There's more good news for Newtown and the surrounding area on the back of the the WRC Wales Rally GB after it emerged today that the IMS British Rally Championship is returning.
The seven round championship will kick off in Newtown on 5 and 6 March 2016 as part of a renewed and revitalised championships, according to organisers.
The event is expected to use Broad Street as a start for the stages in Hafren and Myherin, also being used in the Wales Rally GB this November which will have a ceremonial stage start from Broad Street.
In what’s set to be the biggest shake-up for many years, next season’s revitalised BRC will be staged throughout the British Isles and will include a mix of gravel and asphalt surfaces to provide crews with the ultimate challenge in national rallying.
Starting in March and concluding in September, the new championship will comprise seven events, of which four are retained from previous years, while three are new or returning rounds of the championship.
Montgomeryshire's very own Mark Higgins, who lives at Abermule and was British rally champion 1997, 2005 and 2006, said: “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.”
Ben Taylor, IMS Managing Director, said: "Compiling a brand new calendar has been one of the most challenging aspects of putting the new BRC together; every event and date change has ramifications across the sport and we have tried to be mindful of that.
“We are grateful to all the events that expressed an interest in being involved, either next year or in the future - they have taken a great leap of faith to support what we are trying to achieve.
"I am thrilled with the quality of the events that we have secured on the calendar and I am sure they will provide the best possible test of the best drivers in British rallying next year.”
