RALLYSTAR ON HOLD

The organisers of RallyStar have worked for two years to try and launch the concept of affordable special stage rallies, where all competitors compete on a level playing field. The object is to introduce new competitors to the sport of special stage rallying.

The scheme appears to be popular with potential competitors.

However, due to circumstances outside the control of RallyStar, the intended route to attract sponsorship to fund the project appears to be closed to us and the financial model upon which RallyStar was projected is no longer viable. Furthermore, while a number of well-known motor clubs have expressed serious interest in running events, there are insufficient firm proposals to form a viable series at present.

The organisers of RallyStar are therefore exploring opportunities to find partners to take the project forward through other means. Meanwhile, the team is acutely aware that it would be inappropriate to encourage competitors to build cars for the new formula, or to encourage clubs to invest further time in planning for events which may not happen.

Until the RallyStar team can be more confident that they have a viable route forward, the project has therefore been put on hold. Hopefully we will be able to announce more positive news in the future.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the great number of people who have given us encouragement and support.

Statement issued on behalf of RallyStar Ltd by Russell Brookes, Steve Bond and Colin Wilson. 3rd May 2006