Following the continual efforts of Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Motorsport UK and Rally4Wales, the Plains Rally is to stage the return of Rallying to the forests of Wales on 17 May, with additional thanks to the support of the local area teams.

Following significant damage to the NRW forestry estate incurred following Storm Darragh, which resulted in the cancellation of two key events in the calendar, all remaining rallies due to run on the estate were under threat until the true extent of the damage could be surveyed.

NRW provided permission for Rally4Wales to access the forests to undertake a survey of the roads used by Stage Rallies, with the organisation working alongside event organisers to redesign the planned routes based on the roads available.

The Plains will run under a National and Interclub permit, based in the picturesque Eryri National Park town of Y Bala. The compact route of 170 road miles, and 43 stage miles will include special stages in Aberhirnant and Alwen, over an eight-stage route. With an excellent entry of over 120 cars already, there are still entries available for what is set to be a thrilling return.

All other scheduled Stage Rallies on the NRW Estate have also been working with Rally4Wales and NRW and, with some alterations to their routes, are scheduled to run on their original planned dates.

Jonathan Jackson, Head of Rallying, Motorsport UK, comments, “I’d like to reiterate our sincere thanks to both NRW and Rally4Wales throughout these challenging few months.

Events on the NRW Estate form the backbone of our sport in Wales and we are grateful, and thrilled, that the remainder of the calendar will hopefully continue as planned.

The work that has gone on behind the scenes over the last four months cannot be underestimated which has further strengthened the excellent working relationship with all involved.”

David Liddy, Lead Specialist Advisor Recreation Safety, NRW, added: “It is thanks to the patience and understanding of all those involved that we have been able to ensure the return of rally events to the NRW Estate.

“Over the last few months, we have enjoyed ongoing dialogue with Motorsport UK and Rally4Wales, working closer together than ever before, which will continue over the coming months.

“I’d also like to thank our staff for their hard work in ensuring this event is able to take place.”