'Passion for rallying evident' - top local driver calls for one-day event
Dale Crowsley has testified to the disappointment among competitors following the loss of next year’s Guernsey Rally – or at least as we know it.
Guernsey’s top rally driver is among those impacted by Environment & Infrastructure’s ban on events requiring multiple road closures in 2024.
That would restrict the annual motorsport spectacle to a short, single-stage event, if it goes ahead at all.
Yet the discipline is thriving in the sister isle, with a record 16 Sarnian crews among the masses tackling last weekend’s Jersey Rally.
‘There was a lot of vocal support from the rallying community last weekend at their disappointment that the Guernsey Rally won’t be happening in 2024 and they won’t be able to visit our island for what has become an extremely enjoyable annual event,’ Crowsley said.
‘The passion for rallying within the Channel Islands was evident last weekend and I think it’s very disappointing if the Guernsey Rally Club can’t be granted at least a smaller one-day rally in 2024 to welcome these enthusiasts to our island and benefit greatly from their visit.’
Guernsey Rally chairman Karl Marshall earlier raised the potential of a single-stage event in response to restrictions.
Although the rally has generated controversy, including dramatic protests in this year’s event, Crowsley has highlighted the tourism value it brings to the island.
‘Unfortunately, we appreciate it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and most hobbies will inconvenience someone at some point,’ he added.
‘However, if all is done professionally, this can be limited and managed accordingly and I think that is a very small price to pay to bring in such a great revenue opportunity to the island.
‘I think with a cohesive working relationship with the States of Guernsey and the Guernsey Rally Club we can put on a fantastic event that will attract people into our island at a very quiet time of the year – it will fill beds in the empty hotels, fill tables at restaurants and bars, and shops will sell supplies.’
Crowsley has admitted that he is already looking at other rallies to replace that date.
‘There are a lot more rally cars that have been bought into the island or built locally recently, to compete in our own local event. Trying to find another event elsewhere to replace the Guernsey Rally will cost a lot more as we will need to leave Guernsey, which clearly does not benefit the islands.
‘Let’s hope the States of Guernsey apply a pragmatic approach and allow a smaller one-day rally in 2024 to at least help the catering industries that have just had this revenue opportunity taken away from them.’
