shake up. The 'Premier' rally series should be run & promoted professionally, and be financially solvent. Really, there should be a dedicated team who organise all the BRC rounds; the local club offer assistance and local knowledge.
What will the MSA do to sort the sport out in the UK? It really is the poor relation of motorsport.

[Simmi]

Real shame. Would probably have headed back as I enjoyed last year in the snow.

Another reminder that although the BRC might look like a shiny new building, it's built on shaky foundations.

[ChassisFlex]

The 'Premier' rally series should be run & promoted professionally

Why? Honest question :)

Things happen when organizing events, the championship sorted it out quickly it appears. What more could be desired? Was anything lost due to the switch?

I follow what goes on with both the BRC and ARC quite a bit, as over here we take many lessons from them. Always interested in a different viewpoint.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The fact that another rally was available and made an instant replacement is good and prevented a period of uncertainty. But as Simmi said, this cancellation does show how how fragile the series still is after all the excitement of last years comeback and high hopes it gave us.

[AndyRAC]

https://www.msabrc.com/rallies/2017/border-counties-rally/

45 miles of stages.....

[Lousada]

Could you still call that a rally in all seriousness? I see they also repeat stages so there is only about 25 miles of unique stages... Jost Capitos dream I suppose...

[PLuto]

Could you still call that a rally in all seriousness? I see they also repeat stages so there is only about 25 miles of unique stages... Jost Capitos dream I suppose...

In our country we call this events as rallysprint.

[dupanton]

In our country we call this events as rallysprint.

If Ypres has the same mileage as last year, it will be 3,5x longer...

[the sniper]

What irritates me is that if they merged the Scottish Rally and the Border Counties Rally, creating a two day Scottish Rally, you'd have a respectable event. Instead we'll have two events, one which is an embarrassing shadow of its former self, the second being a rally sprint come non-event, which has admittedly had to step up at late notice but is what it is. How can it make sense to have everyone come from across the UK to turn up in virtually the same place for two separate one day, virtually half day, 'events' months apart? It was the same case with the Mid Wales Rally (RIP) and the Nicky Grist stages. If needs be the two clubs could each organise their day, one on Saturday, one on Sunday, but the BRC round would be a 'Welsh Rally' formed of both events. This would be a respectable rally! It'd be an event of note, not just another clubmans rally that can't attract any attention... It'd be great if the 2017 Nicky Grist additionally incorporated Myherin and Hafren into their itinerary, but I won't get my hopes up.

I appreciate UK rallying is a slave to forest costs, and nobody in rallying seems to have a pot to piss in when it comes to events, but these little non events seem to be an inefficient, uninspiring way of forming a Championship.

If nothing else, at least the other rounds should be 130km...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Keith Cronin has sold his DS3 R5... could return to the BRC in a Fiesta R5. https://t.co/NRmRUMg1X0

[Jasper]

Keith Cronin has sold his DS3 R5... could return to the BRC in a Fiesta R5. https://t.co/NRmRUMg1X0

Already some other news about competitors?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Border Rally organisers have been busy this weekend. Two new stages have been added on Fri night for BRC competitors. Now a 60mile rally. :) https://t.co/jmIjKDm7t4

[AndyRAC]

You have to give them credit for being pretty pro-active and adding extra mileage. 60 miles is probably the absolute minimum any BRC event should be - and you'd only want 1 event of that distance.

In all honesty, UK rallying and the BRC needs a major overhaul to drag it into the 21st century. Quite how that would happen is anybody's guess - as a lot are stuck in the 70/80's.

[ChassisFlex]

In all honesty, UK rallying and the BRC needs a major overhaul to drag it into the 21st century.

What would you like to see? Just curious :) Many are envious of the BRC's return.

[AndyRAC]

What would you like to see? Just curious :) Many are envious of the BRC's return.

The BRC should be similar to the other British motorsport championships; BTCC, BSB, British GT.........Its nowhere near any of them. There was lots of handclapping & backslapping about the success of its return. To be brutally honest - its media coverage and interest from motorsport followers on websites/ forums was pretty poor.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cronin to replace Elfyn Evans in M-Sport / DMack R5 possiblilty...

http://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motor-sport/keith-cronin-may-switch-to-challenge-for-fourth-british-crown-35357852.html

[Munkvy]

Cronin to replace Elfyn Evans in M-Sport / DMack R5 possiblilty...

http://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motor-sport/keith-cronin-may-switch-to-challenge-for-fourth-british-crown-35357852.html

That would be pretty cool, especially if that opened up other opportunities with DMack for Cronin.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

New title sponsor for the 2017 BRC is Prestone, a coolant/anti-freeze company.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C1-3vaHUkAADw-l.jpg

[mousti]

Matt Edwards is the first one to register for BRC.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[Simmi]

I thought Dmack said they weren't running any R5 cars in the series this year? Seems like the piece is speculating slightly.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No Keith Cronin at this weekends Galway Rally, the 1st rd of the ITRC.

Still rumours of a BRC entry but maybe just selected events.

He is well thought of by Malcolm Wilson too...

[mousti]

Rhys Yates and Desi Henry will do full BRC with their Fiesta R5 and Fabia R5.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport could field a 2-car works team in the 2017 @MSA_BRC, with 3-time champion Cronin in line for a seat: https://t.co/cd4hgVc1Bf https://t.co/aYe8O9mCpi

[GeoFerg_Sco]

M-Sport could field a 2-car works team in the 2017 @MSA_BRC, with 3-time champion Cronin in line for a seat: https://t.co/cd4hgVc1Bf https://t.co/aYe8O9mCpi

That would be good for the championship!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That would be good for the championship!

It certainly would...

I think the 2017 BRC really needs a top level driver, like an ex-Champion, to give it more credibility and someone for the others to try to beat.

[GeoFerg_Sco]

It certainly would...

I think the 2017 BRC really needs a top level driver, like an ex-Champion, to give it more credibility and someone for the others to try to beat.

That would also be a good thing for the championship. Which ex champion would you have in mind?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

British Rally Championship ready for second coming.

http://mpacreative.com/british-rally-championship-ready-for-second-coming/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

New points scoring system in the BRC for 2017.
Points will be awarded in each class as follows: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 #BRC https://t.co/9ZndzBoU92

So no Joker this year ?

[GeoFerg_Sco]

Doesn't look like it. Nothing on the website about it. Another driver announcement at 19.30.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

DMACK update:

Defending BRC1 champion DMACK will be eager to defend its title in 2017. Rather than running its own team, the Carlisle firm has opted to spread its knowledge and support several teams this year in the pursuit of success in all classes.

[Simmi]

DMACK update:

Defending BRC1 champion DMACK will be eager to defend its title in 2017. Rather than running its own team, the Carlisle firm has opted to spread its knowledge and support several teams this year in the pursuit of success in all classes.

I see Bogie is running Dmacks this year. I guess they might back Matt Edwards again and a couple of others.

[mousti]

I see Bogie is running Dmacks this year. I guess they might back Matt Edwards again and a couple of others.
Bogie confirmed for BRC

Thorburn will do BRC but will evaluate after each event

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[mousti]

Ahlin doing full BRC

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5MQSEDXAAA9Fh7.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

We have some brilliant, awesome, fantastic [insert word here] news coming up at 16:00. It's very exciting. Set your alarms now ⏰ #BRC https://t.co/YPB3PvHUkZ

This better be good !

[mousti]

We have some brilliant, awesome, fantastic [insert word here] news coming up at 16:00. It's very exciting. Set your alarms now ⏰ #BRC https://t.co/YPB3PvHUkZ

This better be good !

It will be the news that Ahlin is teaming up with Bogie for BRC

[Simmi]

So looks like Dmack have got in bed with CA1 to support the two Fabias. Now we just need to hope we get the rumoured M-Sport entry. Especially as there isn't a really competitive Fiesta team/driver package out there.

It's coming together quite nicely again - especially if Cave gets a programme. Just hope plenty of them head over to Ypres as that might be the only round I get to this year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ahlin: New car, new co-driver but same goals.
Big thanks to Leovegas and Skoda Sweden for making this project possible #ca1sport #dmack #lecab https://t.co/YKzY6kcK71

[GeoFerg_Sco]

Shaping up to be an interesting championship. Might just need to head over to the border counties!

[mousti]

Now let's hope MSport will have a 2 team aswell. I think for them they also want to proof in their own country that the R5 is very fast..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[dodge33cymru]

https://www.msabrc.com/news/laffey-confirms-full-brc-season-m-sport/
Alex Laffey with MSport then.

[mousti]

So looks like Dmack have got in bed with CA1 to support the two Fabias. Now we just need to hope we get the rumoured M-Sport entry. Especially as there isn't a really competitive Fiesta team/driver package out there.

It's coming together quite nicely again - especially if Cave gets a programme. Just hope plenty of them head over to Ypres as that might be the only round I get to this year.
No Cave, thanks to cancellation of Mid Wales Stages rally it's too difficult to gather budget for BRC program :(

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Now let's hope MSport will have a 2 team aswell. I think for them they also want to proof in their own country that the R5 is very fast..



I dont think there is any proving for the Fiesta to do after 2016. But it would be nice in terms of us having a contest in 2017 if M-Sport get a good team out, as the Ahlin/Bogie Fabia combo look pretty strong.

[dodge33cymru]

So what have we got so far for the overall?


Skoda
Ahlin - CA1
Bogie - CA1
Henry - Macsport
McCormack - TigerRisk


Ford
Laffey - M-Sport
Cronin - M-Sport ???
Anderson - CA1
Edwards - Swift
Thorburn - Ford ???
Yates - Rhys Yates
McDonald - Donnie MacDonald ???



Am I missing anyone obvious?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport seriously need Cronin now if they want to take on the CA1 Skoda's. Their first confirmed driver Laffey hasn't shown any great speed previosly.

[mousti]

Hoping to see Greer back in BRC also. same like the Moffet's. Greensmith only doing WRC2 probably. If the MSport duo would be Pryce and Cronin then Ahlin and Bogie has a challenge! Don't think Laffey is the official Msport entry, probably the car is ran by MSport.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C5S34jLWAAAwX4q.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I wonder what happened to the rumour of a Hyundai R5 factory entry in the BRC ?

I know Robert Barrable is debuting the i20 in Ireland on the West Cork next month. The Irish Tarmac Ch'ship now has five different manufacturers represented.

[dodge33cymru]

Moffats are doing ERC I think I read somewhere, so doubt they'll do both.

With no Greensmith, Evans, Vatanen, Cave, Moffats, maybe no Greer, no-one stepping up to the top class and currently a complete lack of Peugeots, Citroens and Hyundais, could be a bit of a step back from last year at the moment. Still time for a few announcements though.

Will be a real shame if Cave can't get afford to at least a partial season in.

[mousti]

Moffats are doing ERC I think I read somewhere, so doubt they'll do both.

With no Greensmith, Evans, Vatanen, Cave, Moffats, maybe no Greer, no-one stepping up to the top class and currently a complete lack of Peugeots, Citroens and Hyundais, could be a bit of a step back from last year at the moment. Still time for a few announcements though.

Will be a real shame if Cave can't get afford to at least a partial season in.

Hmm first thing I hear about the Moffet's doing ERC again, they already started in Galway so could be they doing TROA like maybe Greer will do. Vatanen has probably no support anymore and Cave, yeah a shame but because they don't drive in Wales anymore it's difficult to justify it to this sponsors to do a campaign in BRC.

[dodge33cymru]

Hmm first thing I hear about the Moffet's doing ERC again, they already started in Galway so could be they doing TROA like maybe Greer will do.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/other-sports/keith-cronin-and-marty-mccormack-on-collision-course-442589.html

That's the only place I've seen it mentioned.

[dodge33cymru]

MH Motorsport, Osian Pryce and BRC have an announcement today. Related? Or am I thinking wishfully? The driver and team did Rally GB together last year...

[mousti]

It's about a R2t I think Osian Pryce has to drive an R5. 2wd Would be a step back for him.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[dodge33cymru]

MH Motorsport, Osian Pryce and BRC have an announcement today. Related? Or am I thinking wishfully? The driver and team did Rally GB together last year...
2+2+2=873

Very wishful thinking

https://www.msabrc.com/news/josh-mcerlean-graduates-junior-brc/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I have to admit the new season entries isnt looking too promising compared to Ireland and some other European countries.

And the loss of the Mid-Wales event didnt make a good impression.

[Simmi]

I have to admit the new season entries isnt looking too promising compared to Ireland and some other European countries.

And the loss of the Mid-Wales event didnt make a good impression.

I think while numbers are down - we'll actually get a far more entertaining championship at the sharp end. Four Skoda guys are all capable of fighting for wins. M-Sport know this and I'm sure by Border Counties there will be at least 5 drivers you can put in that bracket. Last year realistically there was one guy in Elfyn. With Ahlin able to pick up a few of his scraps.

[leighton323]

I think while numbers are down - we will actually get a far more entertaining championship at the sharp end. Four Skoda guys are all capable of fighting for wins. M-Sport know this and I'm sure by Border Counties there will be at least 5 drivers you can put in that bracket. Last year realistically there was one guy in Elfyn. With Ahlin able to pick up a few of his scraps.
Agreed Simmi, could be a very close battle for the championship and show who has the goods and who hasn't.
What's everyone's thoughts on who's going to the be pace setter??

I'm thinking Ahlin will be the goods, with McCormack the biggest surprise/most improved pace

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fair point on the competition aspect but just two makes isnt great to watch.

I think Ahlin will be pretty dominant as long as he doesnt try too hard and make silly mistakes.

[Simmi]

Fair point on the competition aspect but just two makes isnt great to watch.

I think Ahlin will be pretty dominant as long as he doesnt try too hard and make silly mistakes.

Not seen any evidence yet Ahlin has the consistency to dominate. I guess that's what will make this year interesting. He also has a new car to get used to. Like Bogie he's fast but somewhat erratic.

Wouldn't surprise me if Desi also bags at least a win this year - especially if Cave isn't doing it. Genuinely I think it's far more intriguing this year. Okay it would be nice from a speccy point of view to see all these different R5 cars. But if we know a guy like Cronin is more competitive in a Fiesta than he is in a DS3, then I'd rather see him in a car that isn't going to constantly let him down.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Close competition is good for fanatics watching the stage times but the average fan (either live or on TV) wants to see variety...

[dodge33cymru]

Agree that the competition could be good this year, but my concern is the number of people apparently leaving the top class without anyone seemingly stepping up to it.

I know it's not quite that simple and these things can take a while to develop and hopefully there'll be interesting round by round entries, but fingers crossed.

The BRC couldn't have had a better advert for itself than its champion from last year winning stages in the WRC this year either!

Either way, you're right that it could be a good year to follow for a close title fight. And Ypres should be fun!

[Simmi]

Agreed - would have been very cool to see another young Scandawegian talent arrive in the R5 class. Dmack are certainly giving young drivers some great opportunities on the world stage which takes away a few possible entrants.

Looking back there was a lot of variety at round 1 last year: https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/albums/72157665444017681/with/25571972966/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Definitely, the BRC used to be a real proving ground for the Finns etc. So many seemed to cut their teeth over here on our great forest stages.

Looking at those photos reminded me of the Mirage R5... wonder what is happening with that now ?

[pantealex]

Definitely, the BRC used to be a real proving ground for the Finns etc. So many seemed to cut their teeth over here on our great forest stages.

Looking at those photos reminded me of the Mirage R5... wonder what is happening with that now ?

2 SpaceStar´s (same car that you call Mirage) are currently in container, heading to APRC with Ketomaa and Blomberg?, so 2 car team of Mitsubishi SpaceStar "R5"´s

[Mirek]

2 SpaceStar´s (same car that you call Mirage) are currently in container, heading to APRC with Ketomaa and Blomberg?, so 2 car team of Mitsubishi SpaceStar "R5"´s

Really?

[pantealex]

Really?

Probably Yes, that is what Ketomaa has been talking since "Vaakuna Rally" , where he was driving with Mitsu "R5"

[Fast Eddie WRC]

BRC is proving ground for WRC...

https://www.msabrc.com/news/british-rally-championship-continues-number-one-proving-ground-world-rally-championship/

[mousti]

Cronin confirmed with MSport going for the title!

https://www.msabrc.com/news/cronin-confirms-full-brc-season-m-sport/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good to have the worst kept secret finally out in the open.

Just what the series and M-Sport needed, an ex-Champion with good speed.

[Simmi]

Good news and nice to see that rumour confirmed. Seems to be 3 more driver announcements this week. Likely a couple tomorrow in MN.

[Andre Oliveira]

Splendid choice. Cronin is serious competitor.

[Simmi]

Henning's lad Oscar Solberg to run full Junior BRC to gain more experience out of WRC spotlight - https://www.msabrc.com/news/solberg-joins-brc/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice quote from James Attwood: Great to see @KeithC_Rally back in the @MSA_BRC. Would be quite the achievement to win 4 titles in 4 different cars under 3 sets of rules !

[Simmi]

Jonny Greer is on the entry list for the Malcolm Wilson Rally. Not heard a confirmation for him regarding the BRC, but I think it's a good bet this is a warm-up for round 1. If so that would be one DS3 at least.

BTW the list for Malcolm Wilson Rally is really impressive. Glad I've picked it over Border Counties to spectate. Cronin, Bogie, Henry, Thorburn, Anderson, Greer, Yates all entered.

[dodge33cymru]

Fingers crossed for Greer.

James Slaughter confirms four rounds in Fiesta R5: Pirelli, Ypres, Grist Stages and Ulster

https://twitter.com/SlaughterRally/status/837048750182969345

[skarderud]

I don't know if its written before, but Sindre Furuseth aiming for full BRC with an Adam R2.

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

[Sulland]

Will be interesting to see what series will be the strongest in 2017, ERC or BRC!

[dodge33cymru]

Random question that isn't really BRC, so apologies.

I've seen Mr S. Petch and his Ford(s) around local stages for several years.

Is there one of them or two of them? I noticed at Trackrod last year that there were two entries with different versions of Fiesta (S2000 and R5+) for Steve Petch and Stephen Petch.

Apparently, that's nothing new.

So I'm guessing now that they're father and son, or similar?

I'd never realised this before and now feel a bit daft...

[Simmi]

I don't know if its written before, but Sindre Furuseth aiming for full BRC with an Adam R2

Good news if true. Initial idea was he'd just do the two tarmac rounds - https://www.msabrc.com/news/furuseth-joins-adam-family/

[Simmi]

And now Tom Cave commits in a Fiesta. Big news! - https://www.msabrc.com/news/cave-set-return-brc-bang/

In the space of two weeks or so the championship has really turned around. Fantastic year in store.

[dodge33cymru]

Yeah, really looking like a decent year in competition terms. If they get a good few additions on a round by round basis, there might be some really strong events.

Looking forward to seeing the Border entry list.

[Simmi]

Yeah, really looking like a decent year in competition terms. If they get a good few additions on a round by round basis, there might be some really strong events.

Looking forward to seeing the Border entry list.

You might have already seen but there is a rolling one here: https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2017/bordercounties/entries.php?type=u&combined=1

Callum Devine is another quick young guy. A bit of depth now in the Junior field too, especially with at least another works Vauxhall guy to be announced.

[mousti]

Seems he got the backing afterall, Cave. Let's hope it's for a full BRC assault, if he wants the title he will have to do all the rallies anyways with this competition..

Juniors seems to be good too, but only 5 results are counting so don't know if we can expect them all in Ypres.

[Rally Power]

Will be interesting to see what series will be the strongest in 2017, ERC or BRC!

It's great to see again BRC on the top of its form. Italian series and French champ also look promising. These are Europe's greatest rally countries and it’s a shame they aren’t all represented in ERC. Hope that will be fixed soon.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C58WQA8WcAI0kLp.jpg

[Simmi]

On closer inspection - some very selective wording in the Cave press releases. Only seems that he's confirmed for Border Counties (R1) at the moment?

[dodge33cymru]

Steve Petch is the father and the man behind SG Petch who have a number of car franchises in the North. Steve has been around the National rally scene for donkeys years in machinery including a Group N Impreza and an Escort WRC amongst many others. Hes currently driving a 2 litre turbo engined Fiesta. Stephen is the son and has a full WRC Fiesta now having driven an R5+ for the last couple of seasons.
Thanks. That explains why I thought I recognised the name from such a long time ago too...

[mousti]

On closer inspection - some very selective wording in the Cave press releases. Only seems that he's confirmed for Border Counties (R1) at the moment?
That's what I thought too..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[Simmi]

As expected Jonny Greer has put his entry in for Border Counties. I'd hazard a guess he'll be announced Weds in conjunction with MN.

[mousti]

And some variety in cars then, otherwise it would be all Fabia and Fiesta :D

[Simmi]

More variety for round 2 with Tom Cave bringing a Hyundai to the championship. Good news. Hopefully in the interim he can work on sourcing budget for the full championship - https://www.msabrc.com/news/cave-brings-hyundai-marque-back-brc/

[dodge33cymru]

Did not see that coming, but great addition. Hopefully I can get up north that weekend. I assume that particular car will be unavailable for Ypres anyway, but should be a few options if he's able to find the funds.

[mousti]

Did not see that coming, but great addition. Hopefully I can get up north that weekend. I assume that particular car will be unavailable for Ypres anyway, but should be a few options if he's able to find the funds.
Why would that car be unavailable for Ypres? If I read it well his press release it will be probably a car from HMI and they have 2 cars for rent according to EWRC. And they will be already present in Ypres with running the factory car of Chewon Lim.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That's a great bit of news and totally out of the blue !

I hope he does well and it leads to more i20's coming in the future.

[Simmi]

Why would that car be unavailable for Ypres? If I read it well his press release it will be probably a car from HMI and they have 2 cars for rent according to EWRC. And they will be already present in Ypres with running the factory car of Chewon Lim.

I guess if Cave is piecing together budget then Ypres might be one that he'd potentially skip.

Cool to see Bryn and the GT86 back out too this year - https://www.msabrc.com/news/corry-commits-brc-exciting-toyota-gt86/

[mousti]

I guess if Cave is piecing together budget then Ypres might be one that he'd potentially skip.

Cool to see Bryn and the GT86 back out too this year - https://www.msabrc.com/news/corry-commits-brc-exciting-toyota-gt86/

When HMI is already there for another car, Ypres could be cheaper to rent it. But we'll have too, Iain Campbell said many are happy to have Ypres in the championship so I hope many crews want to invest in a trip to here

[dodge33cymru]

Why would that car be unavailable for Ypres? If I read it well his press release it will be probably a car from HMI and they have 2 cars for rent according to EWRC. And they will be already present in Ypres with running the factory car of Chewon Lim.
Isn't the other one being run for Neuville there? Or is he running with someone else? I believe Hyundai are only running two cars themselves at the moment but there are a couple of others in Belgium.

Although bonus points if he's trying to win a championship driving one round in each homologated car!

[mousti]

Isn't the other one being run for Neuville there? Or is he running with someone else? I believe Hyundai are only running two cars themselves at the moment but there are a couple of others in Belgium.

Although bonus points if he's trying to win a championship driving one round in each homologated car!
Chewon Lim drove in Saarland last weekend with a brand new factory i20 R5 and Neuville will probably drive the one that Abbring always used chassis number 1. HMI should do only service for Chewon who's using a factory one, so HMI still have two for rent.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

New points scoring system in the BRC for 2017.
Points will be awarded in each class as follows: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 #BRC https://t.co/9ZndzBoU92

So no Joker this year ?

BRC been tweeting to remind competitors to make their Joker nominations... so they ARE still having them this year !

ATTENTION CREWS: Joker nominations have to be with the Championship Manager in writing by 19:00 Friday 10 March. #BRC https://t.co/h4VF56QHKV

[GeoFerg_Sco]

I can't see anyone using their Joker on this rally. Probably be wrong though!

[dodge33cymru]

Cronin V Bogie on Malcolm Wilson Rally is a great battle so far, 3 second gap after 4 stages; bodes well for the season.

[dodge33cymru]

And just as I say that, Cronin has disappeared

[dodge33cymru]

And just as I say that, Cronin has disappeared
And just as I say that, he's come through well down the order...

[GeoFerg_Sco]

Bogie out? No time up for stage 6?

[Mirek]

Any link to the results?

[GeoFerg_Sco]

http://www.btrdarallyresults.co.uk/results/overall.php?EventID=466&StageID=0&OverallPositions=OverallPositions&e=466&ls=2&selection=all

[Mirek]

Bogie appeared again in the results as a leader.

[GeoFerg_Sco]

Yeah I see that. Good result for him. Will go into next weekend feeling confident.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Scary moment on the MW today... :disturb:

https://twitter.com/MCRMotorsport/status/840643367826538497

[Simmi]

Good day at the Malcolm Wilson. Nice test for a lot of the BRC guys. Managed to get to three stages. Bogie so sideways and committed everywhere.

Some pics here if anyone is interested: https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/albums/72157677821677314/with/33001601990/

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/634/33343849956_af92e4d553_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SNtWUL)4 (https://flic.kr/p/SNtWUL) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2947/33001593220_d51e3f9462_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SheMUy)31 (https://flic.kr/p/SheMUy) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3832/33343846446_31a5579e52_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SNtVSf)13 (https://flic.kr/p/SNtVSf) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bit of Bogie action:
https://m.facebook.com/DMACKtyre/posts/949683775168795

Another MW vid:
https://youtu.be/fpenBBTv8Zg

[GeoFerg_Sco]

So anyone heading to the border counties this weekend?

[Simmi]

Here's the full seeded entry list: https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2017/bordercounties/entries.php?type=s&combined=1


I was expecting another 'works' Vauxhall ADAM but it doesn't seem to have come together. This slightly strangely worded release implies they were looking for pay drivers - https://www.msabrc.com/news/vauxhall-motorsport-progressing-plans/

[mousti]

Maybe on the Pirelli event there will be a second Vauxhall driver? Junior entrants don't have to drive every event? Quality wise good entry. Quantity was probably better last year?

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[Simmi]

Quantity was probably better last year?

For sure. A quick scan shows 21 RC2 cars at round 1 last year compared to 13 this year. But I maintain it will be a more interesting season.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Additional BRC website launched by sponsor:
https://www.holtsauto.com/prestonebrc/

[dodge33cymru]

Any guesses?

https://twitter.com/Spencer_Sport/status/841704388943056896

Some Fiestas and maybe some Mitsubishis, but no idea in what quantity or spec.

Am I being optimistic in noticing there's no #5 on the Borders entry list yet?

[Simmi]

Any guesses?

https://twitter.com/Spencer_Sport/status/841704388943056896

Some Fiestas and maybe some Mitsubishis, but no idea in what quantity or spec.

Am I being optimistic in noticing there's no #5 on the Borders entry list yet?

Apparently another big BRC announcement tied to MN tomorrow so I'd guess it's the Spencer plans. Let's see. Still don't believe they can enter the full BRC with the Mirages though?

[dodge33cymru]

Apparently another big BRC announcement tied to MN tomorrow so I'd guess it's the Spencer plans. Let's see. Still don't believe they can enter the full BRC with the Mirages though?
No, but they have an R5 Fiesta free seeing as Cave has moved on. Would surprise me if it was Pryce, but he would fit a fifth seed. As could Greensmith maybe, but that would be highly unlikely as he tends to announce well in advance and seems to be running with M-Sport this year.

Could still be newsworthy if they were entering the Mitsubishis, and the trailer still has their logos all over it, although someone mentioned two of the cars were on their way to Asia.

Hmm!

[the sniper]

So anyone heading to the border counties this weekend?

I'll be there!


No, but they have an R5 Fiesta free seeing as Cave has moved on. Would surprise me if it was Pryce, but he would fit a fifth seed. As could Greensmith maybe, but that would be highly unlikely as he tends to announce well in advance and seems to be running with M-Sport this year.

I can't see that Max Vatanen has announced anything for this year. BRC PR have been using Ari's quote about the BRC being the 'best national series in the world' repeatedly over the winter, the last time on Twitter being 10th March: https://twitter.com/MSA_BRC/status/840149612904116224 So maybe it'll be Max in their Fiesta? Seeding him 5th would seem rather flattering though...

Pardon my ignorance, but how/why would somebody be left off the entry list at this late stage?

[dodge33cymru]

I'll be there!



I can't see that Max Vatanen has announced anything for this year. BRC PR have been using Ari's quote about the BRC being the 'best national series in the world' repeatedly over the winter, the last time on Twitter being 10th March: https://twitter.com/MSA_BRC/status/840149612904116224 So maybe it'll be Max in their Fiesta? Seeding him 5th would seem rather flattering though...

Pardon my ignorance, but how/why would somebody be left off the entry list at this late stage?
Entry deadline was extended until tomorrow, presumably to allow a few folk to chase sponsors or to coincide with any announcements. BRC has probably been coordinating the main announcements for the series as there seem to have been one a week for the last few issues of Motorsport News.

The rally's Twitter feed has liked a couple of Tweets about it being the fifth seed and one mentioning Osian Pryce, so fingers crossed; would be a great addition if he were able to do the championship.

Assuming it's someone from these isles and is a fifth seed, Pryce, Greensmith, Matt Wilson or maybe Alistair Fisher would seem the most likely candidates to me, and Greensmith and Wilson are obviously M-Sport aligned.

No point speculating though, we'll find out soon enough!

[dodge33cymru]

Yey, it's Pryce!

https://www.msabrc.com/news/pryce-aiming-success-brc-top-flight/

Sounds like a full BRC season too, which is excellent; was surprised he only got two WRC2 outings from DMACK.

Nice to see an actual new entry to the championship this year, and one that should make it even more competitive.

[mousti]

Is for sure one of the title favorites!

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[Simmi]

That is another huge boost for the championship! Another title contender in the mix. Genuinely no idea who will win Border Counties!

I still struggle with the fact that he won the Dmack Trophy and still only gets two rounds in an R5 at WRC level. But anyway.

[Victor-Prestone]

Hey everyone! Hope you’re doing well. Sorry to jump into the thread all of sudden but since the first rally of the 2017 BRC season is coming up this weekend I just wanted to let you know that we’ve launched a website exclusively for the Prestone MSA BRC 2017! As the sponsor of the rally, we really want to make the best for you guys, during and between the races. You will find on the website lots of behind the scenes interviews as well as updates from the rallies, so loads for fans (you!) to enjoy.

We have also organised an awesome competition for you. We will bring with us a virtual rally simulator to each event. Whoever gets the fastest time at each rally will win a Virgin Rally Experience Day. And the overall winner, the fastest person on all events together, will get an exclusive passenger ride at Castle Combe. So if you’re planning to go to any BRC rally this season, be sure to come and see us in our yellow tent. That should be a lot of fun and tough competition if you’re brave enough!

You can signing up to our newsletter and follow us to get chances to win awesome rally prizes on our PrestoneUK twitter and facebook account. I really want to make sure that you will have a great time there and we’d love for you guys to get in touch with any thoughts about the events or stuff you’d like to see in the future.

Cheers all.
Victor

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice preview of the 2017 contenders:
http://thisisrally.weebly.com/brc/brc-2017-what-can-we-expect

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@Dmacktyres:
The top-five BRC drivers all choose DMACK: Ahlin, Bogie, Cave, Cronin and Pryce. They will use our new rally-winning DMG+22 tyres.

So no advantages tyre-wise for the main contenders... it's all down to the driving ! :)

[GeoFerg_Sco]

Interesting. Think I'll go for the Ahlin win.

[GeoFerg_Sco]

Does anyone know what the running order will be on the Saturday?

[Simmi]

Does anyone know what the running order will be on the Saturday?

At Mid Wales last year the top R5s came through in fairly much seed order on the Saturday morning. Couple of the Mirages interspersed, and then after that it was basically pick a number between national and BRC fields.

[GeoFerg_Sco]

Cheers. Will just wait and see on Saturday then. Hope the weather stays dry for the day!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Heavy rain forecast for the opening stages tonight... drier tomorrow.

Muddy recce
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7HuY3dWkAE00K_.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ahlin PET
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6-g2GzXEAAjylm.jpg

Cave PET
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7HPJN4VwAAZoL1.jpg

Price
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7EAsB2WsAAu5Ze.jpg

Cronin's M-Sport car
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7H2B_RW4AEJvJn.jpg

[GeoFerg_Sco]

These pics are giving me the buzz!

[Martin Liddle]

Does anyone know what the running order will be on the Saturday?
My understanding from Rally HQ is that competitors will restart in essentially number order on Saturday morning with the Scottish Championship crews slotting in amongst the BRC crews.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seems like a solid start made tonight by the main contenders and hearing of no accidents or incidents.

Cave into the lead but gaps still close in the top 4.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7JrL-nXgAM749D.jpg

[Martin Liddle]

There has been a communications problem between flying finish and stop on SS2 so some competitors (nos 23 to 56) are finishing the stage without a stage finish time which will be retrieved ASAP from the check sheet or clock download.

Edit at 22:55: all times have now been recovered.

[Sulland]

Ahlin and Eriksen fight back on ss3.

Strange there are no Vauxhall Adams in the BRC?

[Martin Liddle]

Strange there are no Vauxhall Adams in the BRC?
The Vauxhall team (run by Simon Maugher) pulled out earlier in the week; I suspect the financial numbers didn't work with only one car.

[Simmi]

Confirmed puncture for Cronin on SS3 which is why he lost time. Such an unlucky driver. Shame too that Pryce got one last night.

Four stage winners in the first four stages. Close competition as advertised!

[GeoFerg_Sco]

Did anyone play their joker for this event?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Did anyone play their joker for this event?

Bogie & Cave.

[Martin Liddle]

Bogie & Cave.
Yup; Arron Winduss was also going to play his joker before he pulled out. The Joker points are less important under the 2017 regulations with only 5 extra points available.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bogie spin
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=765114456998994&id=149919291851850&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FBQUH7pHoF3&_rdr

[Sulland]

Different result site: http://results.djames.org.uk/results/index.php

[Fast Eddie WRC]

We start them young in Uk rallying !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7MfqP2XwAAzIAj.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Confirmed puncture for Cronin on SS3 which is why he lost time. Such an unlucky driver.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7MUyIUXgAEBYEg.jpg:large

Greer & Henry also with some damage

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7MRdwoXQAAZNnH.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7MR3uWW4AEPUjV.jpg

[Mirek]

Ahlin with quite a solid lead after SS5.

[dodge33cymru]

Ha, 5th stage winner on stage 5 - McCormack! Good time for Ahlin too, leading now. What an event, shame not to be up there.

[Martin Liddle]

Ahlin with quite a solid lead after SS5.
Yup; also he is not playing his joker bur Cave and Bogie are, so potentially he can reduce their Joker points.

[Martin Liddle]

Event is running about 35 minutes late at SS5 after reported issues with spectators.

[Mirek]

Bogie off!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bogie off!

Disaster with this being his Joker round. :(

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7M_pHSXwAAdcbD.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tom Cave‏ @tomcaverally
Road cleaning for everyone else we are losing more time than I wanted, we are 1st on the road now Bogie is off ... very slippy conditions.

INFO: SS7 will now start 14.49 not 14.12 as planned

[Simmi]

Will be interesting this year. Quickest guys through a stage are probably Bogie and Ahlin. Both are quite erratic and error-prone though. If Cave can put a full season programme together his consistency could help him to the title.

[pantealex]

We start them young in Uk rallying !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C7MfqP2XwAAzIAj.jpg

At that age Kalle was already driving ;)

[Martin Liddle]

A notional time has been applied to affected competitors on SS5 and this has made the BRC Junior results look more sensible with Solberg still leading.

[Martin Liddle]

Ahlin with a 28.3s lead with one stage to go.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ahlin with a 28.3s lead with one stage to go.

Two stages. ;)

[Mirek]

McCormack crashed as well.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

McCormack crashed as well.

Hit the same rock as Bogie...

http://ewrc-results.com/quickp/37332_17264303_1350376958361276_417326028529839020 9_n.jpg

[Martin Liddle]

Two stages.
Apologies; hadn't scrolled my timing screen far enough.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Apologies; hadn't scrolled my timing screen far enough.

What time do the last two stages start ?

[Martin Liddle]

What time do the last two stages start ?

SS8 and SS9 are running but the card collect is not until after SS9 which is frustrating.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cave tweeted he's still 2nd after SS8...

[Martin Liddle]

Times for 8 and 9 coming in now; looks like Ahlin has clinched it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ahlin wins !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I think Ahlin will be pretty dominant as long as he doesnt try too hard and make silly mistakes.

Sounds like Ahlin played himself in here and pushed when the time was right. I think my title choice is looking good. ;)

[dodge33cymru]

And Osian got a stage win on SS8 too, so 6 winners from just 9 stages! Looking forward to the rest of the season. Well done Ahlin. Anyone know what happened to Cronin on the last few stages? Assuming an issue of some sort?

[GeoFerg_Sco]

Cronin had a puncture on stage 7 with quite a loud knocking noise coming from the car.

[Sulland]

Congratulations to @FredrikAahlin and @TorsteinEriksen !

Impressive drive from Fredrik with new car and new co-driver. Good luck further on, and would love to see you for a rally in Norway!

[Martin Liddle]

Everybody is now clear of the last stage; waiting for the back of the field to get back to the final main control.

[Simmi]

Bodes very well does that. All those different stage winners. Five of the stage wins taken by less than a second too.

Just makes me wish the events were longer with this level of competition. Less than an hour of rallying but there we go. Short but sweet.

[Martin Liddle]

Just makes me wish the events were longer with this level of competition. Less than an hour of rallying but there we go.
All the other events will be longer; the Border Counties only came into the championship very late and when most of the event planning had been done. Even then I doubt that BRC could give a guarantee about the size of the entry so less mileage than the Championship would have liked.

[Zeakiwi]

Solberg wins junior category. http://www.rallye-info.com/article.asp?sid=0&stid=13259

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Videos

https://youtu.be/fbXr2AkRs8Q

https://youtu.be/VhRMD0LRO4Q

https://youtu.be/_8eO6wn8Gyg

[AndyRAC]

Looked to be a good event, if already stated a little short. Promises some good action for future rounds. Couldn't get up to the Borders, so could only follow it online, mainly Twitter. I hope in the near future, that all BRC events will have live radio coverage.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I have to admit after following & video watching some of the Belgian, Italian & Irish Championships this weekend, the BRC is lacking some excitement & glamour.
OK so it was shortened event but there is still something lacking that these other series seem to have.

I guess its the lack of 'big names' and guys that have been around for years building up a following. Last year we had Elfyn Evans as the man to beat that everyone knows, but this year they all seem a bit lacking... either in history, or being genuine prospects for a big future in the sport.

[Simmi]

I have to admit after following & video watching some of the Belgian, Italian & Irish Championships this weekend, the BRC is lacking some excitement & glamour.
OK so it was shortened event but there is still something lacking that these other series seem to have.

I guess its the lack of 'big names' and guys that have been around for years building up a following. Last year we had Elfyn Evans as the man to beat that everyone knows, but this year they all seem a bit lacking... either in history, or being genuine prospects for a big future in the sport.

The grass always looks greener on the other side. I know a few Irish guys looking longingly at the amount of competition in the BRC. Would be interested to know what the Belgians, Finns, Italians, Czechs etc on the forum think.

Certainly no glamour to be had in a muddy forest. Less fans too. But the driving talent is higher than a lot of championships. Events are the biggest issue for me. Very little prestige in the rallies now, and the ones that do have history are massively watered down. But that's the world we live in now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The grass always looks greener on the other side. I know a few Irish guys looking longingly at the amount of competition in the BRC. Would be interested to know what the Belgians, Finns, Italians, Czechs etc on the forum think.

Certainly no glamour to be had in a muddy forest. Less fans too. But the driving talent is higher than a lot of championships. Events are the biggest issue for me. Very little prestige in the rallies now, and the ones that do have history are massively watered down. But that's the world we live in now.

Looking at the bigger crowds at the other Championships events, that part isnt in question. Maybe some of the coming rallies might be better in that respect.

As for the driving talent, then its harder to compare... but apart from the top 2 or 3 drivers there didnt seem a lot of great speed on show on the Border videos.
On the Spa Rally vids there were many drivers looking really committed, even in the awful conditions. Plus they have the Porsche's which gives another thrill we seriously lack here.

And as for other nationalities opinions (like on the forum), there appears very little if any. Perhaps that says it all...

[dodge33cymru]

I have to admit after following & video watching some of the Belgian, Italian & Irish Championships this weekend, the BRC is lacking some excitement & glamour.
OK so it was shortened event but there is still something lacking that these other series seem to have.

I guess its the lack of 'big names' and guys that have been around for years building up a following. Last year we had Elfyn Evans as the man to beat that everyone knows, but this year they all seem a bit lacking... either in history, or being genuine prospects for a big future in the sport.


Not sure about that, to me it seemed to fall perfectly in line as a national championship event. Lack of coverage of the nighttime stages unfortunately, but it's a new event in a championship that has been nowhere for a long time.

Really excited about the competition this year; in Bogie, Pryce, Cave (if he can pull a full season), Cronin and Ahlin there are five genuinely strong contenders, and Greer, McCormack, Fisher and maybe a few others can give them a run on some rounds. I'm a bit disappointed about the lack of Vauxhall in the Juniors, but there's still a healthy selection of R2s in there too.

Event-wise, you'd expect this round to be the 'smallest', the Pirelli, Ulster and Manx are all classics and Ypres is a fantastic event in every sense of the word.

Gutted I can only do the second day at the Pirelli next month (hopefully the i20 is still in it by then!), but I'm looking forward to following the championship.

As a recent re-converted rally fan, this is the first year I've paid national championships much heed in a long while, so can't speak for the depth of other series, but it seems to me that it's in a similar state to the Belgian and Italian ones and certainly more competitive than the ones still allowing WRC cars.

[Rally Power]

I have to admit after following & video watching some of the Belgian, Italian & Irish Championships this weekend, the BRC is lacking some excitement & glamour. OK so it was shortened event but there is still something lacking that these other series seem to have. I guess its the lack of 'big names' and guys that have been around for years building up a following. Last year we had Elfyn Evans as the man to beat that everyone knows, but this year they all seem a bit lacking... either in history, or being genuine prospects for a big future in the sport.

From outside BRC is looking to be on the right track. Maybe an ex-works driver, like Abbring in Belgium, or a young star, like Rovanpera in Italy, is missing to help getting general media spotlights, but overall the drivers quality and the events diversity is great and the series are again a benchmark in Europe’s rally scene.

Btw, why was British and Irish Rallying separated from European National Rallying sub-forum? It almost looks like a Brexit premonition…

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Maybe it's the coverage and videos that are giving the other series a better impression. I've watched the first events of the Belgian & Irish Championships on TV and was really excited and entertained by the action. Lets see how the BRC programme compares...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Local ITV report

http://www.itv.com/news/border/2017-03-20/mixed-success-for-border-drivers-in-jedburgh/

[dodge33cymru]

Great footage in this video:

https://youtu.be/f0gYhHxJiMI

[Archie Gillaine]

Is it a lack of 'buzz'? Rallying seems to be quite separate from the rest of motorsport; and has it's own followers/ journalists, and very few non rallying journalists tend to cover it. During the weekend I saw plenty of coverage, particularly on Twitter, of Sebring and the Goodwood Members meeting from a wide range of people.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Longer video including Edwards' off at 1.00...

https://youtu.be/vZtTYQ-ZlYo

But then compare to this Spa Rally vid for action, excitement and crowds...

https://youtu.be/fclE1D03Cp8

[the sniper]

Longer video including Edwards' off at 1.00...

https://youtu.be/vZtTYQ-ZlYo

That's Rory Young from the Scottish Championship, not Edwards.


But then compare to this Spa Rally vid for action, excitement and crowds...

https://youtu.be/fclE1D03Cp8

I don't think you're comparing like with like, particularly when you're going by videos. A lot of the main competitors in the Belgian Championship have a lot of experience, both in their respective classes of car and of the events and types of roads they're driving. In the British Championship you have a lot of younger guys, many of whom still have relatively little experience of the R5s they're now driving. Not many of those guys will have driven over the Border Counties stages before. Particularly when taking video evidence into account you've got to look at the itineraries too. On both rallies most running took place on the second day. On the Spa Rally there were four stage repeated three times. On the Borders there were five unique stages, three of which were ran just once, two ran twice. I'd suggest that the videos might show more 'action' on the Spa Rally at least partly because of this, as naturally if you're just going over and over the same bit of tarmac you're going to push harder on subsequent runs than if you're going over a rough unswept gravel stage for possibly the first and only time.

As for crowds, yeah I imagine there were more spectators on the Spa Rally than the Borders, but there are various factors to consider there too. Particularly accessibility and publicity wise. Having been on the Borders Rally, having travelled over 200 miles to get there, I had a good time and enjoyed the show. There were plenty of people in the designated spectator areas, which unusually for me I stayed in as they were good spots to spectate from. Only rally fans from this country who weren't there can explain why they didn't attend! I can only repeat what I've said before about the BRC needing to create 'events' though. While the Borders being in the BRC wasn't the original intention, if it stays in how does it make sense to have the Scottish Rally and Borders as two separate, short and rather insignificant rallies in the same area when a combined 'Rally of Scotland' event over two and a half days might attract more attention. At the very least rally fans from further afield will surely be more inclined to attend the event if they can make a full weekend of it. Surely it'd also make more sense for competitors, both financially and logistically.

The British Championship could do with more entries and more variety of vehicles in different classes, but this isn't easily influenced. Realistically all the MSA can do and should do is promote the BRC better and get it 'out there', rather than seemingly just concentrating on filling the pages of Motorsport News... For me the biggest thing within their influence that needs to change is the BRC You Tube channel. Currently it's a complete embarrassment. Why even bother uploading a 1min 04sec onboard video and nothing else after the first round? It seems crazy to me that in the second year of the 'new' BRC, in this day and age, that they're doing so little with that outlet. It's a wasted opportunity.

Finally just a couple of observations from the Border Counties Rally. The only real disappointment was the complete lack of Vauxhall Adams. I guess the Vauxhall 'works team' was never anything like such a thing. It was bad enough that there was only going to be one car for Arron Windus, but for the team to pull out, I believe because no-one else wanted to pay them for a drive and there wasn't a proper budget coming from Vauxhall, meant they had to pull out. It's a real shame as Adielsson and Duggan were often great to watch in their Adams last year. Too bad there wasn't more commitment from Vauxhall.

The only other thing I'd like to mention was the parking arrangements on the Craik stage on Friday night. The official parking wasn't marked with any signs or arrows at the main road or to the stage, something I've never seen before. Unless you'd checked an OS map you wouldn't even know which road to take into the forest, as the location given as the entrance on the word document found on the Borders website is only, as far as I can see, shown on an OS map. Once into the forest a large number of people seemed to have taken the wrong route at a junction, this led to many people not turning up to the stage until after the stage had started, with some people turning up half way through the second run! Yet again I'm bemused by the lengths a rally organiser goes to to set up and control super safe viewing areas, while doing absolutely nothing to prevent most of those potential spectators getting lost driving down rough gravel tracks around a large forest in the dark and rain...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Thanks for the correction... watching on a phone I could only make out the car type & number...

Some good points you make... the BRC has a long way to go in many areas.

[the sniper]

A couple of nice onboards from Tom Cave:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5gyjFNStKA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdIZrDPjgM8

And one from Matt Edwards:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNBql_bTauo

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Colin Clark on his FB video today suggesting there could be 3 more top R5 drivers entering the next event, the Pirelli Rally.

I hope he's right, I think the BRC needs them to give 2017 a real boost.

[dodge33cymru]

Really good to see Colin's kitchen table talks for the BRC. Really enjoy this format.

About those additions:

- 1 'WRC2 regular' (Veiby or Suninen?)

- 1 'one time WRC regular who was on Pirelli last year' (Matthew Wilson?)

- Pirelli sponsored driver (think this one is more speculative)

[Simmi]

Gus Greensmith supplemented his WRC outings with some BRC rounds last year. I wonder if he'll do so again to get a bit more R5 seat time. Would also be interesting to see his pace compared to the other top guys.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Interested in the possible Pirelli-sponsored driver... you can see why they wouldnt want Dmack getting all the attention on their own event !

The rumoured Henning Solberg would bring a real buzz...

[Simmi]

Aargh it's already happening! David Bogie in MN today saying he will re-evaluate the BRC after the Scottish and only continue if he feels he's in title contention.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Aargh it's already happening! David Bogie in MN today saying he will re-evaluate the BRC after the Scottish and only continue if he feels he's in title contention.

Well the BC was a disaster for Bogie; especially considering he played his Joker.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

AMAZING NEWS: ����@MSportLtd boss Malcolm Wilson confirmed today (April 1) as the star driver for the @PirelliRally. #BRC https://t.co/jkUevIHsvs

Or April Fool... ;)

[AndyRAC]

Aargh it's already happening! David Bogie in MN today saying he will re-evaluate the BRC after the Scottish and only continue if he feels he's in title contention.

Sadly, it's the nature of the sport, isn't it? Unlike the BTCC, you can't really sell the BRC as a 'package' because who does the full season? Until there is a way of having consistent entries for all rounds, you're just hoping everybody enters.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wildcard for Pirelli ! https://www.msabrc.com/news/wildcard-brynildsen-win/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@Dmacktyres: Ha ha! Good work from @pirellisport to try and stop us winning their rally!! https://t.co/pU4evSqyyG

[dodge33cymru]

Nice addition, a competitive but not dominant entry. Do we think this is Colin Clark's Pirelli driver and WRC2 regular in one package?

[Simmi]

Brynildsen will be a nice benchmark for a few of the BRC regulars. I'd assume he'll be the only guest guy on the rally but let's see. Maybe M-Sport will throw Matthew into the mix again.

[pantealex]

Hope Cave manages to keep the Hyundai as the BRC must be about the only championship without one...

WRC2 is another

[Simmi]

WRC2 is another

Every time an i20 pops up on an entry list it seems to disappear. Happened twice already this year in WRC2.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good to hear the Pirelli Rally organisers being praised by MN for their hard work to avoid the problem of bogey times. That's one thing the BRC really doesnt need to crop up again in 2017.

[mousti]

3 CA1 Fabia R5 crews already entered Ypres Rally.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[mousti]

Aron Windus will start with the Vauxhall Adam R2 in Pirelli Rally.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

When is the entry list for the Pirelli announced ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Entry list.. no surprises, no Matt Wilson.

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2017/pirelli/entries.php?type=s&combined=1

[dodge33cymru]

Ah well, still a decent list. Hoping most of the main runners survive until Sunday, as I can't get there on Saturday.

Has anyone got an itinerary by the way?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

PET for Ahlin:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-XUEjEWAAEfUxY.jpg

More pics: https://twitter.com/TorsteinEriksen/status/857326015042998272

Video also: https://twitter.com/TorsteinEriksen/status/857332600511377408

Cave meets his new i20:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-XVUdUXoAAz05p.jpg

[Brynmor Pierce]

I guess if Cave is piecing together budget then Ypres might be one that he'd potentially skip.

Cool to see Bryn and the GT86 back out too this year - https://www.msabrc.com/news/corry-commits-brc-exciting-toyota-gt86/

Sorry not been on here for a while, sadly the main sponsor pulled out about two weeks after the above announcement.
Whilst it may have been possible to try and get a budget together just for the Pirelli there seemed little point in doing that one round for the sake of it. Hugely disappointing I must be honest and personally it's left me devoid of a seat for this year sadly.

I believe the car may well be in new owners hands in the not too distant future so it could well reappear !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good news from Cave: :)

It's confirmed that following our @PirelliRally performance @JMRallying & I will contest @ScottishRally in @HMSGOfficial i20 R5 #bringiton! https://t.co/0ME6WBVsof

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Entry for Scottish Rally:

http://www.scottishrally.co.uk/2016-seeded-entry-list/

[mousti]

Josh Mcerlean saying in a local newspaper Ypres is a one off for the MSABRC. I think they maybe have a one year contract thereafter evaluating it for an extension or not.. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170515/6662145ce3545708fd5ddd82c84c8e36.jpg

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[Simmi]

Makes sense to gauge the popularity/success of the event before signing any long-term deal.

I'm definitely encouraged by the amount of BRC entries so far. Pretty much all the big names already signed up. Hopefully Cave, Greer, Yates etc will make the trip too and all the people who did put in entries fulfill them. The championship isn't exactly full of prestigious events with good stage mileage. So hopefully it will encourage people to sign up.

Overall already 20 R5s signed up for Ypres and the entry list is still early days I think.

[Steve Boyd]

The BRC organisers are probably keeping their options open in the hope that the problems around the Jim Clark Memorial Rally will finally get sorted out. If the JCMR gets a permit to run next year then it may back in the BRC in place of Ypres. If there isn't a JCMR, or if it is only allowed to run with restrictions that would make it unsuitable for a round of the BRC then Ypres could be back next year.

[the sniper]

Weren't the Circuit of Ireland organisers originally looking to make a comeback in 2018?

[dodge33cymru]

Re: Ypres

Also a chance that the organisers are keeping their ERC options open, seeing how that series is arguably looking a bit better than in recent years at the moment.

[Mirek]

Since Alain Penasse is making quite an aggressive push for the TER project and so performing rather hostile against Eurosport I don't expect Ypres returning back to ERC any time soon.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Scottish Rally preview: https://t.co/Bc3QKYLVYm

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Was shocked to see how few people were out watching on the Pirelli footage. I know spectators in the UK are now as welcome as a fart in a space suit however this is supposed to be our premier rally series

I was saying the same a while back after watching recent Belgian & Italian Championship events that had amazing crowds and atmosphere...

[Archie Gillaine]

Who wants to travel a few hours to be potentially stuck in the same place for the whole day? And there is also the issue of the signal not being great, and possibly not knowing the rally standings. Other sports/ activities are far more 'fan friendly' - and there isn't a lot organisers can do, is there?

[the sniper]

I was saying the same a while back after watching recent Belgian & Italian Championship events that had amazing crowds and atmosphere...

There were a reasonable number of people out on the Borders, but the Pirelli looked dead... It doesn't help that Kielder isn't particularly close to anywhere and the accessibility looks poor. I was out on the Borders, the BRC and SRC itineraries made it worth doing the trip and I enjoyed it. Plus it was in a beautiful area that I'd never really explored before, thus I made a long weekend away out of it. I was tempted to do the Pirelli, but it wasn't worth travelling 4 hours to attend what seems like a fairly uninspiring 'event'. With seemingly poor accessibility, small entry list and the prospect of the usual anti-spectator measures you get on the rallies nowadays, I just couldn't be bothered in the end. Instead I went to British GT at Rockingham.

I really don't think it helps the BRC to have three gravel rallies in that same part of the country. As much as I like the idea of a BRC round in Kielder, the BRC might be better served by having a Scottish Rally based out of Stirling, a Borders Rally like now, but with additional Ae, Twiglees and Castle d'Oer, or maybe Kielder stages, running on a second full day, and a return of Rally Yorkshire, giving a better geographical spread plus a rally in the latter that normally attracts decent spectator numbers.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Scottish weather could make it more interesting tonight...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DAM6N0pXsAE8aEL.jpg:large

Could be a lot different to the test days !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DAIrfjpXoAA2tcS.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cave off to a flyer in Scotland, ahead of Ählin and Cronin. Hope his car stays good this time and we see more of his speed.

[Martin Liddle]

I hear that Cave had gearbox issues in testing and probably doesn't have a spare.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cave wins SS2 and extends the lead.

[Martin Liddle]

Cave reported to have lost a wheel in SS3.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yep what a shame...

Ählin into the lead.

Bogie going well though this morning.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cave
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DAQmqegW0AE2Ner.jpg

[AndyRAC]

Think your comments are spot on but cant see Rod Parkin and team banging on the door of the BRC anytime soon as like to run things their own way! Its a pity the proposed ERC round in Yorkshire never got off the ground as the BRC could probably have ridden the coat tails of that event back into the Yorkshire woods but that horse has bolted and the money gone to the lycra clad lot!

As a fan of both sports, it's really a 'no brainer' regard to the sponsorship. Tour de Yorkshire has live TV on ITV4 and Eurosport, plus all the added media, and massive roadside spectators......Sadly, for the sport of rallying, especially in the UK, there is no way it can compete.