Greener car rally set for Kielder Water and Forest Park

The Forestry Commission is gearing up for a greener future by hosting a unique car rally through 62,000-hectare (155,000-acre) Kielder Water & Forest Park.

The Cumberland Sporting Car Club is staging the Greenerways Rally on Sunday (14 June) with up to twenty top drivers racing against the clock over a tough course in the Border wilderness.

But this is a rally with a difference, as all the four wheel drive production cars will be fitted with a new tyre specifically designed to minimise the impact on forest roads.

Wear and tear on loose stone chip forest roads by conventional rallying means that repairs have to be undertaken after events, consuming time and resources and involving heavy machinery.

The Forestry Commission has set itself ambitious targets to foster more eco-friendly ways of working as part of its Greenerways Project. Together with the organisers of the British Rally Championship (BRC) it is keen to see the environmental impact of rallying reduced to safeguard the sport's future in the forest.

Two years ago the Forestry Commission linked up with the BRC, Motor Sports Association and Pirelli to test a new closed pattern tyre design in Kielder. The trials proved a major success with the new tyre proving less damaging to woodland roads.

Jonathan Farriers, from the Forestry Commission, explained:

“We were keen to see a competitive race staged using the tyre so this is a milestone event. Kielder has an almost legendary status as a rally venue, so we’re pleased to be involved in finding a greener road for the sport.”

The Greenerways Rally will involve six timed runs over a five mile stage.  Last year four rallies were staged on the Forestry Commission estate at Kielder and its history as a venue for the sport goes back many decades.

Mark Taylor, British Rally Championship Manager and Project Co-ordinator, added:

“Having seen the results of the original test for myself, I believe that the Eco Tyre is the way forwards as it ticks so many boxes. This could be a really important development for the future of forest stage rallying.”

Ends

NOTES TO EDITOR

1. For more on the Greenerways Rally go to www.greenerwaysrally.co.uk
   
   
2. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. For more visit www.forestry.gov.uk/northeastengland
   
   

3. Media calls to Richard Darn on 01226 246351, mobile 0775 367 0038.