Rallying secured at Down Ampney

The future rallying use of the Down Ampney airfield has been secured for five years following work by the Cotswold Motor Sport Group.

The Gloucestershire venue will again host three single-venue rallies this season and the new agreement means more money will be invested to improve the concrete surface of the former war time airfield.

Three local clubs, Cheltenham Motor Club, Cirencester Car Club, and Stonehouse-based EMCOS, run events at the venue.

“Previously the clubs have only had firm confirmation of the venue being available during February or March each year,” said Dave Cooper, chairman of the CMSG, who led the negotiations. “Because of this late notice it has not been possible to do much improvement work on the venue. I am now happy to say that the three clubs have this fiveyear agreement which, in this time of shrinking number of venues, is an achievement.”

Down Ampney, south of Cirencester, has been used for stage rallying since the mid-1970s, and around £10,000 has been spent on surface repairs in recent times. More money will now be spent to address the worst sections of the stage.

The planned 2017 dates are April 1 (Cheltenham MC), April 29 (Cirencester CC) and May 27 (EMCOS). All events are part of the Cotswold Motor Sport Group Competitors Club Championship which is, for the 14th year, being supported by BP Motors Bodybuilders and Engineers.