Lights will remain red for a rally until 2022

And so the rally committee have regretfully cancelled the 2021 edition of a still-young event that, under the leadership of Karl Marshall, has headlined the domestic motorsport calendar for the last three years.

They were initially hoping to stage the fourth event over two days – Friday 12 and Saturday 13 February.

Yet they admitted that further planning had proved difficult due to ‘travel arrangements required for UK/Jersey officials and participants including their crews because of the current Covid-19 restrictions and self-isolation periods in place’.

Despite the influence of visiting competitors, especially Jersey’s three-time champions Ross Le Noa and Domonic Volante, rally chairman Marshall confirmed that they were prepared to give the green light to a solely domestic competition.

But the inability to bring over critical officials – such as the clerk of the course – from Covid-stricken areas proved decisive.

‘Even with the vaccine being released imminently, I do not see that there’s going to be any real change,’ Marshall said.

‘We are in December now and entries should be coming in... we called it a day now so everyone can be aware.’

This follows a rally committee statement that described the cancellation as ‘a very difficult decision’.

‘Withdrawal of this motorsport event for 2021 is a huge loss to many, not only those organising and attending the rally, but Guernsey in general,’ it said.

‘At a time of year when our island is normally very quiet, the rally encourages tourism and helps our local businesses, together with our efforts at fundraising for local charities.

‘Of course, it will also be missed by the island’s community who turn out in the cold to support and enjoy the event each year.’

Organisers are working closely with Environment & Infrastructure, parish douzaines, States departments and property owners to ensure a successful 2022 edition.

Marshall has also, for unrelated reasons, stepped down as Guernsey Kart and Motor Club president.