Chris Kelly Memorial Manx Stages Rally - 29-30 Sep 23 - NOT GOING AHEAD

Statement: Manx Autosport plans future of rallying on the Isle of Man

Posted: August 31, 2023 6:49 AM

Special stage rallying on the Isle of Man is set for a strong future after a significant restructure of Manx Autosport, the club responsible for running rallies on the island.

Following the success of the Manx Rally in May, when 130 competitors tackled nearly 140 stage miles on classic closed roads, rallying on the island is now being planned into the medium term with a new and enthusiastic team taking the reins.

However, the time scales involved after running the May event mean that the event planned for September 2023 will no longer take place. Instead, Manx Autosport plans to run two major events in each of the following years, and a detailed outline of dates and events for 2024, ‘25 and ‘26 will be issued over the summer months.

With the increasing demands and challenges faced by rally organisers, particularly those running major closed road rallies, a complete review of the organisation and functioning of Manx Autosport has been undertaken. The aim of the restructure is to ensure the long term future of rallying on the island, which has a proud and significant 60 year history.

After a troubled period for rallying on the island, largely following the impact of Covid, the club is working closely with all relevant government departments, voluntary agencies and championship organisers to ensure a co-ordinated and detailed programme of events for at least the next three years. Manx Autosport is pleased to confirm positive support from the island government for its plans.

Manx Autosport chair Leonie Marchbank said:
“Of course, we're very disappointed to have to cancel our proposed event for this September. But we have been very busy rebuilding the organising team and restructuring the club, so that we can build on the success of our event in May. Obviously, any rally of this scale requires a huge amount of time and effort from our willing volunteers and we will always learn from each event to ensure that future events are better still. Cancelling the September rally gives us the breathing space we need to come back bigger and stronger in 2024. We believe it is the right thing to do. We have iconic special stages on the island and we all want to see the island roads used twice a year from 2024 onwards. It is all about future-proofing rallying on the island.

Marchbank continued:
“We thank everyone who supported the rally in May which drew outstanding feedback from competitors, who were able to tackle up to 140 classic miles across two days of tremendous competition for a very cost effective entry fee. Our aim for 2024 and beyond is to continue to deliver outstanding events on outstanding roads in the very best tradition of Isle of Man rallying. We hope that competitors, marshals and fans from across the UK and further afield will come and enjoy what is an incredible island for closed road motor sport.”

Manx Autosport Club