Rally - JCR cancelled

At 9.30pm last night the executive committee of the Jim Clark Rally reluctantly decided to cancel this year's rally which was due to take place at the end of May. All relevant participant parties had been advised earlier in the day before the news was made public.

It's not what the sport wanted to hear but neither is it unexpected. The sheer unpredictability of the advance of Covid-19 and the constantly changing rules and restrictions means that planning an event, even one which is four months away, is fraught with uncertainties.

There was another factor which had to be taken into consideration. Given the slow pace of the national vaccination programme, some would-be Marshals had expressed reservations about travelling without having had their jag!

Similarly, the age profile of those who organise and participate in stage rallies might suggest that although the auld gits could plan and organise a rally , there could well be a considerable number of 'younger' competitors, helpers, fans and followers who would be keen to travel without the security of the anti-Covid vaccine.

And that surely will have a considerable impact on any stage rally thinking these days, right across the country.  Just another consideration when planning a major outdoor event.