The organisers of the Manx Telecom Rally Isle of Man are to review the date of the event for 2012 and beyond. The news follows today’s announcement by the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship that the rally will not feature in its calendar next year. Rally Isle of Man, formerly titled the Manx International and Manx Trophy Rally has been part of Britain’s principle series since the 1970’s. This years event, the 48th edition, runs from October 27-29th, the first time that it has taken place in an autumn date, having moved to become a double-header finale to the British Championship, Dunlop/Wanago MSA British Historic Rally Championship and the BRC Challenge. That move however left a mid-summer break in the BRC calendar, and organisers have declared they’d like to see Rally Isle of Man move back to its original date in order to re-enter the series. Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship Manger Mark Taylor says, “We are keen for Rally Isle of Man to plug the gap in the summer calendar which left the championship feeling fractured this year. However despite the event being currently unable to commit to this return in 2012, we have agreed with the organising committee to leave the summer date available for a potential return in 2013.” Event organisers, who last month announced Manx Telecom as headline sponsors, will now work with all their key stakeholders, including the BRC, British Historic Championship, Isle of Man Government and Manx Telecom, to find mutually acceptable dates within the local calendar that also meets the needs of the main championships. Brian Walton, Chairman of the organising committee of the rally, acknowledges the disappointment. “It is sad and quite strange to see a British Championship calendar that doesn’t feature our event, but we will now re-double our efforts to provide a sustainable future for Rally isle of Man.” “In the immediate future that means focusing on delivering the best quality event we can next month. After that we will draw breath and look at all the options, and we will seek to provide a rally to live up to the unique challenge that the island is renowned for, in the best traditions of world class motorsport on some of the most famous roads in the sport.” “We thank Mark Taylor and the BRC team for holding open a summer place in 2013.” The Isle of Man Government has pledged to assist in the discussions. Colin Kniveton, Chief Executive of the Department of Economic Development confirmed, “We will continue to work closely with the organising committee of Rally Isle of Man to maximize the potential of the event in light of the current difficulties that face the sport. The event requires significant funding to stage and we will fully explore all options with the committee for 2013.” For further editorial information contact: Chris Boyde, Rally Isle of Man Media media@rallyisleofman.co.im Ends