Pirelli will continue as title sponsors of the MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship in 2017, writes Peter Hughes.
Welcoming the news, Championship co-ordinator Dave Evison said, “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Pirelli.
“We view it as a tribute to everyone involved with the championship, including event organisers and competitors, that one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers wants to be associated with the series.”
He added, “The Championship grew both in profile and the number of competitors registered once again in 2017 and the continued support of Pirelli will help us to continue this progress.”
Meanwhile, the Championship organisers have unveiled an amended calendar following the cancellation of the Grooms Garage Mid Wales Stages.
That event will now be replaced by the Red Dragon Stages, which takes place on 19 August and will feature competitive sections in the Walters Arena complex and nearby Natural Resources Wales forestry estate.
Speaking on behalf of organising club Port Talbot MC, Alan Stoneman said, “We are pleased to welcome the championship back. Our aim is to offer competitors 38 – 40 stage miles for a very competitive entry fee.”
Dave Evison concluded “We are very sorry to lose the Mid Wales Stages especially given all the hard work put in by the organising team, we hope the event will return in 2018 so contenders can enjoy the World Class stages again.
“We believe the Red Dragon Stages are a worthy replacement and it will give our competitors an opportunity to tackle some great South Wales stages.”
The calendar remains subject to MSA approval and more information about the Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship can be found at on the Championship Facebook page, on the Twitter page @WnRC or http://www.wnrc.wamc.org.uk/.