Thursday 18th April 2019

Closed-road motorsport returns to Scotland

Jim Clark and Mull rallies look set to return with latest rule changes

---

It's been a couple of years since the announcement that closed-road motorsport was to return to Britain. But while events such as the Coventry Motofest have already taken advantage of it in England, and similar legislation was enacted for Wales in 2018, it's taken until now for Scotland to catch up.

In what's described as "a landmark development for motorsport in Scotland" however, it now has, and could soon overtake its fellow British nations with events like the Jim Clark Rally and Mull Rally free to return to the annual calendar once more.

The result comes off the back of a lengthy campaign by Motorsport UK, whose chairman, David Richards, said: "This is fantastic news. Closed-road events help organisers take motorsport to new audiences and this legislation will create a wealth of opportunities for everyone associated with motorsport in Scotland; from competitors, volunteers and fans, to communities and businesses who will benefit economically from hosting local events.

"The response to the public consultation was overwhelmingly positive and a clear demonstration of the passion for motorsport in Scotland. At Motorsport UK we are committed to making our sport more accessible, in all its forms. For the first time, laws are now in place to allow closed-road events in all four nations of the United Kingdom, providing a wonderful opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation of motorsport fans."

Of course, not all Scottish residents will be particularly happy at the thought of more petrolheads heading their way. While the North Coast 500 is renowned as perhaps the UK's greatest driving route, and the prospect of closed-road racing on it is an enticing one, the surge in and behaviour of visitors and has led to outcry amongst locals. Some have even gone as far as to sabotage the route.

Still, with closed-road racing being a wholly more organised affair, and with the entirety of the UK now on the same page regarding the events for the first time, the prospects for public motorsport now look better than ever.

[re33]

Coming from N. Ireland I think there is nothing better than a closed road rally but organisers have to be very careful to work with locals.

A mix of misinformation, social media and usual NIMBY types can destroy an event and make the running of future events very difficult. With more and more houses on back roads some classic stages are basically unusable. After event communication is important too, especially fixing any property damage ASAP.

[re33]

thepawbroon said:

As one of the Mull Rally organising team, I'm very delighted at this news. We have been working very hard to make sure this happens, and that we can deliver a rally once it did. The Beatson's Building Supplies Mull Rally (50th anniversary) will take place on 11-13 October this year.

You make some good points, on Mull we are blessed with a lower population density but still resident issues arise. We've always found a way to work in harmony and our announcement today has been met with a massively positive response.

https://mullrally.org/

Hopefully see you there

Great stuff. All the best for the rally. I will try and make it over! :-)