THE organisers of Rally Isle of Man have confirmed that the event will go ahead this year – despite being cancelled in September last year.
A new board of directors has been elected and the event is due to run on September 21 and 22 (as opposed to the original dates of October 27-29).
In a statement released by Rally Isle of Man new chairman John Gill said there has been a lot happening behind the scenes and that a team of new organisers had "big shoes to fill".
Last September, in what organisers called a "desperately disappointing decision", the rally was cancelled.
This was blamed on a date change which meant the rally would not feature as a round on the main British Championship or the BRC Challenge. Concerns were also raised about the difficulty of travelling to the Island for competitors due to the fast craft sailings no longer operating.
The former board of directors of Rally Isle of Man Limited retired following the decision and a new board – consisting of Chris Boyde, John Gill, Robert Graham and David Thompson – has been elected.
Mr Gill explained: "On behalf of the new directors I must place on record our appreciation of the work of our predecessors.
"Between them Brian Walton, Roger Barrs, David Gawne and Les Postlethwaite have played a huge part in making this event the revered spectacle it is.
"We are fortunate that they have all offered to continue to support us where possible.
"We have big shoes to fill - there's no doubt about that."
In addition to the board members, who have been part of the event organising team for many years, Robert Fagg, Kris Killip and Adam Warburton have all taken on new roles.
Mr Gill continued: "It is right foot firmly down. We have accepted an approach from the British Historic Rally Championship promoters to form the final round of their Water End Properties Asphalt Cup and we are also delighted to be joining forces with Druidale Motor Club to host the Duke Stages event that forms a round of the highly competitive Eurocars Motorsport Manx Rally Championship.
"We want everyone to get back to enjoying tackling the best rally roads in the world. Names like Druidale, The Mines, Curraghs and St Marks are famous because of this event and we hope to welcome competitors, officials and spectators old and new alike to enjoy the thrill and challenge of this unique event."
Druidale Motor Club chairman Kris Killip said: "The Duke Stages has been running for over a decade and both the club and our sponsor are delighted to partner our premier event with the re-birth of Rally Isle of Man especially with the amazing heritage it has. Hopefully it is the start of a very successful association."
Mr Gill continued: "There is a rapidly changing situation in international and national rallying.
"Along with our partners including the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and the Isle of Man Government's Department of Economic Development we are looking to create an enduring future for the event up to and beyond next years 50th anniversary.
"We are actively considering all options and ideas and would welcome approaches from those within the sport who may want to be a part of that."
Further details of September's Rally Isle of Man event will be announced in due course.
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Also see: "Desperately disappointing" say organisers after Rally Isle of Man is cancelled
