British Rally Championship 2022

[Fast Eddie WRC]

2022 Motorsport UK British Rally Championship Calendar*

Round 1 – Corbeau Seats Rally Tendring & Clacton – Clacton – 23/24 April
Round 2 – Beatson’s Building Supplies Jim Clark Rally – Duns – 27/28 May
Round 3 – Nicky Grist Stages – Builth Wells – 9 July
Round 4 – Grampian Forest Stages – Banchory – 13 August
Round 5 – Get Connected Rali Bae Ceredigion – Aberystwyth – 3/4 September
Round 6 – Trackrod Rally Yorkshire – Filey – 23/24 September
Round 7 – Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally – Llandudno – 29 October
Reserve Round – Oulton Park Stages – Oulton Park – 5 November

*Provisional until ratified by Motorsport UK

https://www.britishrallychampionship.co.uk/news/british-rally-championship-reveals-2022-calendar/

[AndyRAC]

The easy thing to do is to complain (as seen on Twitter/Facebook) - but they do have a thankless task. I think it's a decent calendar, and with no 'off the mainland' events, a more affordable series. I suppose, in an ideal world, the gravel events, apart from the Trackrod would be 2 dayers, but we know why.

[the sniper]

It's pretty much makes the best of what we've got left, so can't really argue with it. Grampian only one week before supposedly potential Rally NI, doesn't make it look like MSUK are expecting the latter to happen... Though I think keeping to GB mainland makes sense, as I can't imagine all the Irish guys coming over again next year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Three events in Wales should please that area with there being no WRGB. I hope plenty go and watch and give our national championship some support.

Good mix of tarmac events too will give the crews a test.

Hopefully being all mainland-based will keep costs down and lead to good entries.

[the sniper]

Jason Pritchard will have a shot at the BRC title in a Polo!

https://twitter.com/JasonNRG/status/1503458186266914828

[Sal yet again]

Didnt his backer sponsor Tom Cave previously? Hopefully the car will be out on the NW this weekend

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great news ! He showed amazing pace and commitment on the RAC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Didnt his backer sponsor Tom Cave previously? Hopefully the car will be out on the NW this weekend

Trailhead, yes.

He's not going to have Matt Edwards' previous Polo from MEM... it's this one:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/carinfo/122-volkswagen-polo-gti-r5/?car=4303

(FYI - Edwards' old Polo is now used by Alastair Fisher in the ITRC. Pryce's car was maybe too badly damaged at the last rally of 2021.)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Round 1 seeded entry is out:

https://mtc1.uk/Entry/CSRTC22/EntryList.php

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Keith Cronin back for a BRC full-season in 2022...

https://www.britishrallychampionship.co.uk/news/cronin-back-to-brc-for-fifth-title-chase/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hankook aiming for the Title with Cronin and now Pearson too. Will be interesting to see how they do, especially on tarmac.

https://www.britishrallychampionship.co.uk/news/hankook-hoping-for-brc-title-with-top-flight-return/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Clacton live stream https://youtu.be/kpnEwSSfZX0

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bell and Pritchard both out... bummer.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pearson off and out too. :(

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FRHJZ3cXMAEmXBW?format=jpg&name=large

Great battle at the front between Cronin and Pryce.

[the sniper]

No disrespect intended, but I didn't expect James Williams to be so close to lead. I hadn't really followed his results that closely in the past though. It'll be interesting to see how he gets on in the Hyundai this year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looks like Pryce has the measure of Cronin now .... into the lead by 3.8s with one stage to go.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FRHrjEtWUAIt7iL?format=jpg&name=medium

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No disrespect intended, but I didn't expect James Williams to be so close to lead.

Even more so now...

'Williams and Roberts were a delighted third after battling technical issues with their Hyundai i20'.

[Sulland]

Good debut in Juniors from norwegian Ola Nore Jr in a Rally4 Fiesta.

2269

[Sal yet again]

Great battle at the sharp end and elsewhere which bodes well for the year.

Dare I say it however the absence of the likes of Matt E is already making it feel a bit more like the series we have talked about here with good younger drivers mixing it with a few established names and not as much hype about stepping stones and reference to the halo years. Who knows there may be legs on the BRC yet!

[HKSjbg]

I’ve noticed on ewrc-results that there is a separate event for the BRC listed on the weekend of the Jim Clark Rally. Anyone know what’s up with that?

I thought it seemed odd that the SRC Reivers Rally is a completely separate rally running on the Sunday, after the Friday-Saturday stages. Is the ‘Jim Clark Rally - BRC’ event actually going to be all three days?

[patwalsh13]

I’ve noticed on ewrc-results that there is a separate event for the BRC listed on the weekend of the Jim Clark Rally. Anyone know what’s up with that?

I thought it seemed odd that the SRC Reivers Rally is a completely separate rally running on the Sunday, after the Friday-Saturday stages. Is the ‘Jim Clark Rally - BRC’ event actually going to be all three days?

BRC event is Friday-Saturday, and does an additional stage in comparison to the "national" event.

[HKSjbg]

Thanks for the info!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great battle at the sharp end and elsewhere which bodes well for the year.

Dare I say it however the absence of the likes of Matt E is already making it feel a bit more like the series we have talked about here with good younger drivers mixing it with a few established names and not as much hype about stepping stones and reference to the halo years. Who knows there may be legs on the BRC yet!

For Edwards and Cave we now have Cronin and Pryce as the class of the field.. not a bad replacement.

Some new faces were doing ok too in Clacton and give us hope for the future.

[markf8691]

Is there gonna be a review show of the event?

[MarkT]

Is there gonna be a review show of the event?https://youtu.be/KFEvvZFQ3hU

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://youtu.be/KFEvvZFQ3hU

Z

Not great quality at all for the premier UK rally series.

[AndyRAC]

It's okay, it's obviously coverage to a price. It's what we have to expect these days. Matt Cotton is a good presenter, as seen on other events.

[HKSjbg]

I thought it was OK, better than last year with Colin Clark on the commentary

[the sniper]

BRC event is Friday-Saturday, and does an additional stage in comparison to the "national" event.

I've only just noticed your username, good to see you on here! We actually met on the RAC, in the dark in Newcastleton... The pleasure was all mine, understandably!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jim Clark entry list
https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2022/jimclark/entries.php?type=s

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jim Clark preview
https://www.britishrallychampionship.co.uk/news/brc-ready-for-battle-in-the-scottish-borders/

Castrol-backed Meirion Evans is a nice addition to the BRC1 Class. :)

https://www.britishrallychampionship.co.uk/news/evans-brings-castrol-back-to-the-brc/

[the sniper]

Castrol-backed Meirion Evans is a nice addition to the BRC1 Class. :)

https://www.britishrallychampionship.co.uk/news/evans-brings-castrol-back-to-the-brc/

Looks good! Always glad to see big brands on cars.

[HKSjbg]

My thoughts exactly! Great looking livery, up there with Gryazin’s Polo livery. And hopefully the tide is (slowly) starting to turn on big brands not being interested in the BRC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just a bit strange how MEM got the sponsorship for Evans (on a VW) when Castrol are a long-term M-Sport Ford sponsor.

Pity they didnt sponsor an M-Sport Fiesta Rally2 to add variety to the BRC.

[hutchie]

Look forward to seeing how the BRC battle plays out on the Jim Clark. Times were so incredibly close in Clacton but wonder if the roads around Duns might just separate them out a little more. My money would be on Pryce for the win.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Coverage tonight on FB. Probably be mostly stage-ends but still...

https://m.facebook.com/jimclarkrally/?refid=52&__tn__=%2As-R

[Fast Eddie WRC]

One stage done, an hour later and still just 14 times are showing, there's been a stoppage, loads of complaints about the chicanes and SS2 delayed.

No live coverage from in-stage either.

Not great for the top rally championship in the UK.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS2 is finally done and with a puncture for Pryce it looks like Cronin has it in the bag already.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

❌ Osian Pryce and Noel O’Sullivan excluded from the Jim Clark Rally as they “failed to cease competition when they sustained a puncture” on Longformacus 2 last night.

Today the first 4 crews beat the bogey time on SS3 and an accident after 5 crews on SS4 means the rest drive through.

What a mess.

Some live action here:
https://www.facebook.com/specialstage/videos/766641301371362/

[HKSjbg]

Some live action here:
https://www.facebook.com/specialstage/videos/766641301371362/

I didn’t have time to watch the whole thing but that was much better than I expected. Hoping this means the BRC have taken notice of Mark James’ welcome appearance on the British Rally Media coverage of the Wales Motorsport team in the BHRC and hopefully have got him to do some/all of the remaining BRC coverage commentary. Can’t put my finger on why but he adds a bit of class to the commentary.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

FFS :(

Protyre MUK Asphalt Rally Championship @AsphaltRallying

Unfortunately Stage 6 has been cancelled which means our live coverage won’t go ahead as planned this afternoon
There will be live coverage from stage 8 with our other special stage team @SpecialStageuk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kristian Sohlberg @Krisse_Sohlberg

Sorry to say, but how these @BRCrally events are organized is just amazing and really not in a positive way. You would think that a country with this history in rallying should have it tiptop. Its just so sad. So many things need to be sorted.

[HKSjbg]

Any further details in what the organisation issues were?

[the sniper]

Any further details in what the organisation issues were?

There was a follow up from Kristian:


Its not wrong necessarily, 30s gaps between car ( safety), all stages late. Driver DSQ as drove stage with a puncture (price)., metal plates infront of haybells on chicanes.. Just in general my opinion..

This is the thread: https://twitter.com/Krisse_Sohlberg/status/1530567870563893253

I've never been convinced that public road rallying is quite the saviour of British rallying that some hope. Forest rallying has its issues that are well known, but British road rallying today comes with many stings in the tail, both in terms of costs and sporting integrity.

[AndyRAC]

I'd agree, too many people have thought 'closed road' events are the panacea to save the sport. In all honesty, it should have been done 15-20+ years ago; there are now issues that weren't there in those days with closing roads; increased costs, NIMBYS, etc

The then RACMSA were seemingly asleep, and not doing enough for closed roads earlier. It feels all 'too little too late'.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just seen this on eWRC re SS6 ... :uhoh:

Stage Cancelled due to Tractor blocking the stage.

[Sal yet again]

Judging from this post on the event FB page from a local I trust the rally debrief is going to be interesting.


Having lived on the rally route for years before the very first rally, I can only say that this even is an absolute shambles, full-stop:
1) Residents were not advised of what was happening/expected. In previous years we had letters and, generally, someone knocking on the door to explain things and answer questions. This time- not even a letter. Certainly nothing from the website (which is among the most poorly designed ones I have had the displeasure of seeing).
2) Wholly inadequate signs advising of road closure set up weeks in advance (and, as it happens, how we found out that it was happening, given we had no letter/contact) which were hard to read and certainly did nothing to prepare anyone travelling these roads, whatever their reason for today.
3) Signs threatening prosecution of trespass put on to private property without the common decency to alert residents. Oh- the irony of trespassing onto private property (yes- Scotland does have right to roam, but doing so onto a private garden with shelter on it is trespass) in order to threaten the landowner of trespass on their OWN land!
4) "Officials" without a CLUE as to what is going on (this is not an assumption- this was from the "horse's mouth", as they say) to the point that they don't understand "The road is now closed" via megaphone and have to ask a colleague two minutes later (yes- they were that noisy, we had to listen to every word).
5) "Officials" with no respect for residents, idling their vehicles and totally oblivious of their surroundings hours ahead of the rally (which, in itself isn't the issue- the noise level, however, was).
6) Organisers not ensuring that spectators know what the score is regarding spectating on non-spectating stages, resulting in RESIDENTS having to advise would-be spectators that they cannot. Question? What stopped the "officials" from doing their job and stepping out of their vehicles to speak with the folk parked five metres behind them? Because the sparse and tardy wording on the website is ambiguous at best and I cannot blame those who have, in all the years the rally has been on, been allowed to spectate. The fault lies with the organisation.
In closing- I think that the event no longer respects the spirit of Jim Clark's legacy, nor does it acknowledge the terrible events the last time which have caused so much pain and suffering to so many. From what I have seen, things have gotten markedly worse on an organisational level (though- this does absolutely not include the competitors, who have been exemplary this time around! My thanks to the drivers I have met on the mornings on our road- their consideration was greatly appreciated).

[AndyRAC]

I really don't know what to say; reads like an absolute shambles/ disaster from an organisation perspective......

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sounds like it's time to restrict tarmac rallying to private land and race tracks again. Any more closed road fiasco's like this just isn't acceptable.

[HKSjbg]

Sounds like it's time to restrict tarmac rallying to private land and race tracks again. Any more closed road fiasco's like this just isn't acceptable.

…or Northern Ireland and IoM where they know how to do it year on year.

[the sniper]

Sounds like it's time to restrict tarmac rallying to private land and race tracks again. Any more closed road fiasco's like this just isn't acceptable.

I wouldn't say that. I think there's a place for them. I see them as better suited to events below BRC level, essentially replicating the spirit of the old road rallies, but legally as stage rallies. Club level guys, somewhat less competitive, some nice rural tarmac stages, avoiding the damage to cars associated with gravel rallies. The first year of Rali Bae Ceredigion worked well to my mind in this respect. I appreciate this isn't the 'bringing the sport to the people' vision some have sold closed road rallying on, but I think it's too late for that to pay off now. With the way spectators are supposed to be managed nowadays, I'm not sure 'bringing the sport to the people' in this way makes much sense anyway. Like Andy says, I think they missed the boat.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good twitter thread here:

https://twitter.com/TonySimpson74/status/1530982964967919619?s=20&t=dxe4BBI_qA8kRWcRguF6Vg

[Brynmor Pierce]

Good twitter thread here:

https://twitter.com/TonySimpson74/status/1530982964967919619?s=20&t=dxe4BBI_qA8kRWcRguF6Vg

I’m on this weeks Absolute Rally giving some more depth to my thoughts

[AndyRAC]

Listened to it; and it's a great discussion - and equally depressing.

I spectated at the 1999 Seat Jim Clark Rally - and was seriously impressed with it. The whole town of Duns was taken over, kids with the Seat 'Cupra Sport' gloves, a park taken over with activities, screens, stalls, etc
I remember thinking, "yes, this is the future of the BRC, the sport is getting it right, happy days". I couldn't have imagined that it was basically a 'one off', and hardly any other events would be like this.

The sport (and BRC) has stagnated for about 20 years......

We used to see three levels of championship events:

BRC - 120-150 mile events over 2 days.
ANCRO - 60 mile events.
BTRDA - 45 mile events.

Now, even the BRC is somewhere between a BTRDA & ANCRO..... Do the majority of competitors just want a one day 45 mile event for their sport? It seems that way.

[HKSjbg]

Now, even the BRC is somewhere between a BTRDA & ANCRO..... Do the majority of competitors just want a one day 45 mile event for their sport? It seems that way.

I’d even go as far to say the BRC is now just at clubman 70km level. Only Yorkshire is longer, and not by much in the grand scheme of things.

I’ve been thinking lately that in order to try and regain some of the lost prestige to the championship the BRC should reduce the number of rounds but keeping more or less the same stage km. So three gravel rounds at ~100km each and two tarmac at ~175km each. If we can have a longer Rally Yorkshire running alongside the clubman Trackrod Forest Stages why can’t that be done with just a little bit extra for the ‘International’ event, if you can call it that?

Some cost saving might be had by the fact that your fixed costs for turning up to a rally are reduced from 7 to 5 times a year but your cumulative stage mileage stays the same.

And to get a bit of perspective the other day I had a trawl through ewrc-results to figure out what gravel rallies, in Europe (comparing BRC to America or New Zealand for example doesn’t make sense to me), outside of the ERC and running to International status (if my understanding of what makes a rally an ‘international’ is correct), in 2021 & so far in 2022 are actually running significantly more stage km than in the BRC;

•Arctic Rally is by far the longest loose surface rally at something like 223km
•Rally Saaremaa last October ran about 132km (not entirely sure it counts as international…. but I think it does)
•Not much else runs over 100km - mostly rallies in Cyprus
•A fair amount of countries are still putting on 70-100km gravel rallies, but none really seems to be doing the same sort of stage km as Azores, Rajd Polski and Rally Liepāja (Serras de Fafe doesn’t count as the Portuguese championship only counted for the first ~100km)

[AndyRAC]

I’d even go as far to say the BRC is now just at clubman 70km level. Only Yorkshire is longer, and not by much in the grand scheme of things.

I’ve been thinking lately that in order to try and regain some of the lost prestige to the championship the BRC should reduce the number of rounds but keeping more or less the same stage km. So three gravel rounds at ~100km each and two tarmac at ~175km each. If we can have a longer Rally Yorkshire running alongside the clubman Trackrod Forest Stages why can’t that be done with just a little bit extra for the ‘International’ event, if you can call it that?

Some cost saving might be had by the fact that your fixed costs for turning up to a rally are reduced from 7 to 5 times a year but your cumulative stage mileage stays the same.


That sounds plausible - however I'm sure the reason we have short gravel events is the cost; these events are put on by one Motor Club, they're the one taking the risk. I've said before, at BRC level, it should be one group organising the BRC, with support from the local clubs. Yet we're told it can't/ won't work......well the current model isn't working either.

[HKSjbg]

As Brynmor Pierce said in the Absolute podcast - BRC rallies should be more of an ‘event’ rather than just a rally. If that mentality was implemented then I’m sure there’s more plausibility in having a sensible increase in stage km. The increased cost could be outweighed by a host town getting behind the whole fanfare an event can bring to the locals.

[AndyRAC]

That's what is so staggering; that rallies should be events - that's what virtually every other sport does. I don't know why BRC hasn't done this. It really beggars belief. It's either a lack of ambition, or as volunteers, they simply don't have the time for non rally activities. Which is why the BRC needs to be centrally organised.

[the sniper]

I’m on this weeks Absolute Rally giving some more depth to my thoughts


Listened to this, by the way. I doubt we'd be on completely the same page, but I do wish you'd got the job MSUK advertised, that then disappeared, rather like British rallying itself...

If nothing else, there HAS to be one make cups outside of the FIA homologated structure. I talked to Iain Campbell around 2016 about the potential for a Vauxhall Adam Cup, he gave the impression of having little involvement in any efforts to get one started, which seemed a bit odd to me. Maybe it wasn't the ideal formula, but I'd expect the head of the BRC to have been to Luton himself at some point to try and drum up interest, even if success was unlikely.

And of course, BRC rallies need to be events again, like any other sport. Easier said than done, but at least we'd know someone was trying to achieve that with a vision/plan.

[hutchie]

Sounds like it's time to restrict tarmac rallying to private land and race tracks again. Any more closed road fiasco's like this just isn't acceptable.

I disagree with this, sounds like the Jim Clark sadly had issues but East Riding Stages was a great example of how these closed road events can be great for the sport. Situated just outside Hull, Beverley and not far from York. Compact route of great stages, loads of spectators enjoying the event and the feedback I've heard from local residents, councils and other competitors is almost all positive.

[Brynmor Pierce]

That's what is so staggering; that rallies should be events - that's what virtually every other sport does. I don't know why BRC hasn't done this. It really beggars belief. It's either a lack of ambition, or as volunteers, they simply don't have the time for non rally activities. Which is why the BRC needs to be centrally organised.

Thanks for all the comments, good to know people tuned in!

In relation to the above it’s one scenario I was getting at and very much the cycling Tour concept (which admittedly is over a ten day or so period) and indeed the BTCC concept more so. Centrally organized / promoted but with input locally at each round etc. That way there’s a uniform package to sell to those concerned.

You can go from superbly promoted and run events to superbly run but invisible promotion. The latter is what drives manufacturers , sponsors, fans etc away as you no doubt heard.

BTCC, British GT, British Historic Rally, British Hillclimb, Etc etc all promoted and managed independently …why does msuk want to run BRC themselves ?

I think we’re at a real cross roads where if it’s not sorted in 12 months it’ll wither away and that makes me incredibly sad but even moreso frustrated.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I like the idea of rallies being more 'events' and quite a few that aren't in the BRC do this.

The North West Stages is a good example - involving a town, college and local people to produce a real community event. It can be done !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Speaking of events, look at what they have over in Donegal. Three days and 187 stage miles and drivers desperate to win it. Even Dirtfish are covering it...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/how-this-years-donegal-international-is-shaping-up/

Now that's what you call a rally EVENT !

[HKSjbg]

I can’t quite believe there is a domestic rally these days going at WRC levels of stage KMs, mind boggling!

[AndyRAC]

Yes, but it's good to see, proper mileage for an event. That WRC events barely make 200 miles is another matter.....

[HKSjbg]

https://www.rally-maps.com/Nicky-Grist-Stages-2022

The maps for the Nicky Grist are up already, I’m assuming this means it’s not ‘no spectators allowed’ again this year???

[AndyRAC]

http://www.nickygriststages.co.uk/spectators/?fbclid=IwAR2mIAX1TCoV62s1U47XERe2ANcHJuqSigh6FW9E 5OB8ewPHYkeQSpinOP8

Looks like two locations; Crychan & Halfway.....but no access to Route 60 like there usually is for this event, as they're not using that part of the stage.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

NG Stages seeded entry list
https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2022/nickygrist/entries.php?type=s&mixed=1

[AndyRAC]

I can recommend downloading the Sportity app, and any info that is added pops up in your notifications.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Close battle between Pryce and Cronin - 0.1s after two stages !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

12s lead for Pryce at the halfway point. National driver Tom Llewellin 3rd o/a is a surprise.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FXN9OyWWYAEZbfX?format=jpg&name=medium

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pretty dusty out there ! Cronin still cant take any time off Pryce with 1 stage to go he's 15s down.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FXOoy8FXkAAC0Jr?format=jpg&name=medium

[Sal yet again]

Tom going much better in the Festa than the Mirage.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tom going much better in the Festa than the Mirage.

Yep.... shame he got pipped for 3rd by Pritchard on the final stage.

Pity about car issues for J.Williams and Pearson... and what happened to Ruairi Bell after SS2 ?

[AndyRAC]

Gutted I couldn't go; I was looking forward to a trip to Crychan. Finally after two years the Covid bug gets me.....not happy.

[the sniper]

Gutted I couldn't go; I was looking forward to a trip to Crychan. Finally after two years the Covid bug gets me.....not happy.

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully that'll turn out better than a mix of hay fever and an unhealthy intake of dust! I still can't stop blowing my nose...

Cronin was pretty spectacular/sideways where I saw him, Pryce very tidy. Maybe led to the usual outcome on the timesheets.

Heck of an entry. I felt I'd seen enough by the time the last car came through though!

Honourable mention for another American on this round, Will Hudson, who certainly didn't disgrace himself.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

There was decent coverage from SS1 / SS5 on Special Stage:

https://m.facebook.com/specialstage/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

NG Stages highlights:
https://youtu.be/C9mIMtdIuQo

[HKSjbg]

I’m struggling to find any more info on the Cambrian Rally website but the itinerary is up on ewrc-results (without stage kms though). It looks like it’ll be a two-leg rally, similar to Rally Yorkshire, with two runs of ‘Nebo’ on the Friday night.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/timetable/73465-visit-conwy-cambrian-rally-2022/

[AndyRAC]

That's interesting, if in any way accurate. Seeing as it's late October, I wouldn't expect any info on the website just yet. But two Friday night stages sounds good.

[HKSjbg]

Yeah I wasn’t expecting the regs with full itinerary up yet but I was hoping for at least a short article with their plans for the rally outlined.

They tried a longer rally just for the BRC first time round in 2019 but had to cancel the extra stages at the last minute IIRC for 2020. Perhaps they’ve seen that the way the Trackrod does it works a bit better…

[AndyRAC]

Lets hope they get the entries, and the Friday night stages can run. Should be fantastic - I always enjoy the Cambrian, and the return to the late October date suits the event better than February.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hayden Paddon enters the Rali Ceredigion !

https://www.raliceredigion.co.uk/articles/v/55-hayden-paddon-enters-this-year-s-rali-ceredigion/

[hutchie]

Hayden Paddon enters the Rali Ceredigion !

https://www.raliceredigion.co.uk/articles/v/55-hayden-paddon-enters-this-year-s-rali-ceredigion/

Will this have any impact on the title balance between Pryce and Cronin? I would presume Pryce will be hoping not in his comeback after Jim Clark.

[the sniper]

I’m struggling to find any more info on the Cambrian Rally website but the itinerary is up on ewrc-results (without stage kms though). It looks like it’ll be a two-leg rally, similar to Rally Yorkshire, with two runs of ‘Nebo’ on the Friday night.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/timetable/73465-visit-conwy-cambrian-rally-2022/


Any guesses at what 'Nebo' might be? A tarmac stage?


Btw, what did people make of Iain Campbell's recent tweet? https://twitter.com/skunnercampbell/status/1547658079382020110


And @krispybacon60 thinks the UK should be automatically on the WRC calendar.
Quite some comparison between Llandudno and Tartu.

Some work to be done.

I'm still not sure how anyone would not consider this an own goal. Other than the backstreet service park year, I don't think anyone else really considered Llandudno to be a failing of Wales Rally GB. I'm not sure what he was going for, unless it was some kind of reverse psychology, whereby it was intended that everyone would reply telling him that Llandudno was actually quite good and he could take the praise!

[HKSjbg]

Any guesses at what 'Nebo' might be? A tarmac stage?

That’s what I was thinking. It’s not a renaming of Twin Lakes from last year, miles away from each other. The nearest forest stages to Nebo are Penmachno and Gwydir, but we know Penmachno is on the itinerary and it would unlikely be a renaming of Gwydir.

Nebo itself seems like a very unlikely place to have a public road stage, maybe its up a farm track or something? Maybe one of the B- or C-roads up the nearby mountains???

Whatever it is I’ll be interested to find out and hope the competitive kms are closer to the Trackrod this time round!

[HKSjbg]

Hayden Paddon enters the Rali Ceredigion !

https://www.raliceredigion.co.uk/articles/v/55-hayden-paddon-enters-this-year-s-rali-ceredigion/

I think I’ll definitely be making the trip through Wales to watch that one, probably the Saturday evening Devil’s Bridge stage. I wonder if it’ll be similar roads to the one I drove up to get to Myherin for last November’s Rallynuts…

[AndyRAC]

Any guesses at what 'Nebo' might be? A tarmac stage?


Btw, what did people make of Iain Campbell's recent tweet? https://twitter.com/skunnercampbell/status/1547658079382020110



I'm still not sure how anyone would not consider this an own goal. Other than the backstreet service park year, I don't think anyone else really considered Llandudno to be a failing of Wales Rally GB. I'm not sure what he was going for, unless it was some kind of reverse psychology, whereby it was intended that everyone would reply telling him that Llandudno was actually quite good and he could take the praise!

I think he's trying to be too clever for his own good; Rally GB has had many faults, but Llandudno was perfectly fine as a host town; and the crowds turned out in numbers. He's been involved with IRC Rally Scotland, the BRC & Rally GB......There seems to be a pattern emerging here.....

As for Nebo; Google maps may help.....I'm guessing it's on the left turn off the B5113; As that is the only way you can work out a viable stage.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Nebo,+Llanrwst/@53.0919829,-3.7554905,14.02z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x4865161b78ae3c2d:0x9c9cdd90d396e baf!8m2!3d53.0919829!4d-3.738173!5m1!1e1?hl=en

However, I maybe completely wrong...

[Sal yet again]

Will this have any impact on the title balance between Pryce and Cronin? I would presume Pryce will be hoping not in his comeback after Jim Clark.

Cant imagine Hayden registering for the BRC at this stage of the season so think he will just be a distraction in that sense. I trust he will be driving one of Andy Scott's cars if its from Albatec so not sure how recent an i20 it will be.

https://www.terseries.com/en/

TER series is a bit of a novelty and kind of surprised its still kicking but anything that brings a bit of overseas focus to UK rallying has to be a good thing hasnt it?

[AndyRAC]

Yes, the chance to see a WRC event winner on the mainland is going to become rare, so seeing Hayden is not to be missed.

[Sal yet again]

See my post on the BRF re the Rali Ceredigion was met with overwhelming enthusiasm....not!!;)

[AndyRAC]

All too predictable, and all too negative, which is that poster's default setting. If he is truly representative of UK rallying, then it's no surprise it's in the state it is.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cant imagine Hayden registering for the BRC at this stage of the season so think he will just be a distraction in that sense.

I cant see Paddon being able to compete on pace with Pryce and Cronin in Ceredigion. But if either has an issue and he finished ahead of them that would reduce their BRC points, no ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evo joins the British Rally Championship as Official Media Partner...

https://www.evo.co.uk/racing/205042/evo-joins-the-british-rally-championship-as-official-media-partner

[HKSjbg]

Well if nothing else, that’s evidence that the championship organisers actually do want the championship to have some more visibility

[Sal yet again]

I cant see Paddon being able to compete on pace with Pryce and Cronin in Ceredigion. But if either has an issue and he finished ahead of them that would reduce their BRC points, no ?

No. From the regulations:

6.4 BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP FOR DRIVERS & CO-DRIVERS
Open to drivers and co-drivers entering classes BRC1, Junior BRC, BRC3, BRC4, BRC5 and NRC Class 7 category
compliant cars, who must both be registered to be eligible to score points on each round

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good info here on Rali Ceredigion...

https://asphaltrallying.com/2022/07/29/crews-gear-up-for-rali-ceredigion/?amp=1

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Grampian Forest Rally this weekend and not seen anything from Evo, the new media partner...

[HKSjbg]

Re-reading the press release I’d be surprised if there was more than a short report of the event in print and on the website and the same video report that Motorsport UK publishes on youtube also on the Evo youtube channel.

[Sal yet again]

Doesnt shout raising the profile does it? The response to Eddie's tweet speaks volumes..

[HKSjbg]

What tweet was that?

[AndyRAC]

https://twitter.com/evomagazine/status/1552643176053211140

I'm guessing it's post event coverage, or as they now say, 'content'.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What tweet was that?

British Rally Championship @BRCrally

Replying to @FastEddieGB

Great to have @evomagazine on board.

As stated in the announcement, they will be sharing our video edits next week as we continue to develop the relationship.

Don't forget they have a great subscription offer if you don't already get the publication.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Grampian Rally itinerary shows every stage has a sponsor...

https://www.ewrc-results.com/timetable/73462-voyonic-grampian-forest-rally-2022/

Carbon-offsetting too:

https://www.carbonpositivemotorsport.com/post/voyonic-grampian-forest-rally-1

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://twitter.com/evomagazine/status/1552643176053211140

I'm guessing it's post event coverage, or as they now say, 'content'.

evo magazine @evomagazine

Not immediately, we’ll be sharing the official content but are also currently working on our own bespoke content to appear later in the season both online and in future issues of the magazine.

[Paul Hudson]

evo magazine @evomagazine

Not immediately, we’ll be sharing the official content but are also currently working on our own bespoke content to appear later in the season both online and in future issues of the magazine.


New Sponsor , Omologato Official Time Piece of the Championship, apart from a few cheap watches what are they contributing to the overall championship, What is the benefit to the competitors ?.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cronin is 10s clear after 2 stages... rest of top 5 only 2s apart.

[the sniper]

New Sponsor , Omologato Official Time Piece of the Championship, apart from a few cheap watches what are they contributing to the overall championship, What is the benefit to the competitors ?.

To be fair, I have no problem with a 'promoter' (MSUK in this case) making money, I can't imagine it's much (if more that few free watches!), but it does need at the same time to show some evidence of being a promoter...

I always thought, if I were a millionaire philanthropist running the BRC, I'd asked the likes of Castrol, Halfords, Red Bull, ect, to (on the quiet) get involved with next to no financial input, just to associate the sport with big brands again and build from there. One of the things I liked about the likes of Matt Edwards efforts with sponsorship/branding was that it made the BRC look somewhat professional, which being 'sponsored' by a local garage/restaurant with a white car doesn't necessarily given the same impression of...

[AndyRAC]

How many millionaires are involved in British rallying? I suspect there's more than we think; running an R5 car (now R2) can't be cheap. Saying that, they're millionaires because they don't give their money away. But it did get me thinking a while ago why none of them got together to fund a WRC/ ERC event. Yes, I know - fantasy world.....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Grampian Rally - Pryce now down to 3rd behind Bell after SS4 !

[the sniper]

How many millionaires are involved in British rallying? I suspect there's more than we think; running an R5 car (now R2) can't be cheap. Saying that, they're millionaires because they don't give their money away. But it did get me thinking a while ago why none of them got together to fund a WRC/ ERC event. Yes, I know - fantasy world.....

If only we had a multi millionaire who owed everything to rallying running the sport in this country! Oh, hold up...

[HKSjbg]

…I'd asked the likes of Castrol, Halfords, Red Bull, ect, to (on the quiet) get involved with next to no financial input, just to associate the sport with big brands again and build from there...

That brings me back to what I so often think; if the BRC can’t do it why can BTCC and BSB? (I’m assuming BSB is still as well supported as it used to be 10 or so years ago)

Is it simply the fact that there’s money to be had from having punters at a circuit all day?

[AndyRAC]

Both have a good media 'package' - whether live coverage on ITV/ITV4 for BTCC, or Eurosport for BSB; and then decent sponsors. And drivers/riders who want to be there - both championships are an end in themselves. If riders/drivers can move onto more global series, then fine. But they're not 'stepping stone' series.

And of course, both series pull in decent, healthy crowds, with stalls, food, etc And quite often, you can make a weekend of it by camping, etc

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seems Cronin has won the Grampian - crucial result with the dropped scores.

Pryce took 2nd place back from Bell.

[AndyRAC]

Looks like Bell has had a slow time on the final stage...drops to third; but not confirmed yet.

[Sal yet again]

Congrats to Cronin. Being selfish hope there is still a fight going on that sees most if not all of the Championship crews come to Yorkshire as a badly planned 30th wedding anniversary will see me out of the country for the next round!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Shame for Bell to have a small off on the final stage but glad for Pryce that it meant he got 2nd place back.

Bell is impressing and good for the BRC that we have another driver capable of challenging. Pity Pearson and Pritchard dont seem to be able to do so yet.

[AndyRAC]

Can't help but feel that Osian's DSQ on the Jim Clark is going to bite him.......He needs Keith to not score on a round.

[J4MIE]

I enjoyed the Grampian despite only being able to leave Leeds at 5pm Friday :crazy: Nice stages but a lot of rocks being dragged out by the time we got there, difficult tyre selection and stuck in dust catching cars towards the end of stages meant it wasn’t the best day ever. Still, managed to grab 2nd in our class after the runaway leader went off on the last stage.
Apart from a few larger trucks in the service area, wouldn’t have known it was a BRC event to be honest. BRC really is a waste of time these days - better to put it out of its misery.

[AndyRAC]

Event highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUMIQX9GnD0&ab_channel=MotorsportUK

[HKSjbg]

Still nothing on evo.co.uk or their youtube page. But that’s more than made up for by the fact there was a little ‘evo’ logo at the bottom of the results table on the MSUK highlights, in amongst all the other champ’ sponsors…

[AndyRAC]

It will appear later on in the season, both in the magazine, and in their YouTube channel......

The Cambrian have put out the rally guide, and there is a 7 mile Tarmac stage run twice on the Friday night.

[HKSjbg]

https://www.evo.co.uk/rallying/205137/british-rally-championship-round-4-grampians-rally-results

[HKSjbg]

It will appear later on in the season, both in the magazine, and in their YouTube channel......

The Cambrian have put out the rally guide, and there is a 7 mile Tarmac stage run twice on the Friday night.

The stage map is posted in the ‘residents’ section. Looks pretty cool and it should be interesting in the damp late October weather!

[J4MIE]

Well there are 9 BRC entries for Yorkshire at the moment so I wouldn’t get too hopeful of it running on the Friday night…. Though I would guess it’ll have still been a large expense for the organisers so may be more reluctant to cancel.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tom Cave is back for Ceredigion :) ... but in a Corsa-e ! :(

[the sniper]

Interesting though, I wonder if someone's trying to get a Championship going? Presumably Cave is at least getting a free run, so there must be some money behind it...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Interesting though, I wonder if someone's trying to get a Championship going? Presumably Cave is at least getting a free run, so there must be some money behind it...

Mainly seems to be due to this rally trying to promote all things sustainable...

https://www.rbcrally.co.uk/articles/v/63-tom-cave-to-compete-in-vauxhall-corsa-e/

[the sniper]

Mainly seems to be due to this rally trying to promote all things sustainable...

https://www.rbcrally.co.uk/articles/v/63-tom-cave-to-compete-in-vauxhall-corsa-e/

Yes, wishful thinking on my part!


The Corsa-e entry is supported by Cawdor, Vauxhall dealers covering Mid and West Wales, Renewable Developments Wales, Myerscough College, Go Fetch pet travel, Michelin tyres, Garry Davies Accident Repairs and ATech Racing.

Adds to the variety though, it'll be interesting to see.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FbGx35eX0AAd9m3?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

James Williams will be in the first Hyundai Racing i20 Rally2 in the UK...

https://www.facebook.com/265239180344990/posts/1865594403642785/?flite=scwspnss

BTW, Paddon is using an old i20 R5.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Live coverage from the event announced:

https://www.raliceredigion.co.uk/articles/v/66-introducing-the-world-class-rali-live-team/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cronin gone off on SS4 and Paddon & Evans stopped, stage blocked !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Day 2 and close times between Paddon and Pryce. Hope Pryce doesnt get too involved as he doesnt need to beat Paddon who is in the TER not BRC.

[AndyRAC]

He's nearly a minute up on 3rd placed Williams; just keep a nice pace, and take 2nd place....and the BRC lead.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great stuff - Osian Pryce wins the BRC element and sets up the remainder of the season nicely.

[AndyRAC]

https://terseries.com/en/media/video/1/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Been told there will be highlights for the Ceredigion Rally soon on S4C.

[HKSjbg]

Official highlights: https://youtu.be/MMktUxoT2NY

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Been told there will be highlights for the Ceredigion Rally soon on S4C.

A 1-hour programme on 19th Sept.

[HKSjbg]

Has anyone seen any of the onboards? The stages look absolutely cracking. Nant-y-moch and Pendam in particular look insane and much better in this direction (that loop of Nant-y-moch/Bont Goch/Pendam was run clockwise in ‘19).

The moorland section of Devil’s Bridge/Llanfihangel was another highlight.

[J4MIE]

Has anyone seen any of the onboards? The stages look absolutely cracking. Nant-y-moch and Pendam in particular look insane and much better in this direction (that loop of Nant-y-moch/Bont Goch/Pendam was run clockwise in ‘19).

The moorland section of Devil’s Bridge/Llanfihangel was another highlight.

Bont Goch was a slightly different route for the second half, and they didn’t use the small concrete bridge next to the dam. But yes a good route - can’t help but think though that longer stages just give a higher risk of losing a lot of mileage in case of accidents, as we discovered on the Friday night. Splitting them into two smaller stages would give better options but of course needs an extra set of timing marshals and senior officials.

I have heard of brilliant route ideas for next year too.

[HKSjbg]

Yes I was thinking that about Glan yr Afon and Devil’s bridge being joined as one mammoth stage for Llanfihangel. Luckily no stage cancellations in the end.

What sort of thing have you heard for next year? I was wonderinng if residents had opposed to the Ystumtuen stage being used again this year but I found on the Ceredigion Council website for all the road closures there was an ‘Ystumtuen Spare Closure’ suggesting it wasn’t completely dead in the water… Perhaps though this was just from back in the early planning stages?

[J4MIE]

What sort of thing have you heard for next year? I was wonderinng if residents had opposed to the Ystumtuen stage being used again this year but I found on the Ceredigion Council website for all the road closures there was an ‘Ystumtuen Spare Closure’ suggesting it wasn’t completely dead in the water… Perhaps though this was just from back in the early planning stages?

Yep for the Motor Race Order (whatever the Welsh equivalent is) it’s much easier to not use a road that’s been approved, but you can’t add it later if for whatever reason one of the others can’t be used.
Three Shires are surely about to find out that they can’t simply reschedule, they need a new MRO which needs to be applied for a minimum of 6 months in advance.

[Steve Boyd]

Yep for the Motor Race Order (whatever the Welsh equivalent is) it’s much easier to not use a road that’s been approved, but you can’t add it later if for whatever reason one of the others can’t be used.
Three Shires are surely about to find out that they can’t simply reschedule, they need a new MRO which needs to be applied for a minimum of 6 months in advance.
I'm sure that one or two switched on organisers have applied for an MRO for all the intended stages plus a reserve stage, in case it's needed.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Massive praise from everyone for this event makes it a real beacon of hope for UK rallying.

I heard a couple of mentions that it could try to be part of the ERC in future. That would also be a big lift to the sport here if it happens. Anything that can raise the profile has to be a good thing.

[AndyRAC]

Yes, it's more than capable on the organisational side of being in the ERC. The issue will be ££££££

[J4MIE]

I'm sure that one or two switched on organisers have applied for an MRO for all the intended stages plus a reserve stage, in case it's needed.

Yes, but a MRO is for a specific date.

[J4MIE]

Yes, it's more than capable on the organisational side of being in the ERC. The issue will be ££££££

Have heard from a reliable source that Ceredigion ran at a huge loss. Great event with big ambitions, but not sure how sustainable it is like that, and only had a couple of ERT entries.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some Accounts here but only to 2021...

https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/11886888/filing-history

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/evans-questions-motorsport-uks-desire-for-a-wrc-event/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ruairi Bell's vlog at Rali Ceredigion...

https://youtu.be/m2TLRPljTuw

[HKSjbg]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/evans-questions-motorsport-uks-desire-for-a-wrc-event/

Interesting to note that Elfyn Evans has driven some of the stages they’re hoping to run next year, sounds like they can put on more stage km next year which can only be a good thing

[Sal yet again]

Couple of gaps now on the Trackrod start list and looks like Pritchard has pulled his entry.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pryce can win the title in Yorkshire...
https://www.britishrallychampionship.co.uk/news/british-rally-championship-showdown-speeds-into-yorkshire/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A 1-hour programme on 19th Sept.

https://youtu.be/65d-DNry7Iw

[Sal yet again]

With Gary Pearson switching back to his Fabia by my reckoning that makes no MSport/Fiesta Rally2 presence for the first time in quite a while. Not a great advert in their "home" championship.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

With Gary Pearson switching back to his Fabia by my reckoning that makes no MSport/Fiesta Rally2 presence for the first time in quite a while. Not a great advert in their "home" championship.

Strange to swap so late in the season.

As an M-Sporter I've had to swap to Elliot Payne for my 'Rally Yorkshire' on DR2.0 ;)

https://www.racedepartment.com/attachments/1-jpg.594030/

[the sniper]

Got to say that I think the organisers of Rally Yorkshire are taking the p*ss a bit. £17 for a single stage ticket on Saturday and each stage is only run once, worse still, tickets MUST still be brought online (they even say poor signal in the area so you must buy in advance), tickets won't be sold on the gate... £22 for a day ticket, though I likely can't get there for the morning run, so doesn't work for me. I thought spectators travelling between stages was considered a bad thing by the sport's gatekeepers...?

I guess the rally was too popular last year.

Is/was anyone else planning to go?

[J4MIE]

Got to say that I think the organisers of Rally Yorkshire are taking the p*ss a bit. £17 for a single stage ticket on Saturday and each stage is only run once, worse still, tickets MUST still be brought online (they even say poor signal in the area so you must buy in advance), tickets won't be sold on the gate... £22 for a day ticket, though I likely can't get there for the morning run, so doesn't work for me. I thought spectators travelling between stages was considered a bad thing by the sport's gatekeepers...?

I guess the rally was too popular last year.

Is/was anyone else planning to go?

Think it’s expensive compared to most events, but spectators should be paying more to help with the eye watering cost of organising these events rather then just increasing the entry fee for competitors.

It’s a big entry providing hours of entertainment.

[AndyRAC]

Got to say that I think the organisers of Rally Yorkshire are taking the p*ss a bit. £17 for a single stage ticket on Saturday and each stage is only run once, worse still, tickets MUST still be brought online (they even say poor signal in the area so you must buy in advance), tickets won't be sold on the gate... £22 for a day ticket, though I likely can't get there for the morning run, so doesn't work for me. I thought spectators travelling between stages was considered a bad thing by the sport's gatekeepers...?

I guess the rally was too popular last year.

Is/was anyone else planning to go?

They've run it like this for a few years, £17 for one stage isn't the best value. Saying that, looking at the timings, it's now possible to watch both Cropton & Dalby; in past years that's been a stretch. £22 for a day ticket isn't too bad if you get 2 stages in. In fact if you could get in both stages fully, then I think £30 including a programme would be a fair price.

I'd certainly consider going; however, I'm without a car at the moment.

[J4MIE]

Walking from Staindale to Dalby is a common one to do as well, should be doable (depends on delays).

[the sniper]

They've run it like this for a few years, £17 for one stage isn't the best value. Saying that, looking at the timings, it's now possible to watch both Cropton & Dalby; in past years that's been a stretch. £22 for a day ticket isn't too bad if you get 2 stages in. In fact if you could get in both stages fully, then I think £30 including a programme would be a fair price.

I don't think £22 is too bad at all for two stages, if you can do them. I wouldn't mind £15 for one stage if that's all I can do, but I'm really not a fan of having to pay online, particularly paying a fee to the service provider for the pleasure of them taking my details... What's wrong with paying on the gate, plenty of other events have returned to this?

[AndyRAC]

No, I agree with that. I would like to know the thinking behind it......

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good start by Osian Pryce last night. Daylight may show who is really fastest though.

[AndyRAC]

Yes, 5 secs isn't anything; I think both took care in there, and made sure they get to today. And both mentioned dust....

[AndyRAC]

Dramatic start after the first stage this morning; Pryce keeps his lead, Bell into 2nd, and Cronin 28 secs behind in 3rd after an overshoot and spin.....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Osian Pryce is on course for the title having a 30s lead with 2 stages to go.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He's done it. After being runner-up four times, Osian Pryce is the British Rally Champion!

[Sal yet again]

Well deserved! Not sure where it leads for Osian however good to have a new name on the trophy. Cronin looked faster past me in Gale Rigg however he already had the back bumper hanging off so was playing catch up from there.

[AndyRAC]

I know it's not the greatest era, but I think it's been a good season. Cronin v Pryce has been a good battle, and the youngsters Bell & Williams have shown some decent pace. On to the Cambrian in a months time.

[HKSjbg]

Also, Pryce winning the title against a four-times former champion adds a bit of extra prestige to the whole thing. As you say it’s not the greatest era…

[HKSjbg]

Is anyone else signed up to the BRC email newsletter? I got a BRC fan survey in my inbox today and it was asking some fairly interesting questions that are mildly encouraging (I know not to get my hopes up when it comes to the promotion of the BRC! :D)

I took the opportunity at the end to comment that we need to see more Rali Ceredigions in the BRC and I’d be happy to see fewer events if that meant they were longer than the 70km clubman events currently.

[the sniper]

I'm glad Pryce has got his name in the history books, glad he's stuck at it. Deserves the recognition for his performances over the years. I feel a bit sorry for the likes of Cave who put on a good show over the years but never got the recognition of a champion.

[AndyRAC]

Cave is another one who always seemed to be trying to get a budget to put a complete campaign together. And of course, the 3 times champion couldn't get a budget to defend his titles.......and has ended up in the Historics, albeit successfully.

[hutchie]

Is that newsletter available to find anywhere or could be forwarded to myself, would be keen to input into the future of the championship.

[AndyRAC]

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/T8J2WYB

[J4MIE]

It’ll be a data gathering exercise that they can use to entice sponsors to pay for more champagne and prawn sandwiches on expenses.

[Sal yet again]

Will be interesting if UK licence holders are mailed to ask their opinions of how the BRC should look..

[HKSjbg]

I would have thought so, I received it because I once had a license a few years ago so current license holders must be on the same mailing list

[AndyRAC]

It’ll be a data gathering exercise that they can use to entice sponsors to pay for more champagne and prawn sandwiches on expenses.

Ha ha, you old cynic......;)

[WRCStan]

It’ll be a data gathering exercise that they can use to entice sponsors to pay for more champagne and prawn sandwiches on expenses.

Not with these guys' answers.

[Sal yet again]

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2022/cambrian/entries.php?type=u

Most of the championship regulars that are still represented on the Cambrian entry

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2022/cambrian/entries.php?type=u

Most of the championship regulars that are still represented on the Cambrian entry

I see just Bell, E.Payne & Pearson...

[Sal yet again]

Oh the joys of posting a provisional entry list!

[HKSjbg]

Pretty big news for the Cambrian:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/solberg-to-contest-cambrian-rally/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pretty big news for the Cambrian:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/solberg-to-contest-cambrian-rally/

Great stuff... just the boost that he, we and the event needed.

[HKSjbg]

Yeah if they’re smart about it the BRC will include him in their video coverage. If it wasn’t for the fact he was official competing at Rali Ceredigion in the TER Series they should have done the same with Hayden Paddon.

Let’s just hope Solberg competing (and let’s face it, probably winning) the Cambrian isn’t just glossed over and they actually capitalise on it to bring some more media interest to British rallying.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

EVO on the season finale:

https://www.evo.co.uk/rallying/205137/oliver-solberg-returns-to-rally-in-the-2022-british-rally-championship-finale

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solberg appears to be using the BRC-winning Polo of Osian Pryce (POIO MEM)...

https://twitter.com/OliverSolberg01/status/1585313716391714828?s=20&t=hNs8b46TGFDwwkJyLSUwlA

[HKSjbg]

Not the best livery, but then show me a good Monster livery!

[dimviii]

Solberg appears to be using the BRC-winning Polo of Osian Pryce (POIO MEM)...

https://twitter.com/OliverSolberg01/status/1585313716391714828?s=20&t=hNs8b46TGFDwwkJyLSUwlA

he is keeping the trend which used at Hyundai before the rallies,excuses that he has to run 3 years at Wales.
Too much annoying,he wants to have an excuse if he will not be fast.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

he is keeping the trend which used at Hyundai before the rallies,excuses that he has to run 3 years at Wales.
Too much annoying,he wants to have an excuse if he will not be fast.

That's just your interpretation of a fact he is stating. He's said nothing but positive things about being back on the Wales stages that he loves.

[dimviii]

That's just your interpretation of a fact he is stating.
no its not my interpretation,he is doing this constantly.Search his posts.


He's said nothing but positive things about being back on the Wales stages that he loves.

didnt say that he said something negative

[Fast Eddie WRC]

no its not my interpretation,he is doing this constantly.Search his posts.



He says it because it's TRUE... most WRC rallies are still new to him and need learning.

And regarding the Cambrian Rally, on the contrary, he's actually reminding people that he HAS been to Wales before and even done two of the stages.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

O Solberg:
'Great fun on the @CambrianRally shakedown today - ride onboard from my perspective through the stage and see why I love these roads so much !'

Hardly looking for excuses if he's not fast.

[HKSjbg]

Anyone know where the shakedown stage was? I gather that the Clocaenog stage of the actual rally is Clocaenog East rather than -Mid. East was often a popular choice for the shakedown stage on Rally GB though

[the sniper]

Anyone know where the shakedown stage was? I gather that the Clocaenog stage of the actual rally is Clocaenog East rather than -Mid. East was often a popular choice for the shakedown stage on Rally GB though

The middle hasn't been used much for years due to the windfarm that went in there. Some of the tracks are now really wide and well maintained, while some of the more characterful bits and link roads previously used for rallying appear to be little used or somewhat abandoned by forestry operations.

I wondered whether that shakedown stage was somewhere west of Penmachno, but I'm not that familiar the area. It look's more Mid Wales-ish to me though.

[J4MIE]

Shakedown was at Dolwyddelan.
The Clocaenog stage is using vast majority that was the Rally GB shakedown stage.

I’m still annoyed that it’s one of the few stages I’ve not done competitively as spectators walking out down the road caused it to be cancelled for us in 2016 :mad:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solberg 10s faster than anyone on SS3, the first gravel stage.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FgOqMwfXkAEzv8-?format=jpg&name=medium

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS6 Pearson stopped with broken steering. :(

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FgO6QvjXwAAWK1p?format=jpg&name=medium

And Bell lost a lot of time with a misted windscreen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bale damage for Williams and boost pipe issue on SS6...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FgPBGAIX0AIauWg?format=jpg&name=medium

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So a comfortable win by Solberg with no dramas despite very wet and slippery conditions.

Ruairi Bell the best of the rest (& the BRC win) whilst others had all kinds of troubles.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Special Stage's live coverage was pretty good. Here's their highlights:
https://youtu.be/DrreLZ7HY-E

[HKSjbg]

Some good viewing spots there, Brenig perhaps? There was live streaming of the stage ends with Julian Porter too on youtube, obviously no action but was still interesting to see Solberg and the rest interviewed post stage

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some good viewing spots there, Brenig perhaps? There was live streaming of the stage ends with Julian Porter too on youtube, obviously no action but was still interesting to see Solberg and the rest interviewed post stage

Yes, Brenig... and Penmachno.

[Sulland]

Always good with a win! I would have thought it had been better competition, but may be all is decided already!

Hopefully Oliver will get together a nice program for 23, with many nice experiences to build confidence.
I would give him a year in WRC2, and developing program for the new Puma, with a test centre in Sweden, keeping Petter busy, and letting Oliver to get on with rallies on his own!

[the sniper]

Always good with a win! I would have thought it had been better competition, but may be all is decided already!

Most of this year's top Championship contenders (Price, Cronin, Pritchard) didn't turn up unfortunately as Pryce had already won the title. They'd have kept him more honest, but I don't think they could have beaten him.

Did anybody else go to the Cambrian? Seemed pretty busy, not just the hardcore there. At least two of the car parks were full a while before the stage started at Alwen. I'd paid in advance (apparently you could pay on the gate, despite what was advertised...?) but I ended up parking elsewhere, off out of the way (not the main road).

[Sal yet again]

Didnt go at the weekend however the crowds looked pretty big for a British national event from the videos Ive seen, probably the biggest Ive seen all year. Not sure it was the Oliver effect or just an appetite to stand out in the rain! Interesting to see the crews using full tarmac suspension on the Friday night, log time since there has been a proper dual surface event in the BRC...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looked a good turnout... and why not as it's the nearest thing we have to a (mini) Wales Rally GB with those stages.

Plus the awful weather, although classic, may even have put off a good few casuals and locals who might've attended otherwise.

[HKSjbg]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/brc/where-is-the-british-rally-championship-headed/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/brc/where-is-the-british-rally-championship-headed/

A through examination by Luke Barry there, but no nearer to finding the solution.