Exciting news for all British rallying fans, the proposed events and dates for next season's British championship have been released! Along with the new eligible class of cars, three events that haven't been used in years have been added along with four from the blighted 2014 season. It promises to revoke the series back to its former glory. Triple champion Mark Higgins agrees, "The British championship has historically been a fantastic stepping stone for aspiring drivers aiming for the WRC, especially as it allows crews to recce and make their own pace notes on fantastic events and stages. I’m very glad to see the championship back again and hope the new format can put it back on the map as one of the best the world.” And the 2014 champion Daniel McKenna echoes these thoughts, "The BRC was an important stepping stone for me to cut my teeth and prepare for the World Championship. To follow in the footsteps of great names like Burns, Vatanen and McRae is a real achievement and honour.” Let's now have a look at all of the proposed events for 2016. To say I'm not excited would be a huge lie! Mid Wales Stages (March 5th - 6th)Round 1 kicks off in Wales on the 5th and 6th of March, using classic tests such as Myherin and Hafren that are included in the grueling Wales Rally GB. This is not only great for the spectators and competitors who get to see the cars competing on iconic stages, but it prepares the aspiring drivers for some of the terrain the World Championship will throw at them. CIRCUIT OF IRELAND (April 8th-9th)Perhaps the most exciting news is the inclusion of the Circuit of Ireland Rally, which returns to the British series for the first time since 1991 when Colin McRae was the victor. The Circuit is the second biggest rally on the British calendar, and its inclusion in this provisional calendar proves the strength of the returning championship. Appetisingly, the British drivers will be competing head to head with the boys from the European Rally Championship in equal machinery, just look the good old days ten years ago when the Irish Tarmac Championship competed on British tarmac rounds. Pirelli Rally (April 29th - 30th)No British championship would be complete without a trip to the legendary Kielder forest, would it? The largest man made forestry in the world will play host to round 3 of the championship at the end of April. Known as a car breaker, this classic rally really will test the cars and the drivers to the limit. The Pirelli is actually the only rally in the championship that is in England. Jim Clark Rally (May 27th-28th)The mid-way point of the season sees the championship's second of three tarmac events, and the first of three in Scotland - the Jim Clark Rally. For 2016 the rally will return to the country lanes around Duns after the 2015 was run in Kielder Forest due to ongoing investigations into the tragic events of 2014. The Jim Clark Rally's narrow and rapid roads provide the ultimate test and separates the men from the boys. RSAC Scottish Rally (June 24th-25th)Summer is in full swing as the championship heads to Dumfries and the west of Scotland for the RSAC Scottish Rally. The Scottish rally recently returned to the series after a few years absence, and is a firm favourite with fans and drivers alike. The Ae test in particular is a real classic, as is the spectator friendly Heathall. However, if you are going out to the forests, bring a midge net! ULSTER RALLY (August 19th-20th)After a two month break, the championship heads back to Ireland for the Ulster Rally. Quite similar to the Circuit of Ireland in style, Ulster poses another great challenge for drivers. Tight junctions, small crests and narrow lanes, making a mistake can be rather easy. Granite City Rally (September 9th-10th)The final round of the season is the Granite City Rally, based in Aberdeen. Currently part of the Scottish championship, this years' events was a thriller with rivals David Bogie (pictured above) and Dave Weston Jr trading tenths of a second to eventually tie on overall time. The Subaru driver won the rally courtesy to getting the first fastest stage time. In previous years, BRC drivers have used the event as an extra testing session for the Scottish rally. This history could make the Granite the perfect curtain closer for the British Rally Championship.
There's the provisional calendar for the 2016 British Rally Championship. It's been a big shame that the championship has been dormant for 2015, but the fact 2016 looks set to bring the series back to its best makes it worthwhile. I can't wait!
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BRITISH RALLYINGArticles covering rally in Britain, looking at the MSA BRC Archives
September 2017
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