Rallying will return to the Isle of Wight later this year with a closed-road tarmac event through Firestone Copse and Rowlands Lane – The Weaver Brothers Island Stages Rally 2024.
A change of law in recent years has allowed the Isle of Wight Car Club to organise an event on closed sections of the public highway, building on the success of the Sandown Sprint speed trials.
It will be just 1 of a handful of such events in England – and a round of the ACSMC Stage Rally Championship – so is expected to attract a strong entry.
Some 8 special stages – at 3.5 miles each – will be run throughout the day on Sunday 3rd November with a service area established at Newport Quay.
Up to 60 competitors will compete against the clock from Firestone Copse, through to Newnham Road, down Rowlands Lane and towards The Downs. The stage will be run 4 times in each direction, with various challenges for both driver and co-driver along the way.
Spectators can expect an exciting day of motorsport with a dedicated spectator viewing area to be established at The Cow Shed. A shuttle bus will run from parking at the Steam Railway to the top of the village.
Furthermore, a leafy and potentially slippery Firestone Copse will be accessible on foot for the more intrepid rally fan.
Road closures on Firestone Copse/Main Road/Newnham Road/Stroudwood Road/Rowlands Lane are expected to be in place all day, with restricted access expected between 06:00-18:00. Consultations have been taking place with homeowners and landowners in the area in recent months.
Entries for the event open tomorrow (Tuesday) and although a Motorsport UK permit has been issued, the Motor Race Order application is still with the Isle Of Wight Council.
Richard Weaver of Weaver Bros Ltd, title sponsor of the the event, says:
“Rallying on the Isle of Wight has a long and rich heritage, stretching back as far as the 1950’s. Road rallies and stage rallies have all played their part, but rallying vanished from these shores in the 1990’s as both the Island Stages and our club road rallies ceased.
“After a single venue rally over farmland in 2022, the time now seems right to arrange for a closed road stage rally. My father, Terry Weaver, was involved in organising various rallies on the island during the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s. Now he is club president and has been a member of the club since 1957. He and I feel honoured that our family can, once again, join with the Isle of Wight Car Club by sponsoring the Weaver Brothers Ltd Island Stages 2024.
“This event is all about building confidence for novice competitors, yet giving a serious challenge for experienced crews. Do not be fooled, the stages are no breeze and very fast in places! You will be driving over exciting, varied and undulating terrain, through woods and hedge-lined lanes, with a big jump over the steam railway bridge in the middle; don’t get smoke in your eyes!
“We thank the organising committee led by club stalwart and chairman Malcolm Smith (member since 1967), marshals, residents, local authorities and competitors for their support. See you all on the 3rd November!”
The event organisers would like to thank Bournemouth & District Car Club, Isle Of Wight Council, Havenstreet & Ashey Parish Council, Fishbourne Parish Council, Newport Parish Council, Island Roads, Weaver Brothers, Red Funnel, Isle Of Wight Steam Railway, Kite Hill Caravan Park, Alan George (Coppid Hall Farm) and Angus Baird (Rowlands Farm).
Keep an eye on Island Echo for further information in the coming months, including a full entry list and further spectator details…
