IPS Paints Rally Challenge Organisers’ Statement

By 2nd January 2021Uncategorised

The Committee of Maesteg and District Motor Club, being the Promoters of the IPS Paint Rally Challenge, have given much consideration as to whether running the Championship in 2021 would be viable. As per Motorsport UK directive, Competitor pre event documentation in the foreseeable future will be carried out electronically. Whilst fully understanding the need for such measures to enable our sport to resume, and applauding MSUK’s efforts to get our sport up and running, Rally Challenge organisers have traditionally relied heavily on face to face interaction. With less than 5% of competitors traditionally registering for the Championship beforehand, we as Promoters do not feel that we could raise this amount significantly enough to give our sponsors, Independent Paint Supplies, Swansea, the publicity they deserve for supporting our Sport.

It must be remembered that the Rally Challenge was conceived to help raise awareness and funding for Wales Air Ambulance, to which over £14,000 has been donated. Apart from a percentage from each registration, the main source of support comes from on event collections. With no actual contact with Organisers, Competitors, Marshals and Spectators, this method of fundraising in this manner is naturally not possible.

It is therefore, with reluctance that the decision has been made to withdraw our Motorsport UK application to run the IPS Paint Rally Challenge in 2021.

Our sincere thanks to Directors Colin , Neil, Dom, Joe and Steph for their continued enthusiasm and for sticking by us in such uncertain times. It is a measure of their commitment that the offer of support for 2022 was immediately given after breaking the news of our decision.

We look forward to meeting friends and supporters when life begins to reach some form of normality.  

Terry Frayne

IPS Paint Rally Challenge Co-ordinator on behalf of Maesteg DMC Committee.