The popular Island Stages Rally will not return in February 2027 as planned, with organisers unable to commit the time and resources needed to stage the motorsport event.
The disappointing news comes after the successful revival of closed-road rallying on the Isle of Wight, which has attracted competitors from across the country and large crowds of spectators in recent years.
The Weaver Brothers Island Stages Rally had been provisionally scheduled to return on Sunday 14th February, but those behind the event have now taken the difficult decision not to proceed.
Island Echo understands that increasing work commitments of volunteers have left little time for the considerable organisation involved in putting on the rally, with no one else currently in a position to take on the responsibility.
The Isle of Wight Car Club committee is also heavily involved in organising the Isle of Wight Sprint in Sandown, which will return on 17th/18th April 2027, meaning there is limited capacity to take on another major motorsport event.
Despite the setback, there remains hope that the Island Stages Rally could be held again at some point in the near future.
Stage rallying returned to the Island for the first time in more than 30 years in August 2022, when the Island Stages was held at Palmers Farm in Wootton.
Then, with a change in legislation, closed-road stage rallying was held for the first time in November 2024, when more than 1,000 spectators turned out to see the rally cars tackle closed roads around Havenstreet and Firestone Copse.
The inaugural event was a success, leading to its return in February this year, with 52 crews taking to the start line in torrential rain. The event was won by Rob Swann and co-driver Steve McNulty.
