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Following the recent announcement that Pirelli was to sponsor the ANCRO-organised MSA Gravel Rally Championship starting in 2008, the organisers have released the dates.

The series has been increased to eight rounds with the inclusion of a second all-asphalt event with the Mewla Rally on August 24th and will make a welcome return to the Yorkshire forests as part of the Trackrod Rally a month later whereas the Killarney Stages Rally has been dropped from the championship.

The series kicks off with the traditional season opener in Bournemouth with Rallye Sunseeker on February 22/23 followed by a trip to KielderForest a little later than in previous years for the Border Counties Rally on April 5th.

The Severn Valley moves forward a week to May 30 but the RBS Manx, Swansea Bay and Bulldog Rallies all retain their usual place in the calendar and once again, competitors will be allowed to drop scores in a maximum of two rounds.      

Commenting on the inclusion of the Trackrod National Rally into the series, Trackrod Rally Clerk of the Course Rod Parkin said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome the return of ANCRO competitors to Yorkshire. Once again they now have the opportunity to test their skills in the fast flowing forests such as Dalby and Langdale and we will make every effort to ensure that everyone has a competitive and enjoyable rally.”

ANCRO Chairman John Trevethick commented: “We’re delighted with the inclusion of an event in the Yorkshire Forests and are sure this will be a big draw for many of our competitors as well the addition of the Mewla. We believe we have a solid foundation with some of the best events in the country now.”

Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship Dates

22/23 February, Rallye Sunseeker - Bournemouth

5 April, Brick & Steel Border Counties - Jedburgh

9/10 May, RBS International Manx Rally - Douglas

30 May, Severn Valley Rally - Llandrindod Wells

19 July, Swansea Bay Rally - Swansea

24 August, Eventsigns Mewla Rally - Builth Wells

27 September, Trackrod National Rally - Pickering

18 October, Bulldog Rally – Oswestry

Meanwhile the popular Clubman’s Championship will support five of the main championship rounds with the sixth and final round seeing competitors return to Yorkshire for the Malton Forest Rally. The six round series is to be called the ANCRO Rally Challenge and competitors will count their best five results towards the championship

ANCRO Rally Challenge Dates

5 April - Brick and Steel Border Counties - Jedburgh

31 May - Severn Valley Rally – Llandrindod Wells

19 July - Swansea Bay Rally - Swansea

24 August - Eventsigns Mewla Rally – Builth Wells

19 October - Bulldog Rally - Oswestry

2 November - Malton Forest Rally – Pickering