August 2009

Plans for Rallye Sunseeker 2010 are well underway already with several new features and venues being explored in a bid to ensure the continued success of this unique event through the current economic conditions.

"In spite of better than expected spectator numbers, the level of entries on the 2009 event suffered as have many events up and down the country", explained Clerk of the Course, Robert Pike. "And with sponsorship budgets being ever more squeezed, the viability of running the same format event again next year was called into question by both the organising clubs, Croydon & District MC and Southern Car Club, who both lost money putting on the first round of the MSA Gravel Rally Championship."

"The key problem is that so many costs running a high profile event are incurred many months before the rally actually takes place and several weeks before the entries start coming in" added Event Director, Rick Smith. "It would be unreasonable to expect every competitor to commit to entering a rally two months beforehand, but in effect, that is what we as the organising motor clubs are having to do."

After much soul searching and deliberations over the financial risks to the two club's very existence, it became clear that one of the two parties considered the risks too great. And so, after a partnership spanning 25 years running the event together, Croydon & District have elected to withdraw from the role of co-promoting Rallye Sunseeker, citing "the worsening economic situation and the declining levels of National A entries in recent events reflecting a significant downturn in participation" as the key reason for their decision, according to Chairman of both the organising committee and CDMC, John Lloyd.

Southern Car Club's Chairman, John Blaber commented, "It is with a great deal of sadness that we accepted their decision, but also with much pride that we look back on our quarter of a century's association with our friends at CDMC. Together, the two clubs have developed an event with an enviable reputation as well as many lasting friendships. However, we totally respect and appreciate the concerns of their committee when it comes to the uncertainty of the global economy and its effect on participation in British motorsport. Our club shares many of their concerns but after much discussion, we have taken the decision to go it alone as sole organising club. I am delighted that many of Croydon's club members have agreed to continue in their previous roles within the new organising team, so to the outside world, few if any will be aware of any changes to the ownership and management of the 2010 event."

"What we hope everyone will notice though, will be the need for competitors to indicate their intention to enter rallies earlier than they usually do" added Robert Pike "because otherwise, if competitors keep holding back their entries until the last minute, they will soon find more and more rallies being cancelled. We intend to make it even easier to enter Rallye Sunseeker early next year, with a new discounted incentive scheme for early entries plus the removal of penalty charges for withdrawing before the closing date. We hope that the crews that come back year after year will support these initiatives and join us again in 2010"

Rick Smith added "We have a number of new attractions planned for next year that we hope to be announcing over the coming months. We are convinced that they will entice even more crews and championships to the South Coast for the last weekend in February."