One of the Isle of Man’s key tourism events is set for a major re-launch in 2011. Rally Isle of Man organisers have confirmed that they intend to move the event, one of the biggest rallies in the British isles , away from its traditional summer date, and re-create it as an autumn highlight, set to run from 27-29th October 2011. It will be the 48th edition. The move will regain the events former position as the final and deciding round of both of the UK’s leading championships, the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship and the Dunlop/Wonago.com MSA British Historic Rally Championship. The decision has also been made after consultation with the Isle of Man Governments’ Department of Economic Development. Geoff Corkish MHK, Department Member responsible for motorsport, was directly involved in the discussions. “The Department are our key supporter,” acknowledges Brian Walton, Chairman of Rally Isle of Man. “Ever since we approached them with the idea they have been accommodating, and we thank them for it.” “The move offers us the chance to attract a whole new audience for the rally as we close in on our Golden Anniversary. The best drivers from the British isles and further afield will face a new challenge on our unique roads, which should offer extra appeal for spectators, media and officials alike.” British Championship organisers have also warmly welcomed the move and are already looking at making it an even more attractive proposition with double points available. “I believe this is a positive move by the Rally Isle of Man organisers,” says Mark Taylor, Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship Manager. “The competitors and teams should benefit with a reduction in travel and accommodation costs now that the rally is being held outside of the peak holiday season. The event is extremely popular with our competitors, it’s testing and challenging format over two days has led to us making the decision that it will be two separate point scoring rounds in 2011, providing another opportunity for a nail biting and fitting finale to the UK’s premier rally championship.” Ireland’s equivalent principle series, the Citroen Irish Tarmac Championship, has also welcomed the news and has signalled that they will enter into discussion regarding the event returning to their Championship calendar in 2012. “We couldn’t do this without the support of a huge number of people”, concludes Walton. ”The response we have received from throughout the sport has been wonderful to hear, and whilst the event is already renowned for its high standards of organisation, we now have the opportunity to revitalise it to still new heights. The organising team will certainly be working hard to ensure that it quickly establishes itself as a ‘not to be missed’ October event!” Rally Isle of Man first ran as the Manx Trophy Rally in 1963 and has been held during July since 2003. It was most recently the British Rally Championship final round in 2000, when it was held at the beginning of September. In 2010 competitors from Australia, Belgium, Finland, Holland, Iceland and Luxembourg tackled the event, in addition to all the home nations. The rally was won by the reigning British Champion, Cork’s Keith Cronin and co-driver Barry McNulty. Ends