SRC heads to Carlisle due to unfortunate Argyll cancellation

Organisers of the KNC Groundworks Scottish Rally Championship (SRC) have extended their sympathies to Mull Car Club who did all they could to ensure the Argyll Rally remained on the 2020 rally calendar.

The Argyll Rally has been a feature of the SRC calendar since it was relaunched in 2017, and has played host to some epic battles that proved decisive in the outcome of the championship on more than one occasion.

Utilising recent changes to the Road Traffic Act in Scotland that devolves power to close public roads from the government to Motorsport UK and rally organisers, the Argyll Rally was excitingly set to become a Tarmac rally for the first time in its history in 2020.

But unforunately event organisers haven’t been able to secure the relevant authorisations within the timeframe available, and they’ve had to take the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event. However, plans are already underway for the 2021 event which promises to be a proper challenge.

“Mull Car Club are disappointed to announce that the 2020 Argyll Rally will not be running,” a statement from Mull Car Club said.

“The timescales for obtaining the Motorsport Order were short and it has not proved possible to complete the required procedures within the time required.

“We would like to pass on our thanks to the sponsors, authorities and volunteers that have spent a tremendous amount of time preparing for 2020. This effort will not be wasted since on a positive note, the work already put in has put us well ahead of schedule for 2021 and we look forward to bringing the great, new look event to you all next year.”

The cancellation of the Argyll means that the Carlisle Stages, the 2020 reserve event, now becomes the final round of the Scottish Rally Championship for the first time; taking place on 24 October.

It marks a return to cross-border stages in Scotland and England that haven’t featured in the SRC since the Jim Clark Forest Rally in 2015.

The SRC therefore remains a mixed-surface, seven round championship but the new-for-2020 North of Scotland Championship has been trimmed to just three events: Snowman Rally, Speyside Stages and Grampian Forest Rally.

SRC Chairman Gordon Adam sympathised with the Argyll organisers and praised their efficiency in taking this decision in time for the reserve event to be slotted into the calendar.

“It’s obviously a huge shame for not just the SRC but for Mull Car Club and the local Dunoon residents that the Argyll Rally will not run in 2020,” Adam said.

“The plans were looking tremendously exciting but we remain optimistic that the event can come back stronger than ever in 2021.

“We are delighted to be heading to the Carlisle Stages which is more than worthy of a slot on the SRC calendar. It will be a new challenge for most of our crews and should be a cracking end to the season.”