Oulton Park to host British Rally Championship opener
- Neil Howard Stages in association with Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors to host opening round of 2021 British Rally Championship
- Additional event added to British Championship calendar, taking series to three asphalt and four gravel events
- BRC season now commences in May at Cheshire circuit
Despite announcing its six-round calendar of events just last week (16th March), British Rally Championship organisers have since been offered the opportunity to open the season at the Cheshire circuit in May, bringing an additional asphalt event to the schedule.
The impressive Cheshire circuit played host to the opening special stage of Wales Rally GB in 2019 which provided a unique and challenging backdrop for the best rally drivers in the world.
That setting will now provide the starting point for the BRC elite in what is sure to be a close-run first round thanks to its tightly-packed yet unforgivable format.
The BRC top-flight will go head-to-head with the popular Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship series regulars for the first time, offering a ramped-up look to the event and the race for overall honours.
British Rally Championship Manager Iain Campbell said: “The British Rally Championship is delighted to be opening its 2021 season at such a prestigious location as Oulton Park and breaking new ground for the series at the same time.
The BRC prides itself on being a progressive series with each event in the calendar offering a unique characteristic and the Neil Howard Stages is certainly going to provide a very different start to the 2021 season for our championship contenders.
Of course, rallying at a circuit is not a new concept with the Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship enjoying a successful number of seasons now and events like ACI Rally Monza on the WRC tour have proven that the format can work well.
We have been working hard on delivering a calendar worthy of the British title and it’s clear in the past 18 months or so we all have to step outside of our comfort zone. The opportunity to get the season underway in May is very appealing I`m very excited to see how the BRC goes at Oulton.”
Updated 2021 Motorsport UK British Rally Championship Calendar
Round 1 – Neil Howard Stages in assoc. with Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors – 31 May
Round 2 – Nicky Grist Stages, Builth Wells – 10 July
Round 3 – Grampian Forest Stages, Banchory – 14 August
Round 4 – Trackrod Rally Yorkshire, Scarborough – 24/25 September
Round 5 – Beatson’s Building Supplies Mull Rally, Isle of Mull – 8/9 October
Round 6 – Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally, Llandudno – 30 October
Round 7 – Today’s Ulster Rally, Newry – 20 November
