WORDS BY: THE PIT STOP TEAM IMAGES BY: BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
The British Rally Championship has unveiled its 2024 calendar, which features two brand-new events to the series and a reduction from seven to six rallies.
The North West Stages and Rallynuts Stages join the roster as rounds one and two, and both are new to the British championship. The North West is a relatively new closed-road event in Lancashire but has already been widely acclaimed, while the Rallynuts boasts classic Rally GB stages like Sweet Lamb Hafren and Myherin.
The Jim Clark Rally, Rali Ceredigion and Cambrian Rally all remain from 2023, while the Grampian Forest Rally returns having been included in the championship in both 2021 and '22.
There'll be seven points scoring opportunities with Rali Ceredigion acting as a double-header, with the season beginning in March and ending in October.
Three events will be held on Tarmac closed-road stages (North West, Jim Clark, Ceredigion) with the other three on gravel forest roads (Rallynuts, Grampian, Cambrian).
Unlike 2023 where two events were held off the UK mainland, all six rounds will be in Scotland, England or Wales.
The BRC also welcomes Probite onboard as title sponsor - the BRC's first since Prestone partnered the championship in 2017-18.
British Rally Championship manager Reece Tarren said: "Ensuring we don’t have two high-cost rounds in close proximity has been a stringent consideration and we have listened to feedback from both existing and prospective competitors about the dynamics of the BRC calendar.
"I truly believe this is an exciting new chapter of rallies which offers our competitors an unrivalled challenge in 2024.
"Our focus has been on larger, longer, and more challenging events, each with its own characteristics to keep everyone on their toes! At the same time of course, we have been stringently looking at budgets to ensure the BRC is obtainable for all, and introducing several new measures ensures it is one of the most cost-effective calendars in recent times.
"We are also working hard on a new media offering for next year which will also elevate the championship once again.
"I'm also delighted to welcome Probite as title sponsor to the series in 2024. Having collaborated with them as partners this season, their passion and enthusiasm for motorsport and the BRC is unrivalled and it’s a fantastic addition to the championship.
"I really can't wait to start our new chapter at the Autosport Show in January."
BRC 2024 calendar:
March 22/23: North West Stages
April 13: Rallynuts Stages
May 24/25: Jim Clark Rally
August 9/10: Grampian Forest Rally
August 31/September 1: Rali Ceredgion
October 26: Cambrian Rally