BTRDA GETS 2022 UNDERWAY
The UK’s premier loose-surface rally series begins this weekend, Nick Garton takes a look at what the coming season will bring
This weekend’s Malcolm Wilson Rally on the M-Sport founder’s home turf in Cockermouth marks the start of the BTRDA’s crown-jewel Rally Series, bringing eight rounds of loose surface action and a huge variety of contenders in the classes.
The huge and varied class structure makes each BTRDA a positive circus for rally fans, with entrants battling it out for the prestigious BTRDA Gold Star with four-wheel-drive machinery such as current WRC2-spec R5/Rally2 equipment and potent B13-spec cars like the Mitsubishi Evo series.
The Silver Star for two-wheel-drive cars is a category where the modern machines are yet to overcome the pace and popularity of the timeless Ford Escort Mk2, prompting much sideways action, while the Bronze Star for cars up to 1400cc is a home for many Kit Cars including the Nissan Micra and Ford Puma.
Within the main framework there are also awards for the BTRDA Rally First Cup budget series, the BTRDA Historic Cup and both senior and junior R2 1600 Cups. Together with the local series which are attached to each event, the BTRDA promises to bring a wealth of colour, variety and competition to British gravel once again this season.
Round 1
Malcolm Wilson Rally – March 12 Where: Dovenby Hall, Cockermouth Organiser: Morecambe Car Club, Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club & West Cumbria Motorsport Club
The last time that this storied gravel event was held, in 2020, it was won by one of M-Sport’s stars of the future, Adrien Fourmaux, at the wheel of a full-house Fiesta R5 Mk2 on a weekend off from his WRC2 programme.
This year a total of six stages will test the capacity entry for the event, led by the iconic Grizedale North and Grizedale South, scene of so many national and WRC classics. For full information on the event and how to watch it go to malcolmwilson.co.uk.
Round 2
Rallynuts Stages – April 9 Where: Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells Organiser: Midland Manor Motor Club
The 48th running or Rallynuts will be the first since the Covid disruption forced a brief move to the end of the year, and will prove a huge hit for competitors and spectators alike.
The day-long event crams in fortyfour miles of competitive action, spread over six stages in the Myherin, Sweet Lamb/Hafren and Sarnau forests, made famous by generations of WRC action.
Contenders in the lower engine capacity and historic classes will run at the front of the field in a reverse seeded order to ensure prime road conditions before the main field follow on in a traditional seeded format. To keep abreast of the latest entries and plan how and where to watch, visit rallynutsrally.co.uk.
Round 3
Border Counties Rally – May 14 Where: Jedburgh Organiser: Hawick & Border Car Club and Berwick & District Motor Club
Returning to the Scottish calendar for the first time since 2020 and with a later spring date than is traditional, the Border Counties also appears on the BTRDA schedule for the first time in 30 years.
There are few areas steeped in motorsport quite like the Scottish Borders, and the route promises to be picturesque as the crews tackle stages in the Tweed Valley and Wauchope Forest. Details of what lies in store for competitors and spectators have yet to be finalised, but for all relevant information to make the most of the day, visit bordercountiesrally.co.uk.
Round 4
Kielder Forest Rally – June 18 Location: Hexham Auction Mart Organiser: Cumberland Sporting Car Club
Yet another iconic venue for British rallying through the ages, Kielder has been the making and breaking of reputations at every level of the sport in national and World championship competition for decades.
The BTRDA runners will face six stages totalling 45 miles on a compact event that will nevertheless provide them with all the challenges that have been much missed after the forestry commission sought to keep access to the forests to a minimum during the Covid pandemic. To make plans for getting out to see the action, visit kielderforestrally.co.uk.
Round 5
Nicky Grist Stages – July 9 Where: Builth Wells Organiser: Quinton Motor Club
Returning to its full pomp in 2022, the Nicky Grist will take over Builth Wells this summer, with the HQ being reestablished in the Strand Hall and the start and finish celebrations in picturesque Groe Park.
Last year a battle between the long-standing rivals Matt Edwards and Tom Cave brought the dusty summer event to life. The British Rally Championship will be absent this year, but the battle among the BTRDA regulars will be no less inspiring, the margin of victory being just nine seconds last year.
For full spectator information please visit nickygriststages.co.uk.
Round 6
Woodpecker Rally – September 3 Where: Kinnerton, Powys Organiser: Sixty & Worcester Motor Club
Radnor Forest – it sounds like it was created by JRR Tolkein and it is no less epic in its heritage or its position in the top-flight of British gravel rally venues. The Woodpecker Rally moved to Radnor in 2021 after the
English forests near its traditional home in Ludlow were closed to rally events by the local forestry commission.
England’s loss proved to be rallying’s gain as the capacity entry in 2021 attested and another strong turn-out can be anticipated in 2022. The route and spectator information are yet to be announced so keep eyes peeled on the news pages of MN and check in at woodpecker-rally.co.uk.
Round 7
Trackrod Rally Yorkshire – September 23-24 Where: Filey, North Yorkshire Organiser: Trackrod Motor Club
The eastern-most round of the BTRDA this year will be an autumnal feast over 45 miles will also be the only overnighter for the series this season.
As has become tradition, the event will feature two key elements: Rally Yorkshire will run over nearly 60 stage miles as the HRCR and Land Rovers get in some extra action on Friday evening with one nighttime stage. On Saturday, the BTRDA regulars will join in the fun as a the Trackrod Forest Stages gets underway in the Yorkshire forests. For full information please visit rallyyorkshire.co.uk.
Round 8
Cambrian Rally – October 29 Where: Llandudno Organiser: North Wales Car Club
As in 2021, the Cambrian will bring a double dose of top-quality action as the BTRDA and the BRC both take to the classic Welsh stages, with both series in for their curtainclosing round of the year.
The Llandudno-based Cambrian celebrates its 66th running in 2022, with the classic stages of Gwydyr, Penmachno and Alwen being joined by a new six-mile asphalt test. High drama, heartbreak and celebration can be expected throughout the field, so to plan your visit stay tuned to MN and be sure to visit cambrianrally.co.uk.