We need to act before it’s too late

Last chance saloon is a tired old phrase, but I can’t think of a better one to use in the current situation. The MSA has exhausted almost every angle for reaching an agreement with Natural Resources Wales and the clock is ticking towards that June 1 deadline. Can rallying survive without Wales? It’s a tough one. The answer? I’d say no.

Yes, there are private forests that can be used for rallying. But some of the greatest forest roads will be lost to the sport.

So, what can we do? I say ‘ we’ as someone who spent the best part of 12 years living in Wales. I’ll be right there campaigning. With an election tomorrow voting in the members of the new National Assembly, it’s vital that MPS are aware of the importance of rallying to Wales, and that motorsport fans do want to save rallying in the nation. With a thriving rallying industry as popular in Wales (if not more popular) than in Scotland and England, its survival is vital.

While I encourage any action to be taken peacefully and respectfully, fans of rallying must unite in order to help find a solution. It’s no time for blaming either party, or turning your back on other elements of rallying. I was shocked over the weekend as many British fans merely focused on the Pirelli Carlisle and had no time whatsoever for Wales’ plight. The time to act is now, before it’s far too late.