R.A.C. joins Rally2 Championship
The Roger Albert Clark Rally will form part of a fresh attempt to attract two-wheel-drive cars onto gravel rallies in 2019, as it will be included in the Rally2 Championship next season.
The Rally 2wd campaign was a rally format launched at the beginning of the year, incorporating events which split into two and run as separate events for two and four-wheel-drive cars with the intention of giving historics and two-wheel drives better road position at the front of the field.
It was incredibly successful, and as part of it the Rally2 Championship launched to cater to the interest.
But in June, Motorsport UK chairman David Richards helped to alleviate the issue by allowing events to seed in two separate fields, meaning most gravel events since have run low-powered and historic cars at the front.
That left the Rally2 series seemingly lacking appeal, but championship co-ordinator Matt Cotton is confident this year’s calendar, which also adds the Woodpecker Rally, is of value to relevant crews.
“You could say that Rally2 lost its USP in the middle of last season but one thing is clear from the feedback we have had over the past few months, and that is there is still a big appetite for the Rally2 series in 2019,” said Cotton.
“We have listened to our competitors and brought in some changes for next year while keeping the championship fresh and interesting for all crews, no matter what they are driving or how experienced they are.”
For the R.A.C., Rally2 drivers will be eligible for points on the Sunday leg taking in parts of southern Scotland. Those competing in the full R.A.C. can also register.
The events missing from this year’s calendar are the Trackrod Rally and the Red Kite Stages.
A reserve entry list has been opened for the R.A.C. after the capacity of 130 deposits from UK crews was passed.
The five-day, 300-stage mile event will start one year today, on November 21, 2019.
Six of the 20 places reserved for overseas crews have also been taken.
Rally manager Colin Heppenstall said: “We know from experience that some of those deposits will be withdrawn over the coming months for a whole host of reasons. So if anyone is considering entering, please do not be put off.”