Full Breakdown
Kielder Carlisle Stages Rally Cancelled Over Low Entries
5/17/2026, 8:34:00 AM
Event Overview and Cancellation
The third round of the 2026 Motorsport UK British Rally Championship, the Kielder Carlisle Stages, set for 5–6 June in Kielder Forest and Carlisle, has been cancelled. Organisers said insufficient entries made two-day rally financially unviable. The event also formed part of the Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship and the Motoscope Northern Historic Rally Championship.
Background and Financial Context
The Kielder Carlisle Stages returned in 2025, replacing the Severn Valley Stages cancelled after storm damage in Welsh forests. The 2025 rally, described as a “fantastic addition,” was won by WRC2 drivers Romet Jurgenson and Siim Oja in a Ford Fiesta Rally2. For 2026, promoters Roger Albert Clark Rally Motor Club (RACRMC) agreed to underwrite up to a £20,000 loss, warning that entry shortfall could double the loss, making the event unsustainable.
Responses and Local Perspective
BRC Championship Manager Reece Tarren called the cancellation “incredibly disappointing” and thanked the Roger Albert Clark Rally Motor Club for its efforts. The club’s statement noted the early notice to competitors and that the championship will explore alternative options. Clerk of the Course Colin Heppenstall described the planned route as “fantastic,” featuring one of the UK’s longest gravel stages and a night stage – the first in twelve years. He thanked volunteers, officials, Forestry England, Forest and Land Scotland, and local councils for their support.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree the rally was cancelled because entries fell short, but they differ on the projected financial impact. One source cites a £20,000 underwriting limit, while another warns the loss could double. No official figure for minimum entry threshold or the actual number of entries received has been released.
Impact and Future Outlook
The cancellation removes a key gravel round from the 2026 championship, forcing teams to revise logistics and seek alternative events. Local businesses and volunteers lose visitor spending and the chance to showcase Kielder Forest. Motorsport UK has said it will evaluate replacement options for the third round and will issue an updated calendar announcement in due course.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are, of course, incredibly disappointed to hear that the event has been cancelled,” — Reece Tarren, BRC Championship Manager
- “Of course, we are bitterly disappointed to be forced to cancel this year's event after such a successful running in 2025.” — Colin Heppenstall, Clerk of the Course
- “With just three weeks remaining until the event, entries are significantly short of the number required to ensure the rally can run.” — Roger Albert Clark Rally Motor Club statement
- “It was taken with a heavy heart, but it was the correct decision for the future of the Club.” — Colin Heppenstall
