Unfortunately, shortly after the regulations for the 2026 Kingfisher Insurance Motorsport UK English Rally Championship and the Protyre Autocare BTRDA Rally Series had been published, it was announced that, due to insurmountable problems with the proposed route, the organisers of the Malcolm Wilson Rally – the opening round of both Championships – had been forced to cancel the upcoming event.

The featured image above is of Lewis Hooper and Rhys Edwards, the 2025 Kingfisher Insurance Motorsport UK English Rallly Champions in action on the Grizedale Stages. 

Since that time discussions had been taking place as to the possibility of adding another qualifying round to the calendar later in the season but, with no positive outcome in sight, the decision was taken to revert to a seven-round BTRDA Rally Series (best five scores to count), while the English Rally Championship will be won and lost over six events – also best five to count.

So, the Protyre Autocare BTRDA Rally Series will now start in Welshpool on 28th March with Rally North Wales, while Kingfisher Insurance Motorsport UK English Rally Championship contenders – automatically eligible through their BTRDA membership – set out on the Kielder Forest Rally, based in Hexham, on 18th April. Meanwhile, the remainder of the calendars remain as previously published and, to end the season, a rapid run through the Lake District on the Grizedale Stages (5th December) will provide answers to any remaining questions relating to either Championship at that point!