Isle of Man and Epynt Ranges return to BRC in revised 2016 calendar
The British Rally Championship has announced an amended calendar for the series' return in 2016
Rally Isle of Man becomes the new title decider, featuring double points, while the Nicky Grist Stages based at Builth Wells Showground also joins the fray.
The NG Stages will run its usual national event with the BTRDA on Saturday, before moving to the Epynt Ranges for the first proper mixed surface event in the BRC since 1987.
The Welsh International followed the same route in period, and was often more popular than some World Rally Championship rounds.
It was won by the likes of 1984 WRC champion Stig Blomqvist, multiple BRC champion Russell Brookes and M-Sport team boss Malcolm Wilson.
Former WRC co-driver Nicky Grist - who organises the event with the Quinton Motor Club - is sure his team will be able to cope with the increased demand of running Britain's two biggest rally championships over one weekend.
"We're a late addition but my organising team and Quinton motor club are very enthusiastic and a very capable group of organisers," explained Grist.
"They've been running the event for a few years now to a high level, but also the single venue tarmac event as well.
"They're the perfect team to take the event forward with the BRC."
Rally Isle of Man chairman Jonathan Gill is hoping for a dramatic title decider.
"We put on a fantastic event in 2014 and had our best entry in years," said Gill.
"So to be invited to be the final round for the new revived and exciting BRC is an ideal end to 2015 for us."
The two rounds to depart are the Jim Clark Rally and the Granite City Rally.
The Jim Clark has been forced to remain in gravel format for 2016, rather than switching to tarmac, and will continue as an event.
However, the BRC was keen to avoid having three similar rallies based within 150 miles, while the Granite City Rally's change of promoter is behind its removal.
Both events could return in 2017 following a review by the championship.
The BRC will run with R5 cars at the front for its return, with former champion David Bogie among the names signed up.
Two-time DMACK Trophy runner-up Tom Cave will also contest the opening round.
2016 BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR:
March 5-6: Mid Wales Stages, Newtown, gravel
April 8-9: Circuit of Ireland, Belfast, asphalt
April 30-May 1: Pirelli Carlisle Rally, Carlisle, gravel
June 25: RSAC Scottish rally, Dumfries, gravel
July 9-10: Nicky Grist Stages, Builth Wells, gravel/asphalt
August 19-20: Ulster Rally, Belfast, asphalt
September 15-17: Rally Isle of Man, asphalt
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Williams reserve Aitken remains with Campos, targets F2 title
Rookie Tyler Reddick thinks he can make 2020 NASCAR Cup playoffs
The Daytona 500's greatest upset, 30 years on
Latvala: Neuville, Evans tied for WRC Croatia lead "something special"
WEC Imola: Ferrari remains on top in FP2 as Fuoco beats Porsche
WRC Croatia: Neuville, Evans tied for the lead after eight stages
WIN! A VIP Race Weekend Experience in Monaco
How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore
How Lotus emerged as a period Goodwood force
How to get the best out of amateur racers
How Radical revamped its record-breaking flagship model
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments