… MSA British Rally Championship …
… UK Rally Ltd statement 24th March 2014 …
UK Rally Ltd, the promoter of the MSA British Rally Championship, shares the disappointment of the organisers of Rally North Wales in making the difficult decision to cancel the event and has issued the following statement:
The cancellation of Rally North Wales, a round of the MSA British Rally Championship, MSA British Historic Rally Championship and MSA Welsh Rally Championship was the result of the combined effect of a shortage of entries on all constituent parts of the rally.
The issues that faced Rally North Wales are not unique and the remaining events face similar challenges. However, most benefit from additional income from local authorities and external partnerships, both of which were lacking in this case.
The team at UK Rally Ltd has always strived to deliver the highest of professional standards, acting in the interests of stakeholders of the sport to manage wide-ranging aspirations.
UK Rally Ltd is on public record, it is run as a not-for-profit organisation with revenue re invested in promoting and developing a broad mix of media including TV, social and new media platforms, presence at non motorsport promotional events, media and open days, plus the search and activation of sponsorship.
During its tenure it has succeeded in fulfilling its objectives, developed new talent who are succeeding at international level and sustained a commercially viable series, despite experiencing one of the harshest of economic recessions on record.
Following a consultation with all its current stakeholders, UK Rally will submit a tender for the next period and if successful will work with the MSA in support of a new strategy.
Should the tender be unsuccessful, the team will continue to work to the utmost professional standards to ensure a smooth hand over.
2014 is predicted to be another difficult year as competitor numbers are down across the board, as a result of motorsport trailing behind the economic recovery. However, while there are promising signs of sponsorship upturn, leading agencies suggest that more favourable football and rugby properties are available and motorsport will need to ‘stand in line’.
In the face of these challenges the stage rally community must unite, set aside vested interest to give focus on evolving and sustaining the sport we all share a passion for.