Storm damage in Mid Wales forests cancels Severn Valley Stages Rally
Extensive damage to Mid Wales forests during Storm Darragh in December has forced the cancellation of the Severn Valley Stages Rally this spring.
The rally was originally scheduled for April but event organiser, Midland Manor Motor Club, has been told that many of the stages are inaccessible due to storm damage.
As a result, permission for forest stage rallies in the area has been revoked by Motorsport UK, the UK’s governing body for motorsport and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which oversees forestry management in Wales.
With a packed stage rally calendar and uncertainty around the availability of key locations for the event later in the year, organisers were forced to cancel the 2025 edition and have elected to look ahead to 2026.
“The entire organising team is, of course, extremely disappointed to hear the news from Motorsport UK and Natural Resources Wales,” said clerk of the course Keith Ashley.
“We have been working hard behind the scenes to produce yet another classic Severn Valley Stages for all our crews, with world-class stages such as Myherin and Hafren on the billing.
“This announcement is a significant setback for the motorsport community and the local region, which greatly benefits from the event. The financial impact on Builth Wells, Llandrindod Wells and the surrounding areas cannot be overstated.
“Additionally, it is a disappointment for the organising team, who have dedicated countless hours to planning and preparing for what promised to be another spectacular rally.
“I would like to thank Axon Commercial Catering Equipment for their unwavering support after coming on board as title partners for the first time this year. Their enthusiasm for the rally is very refreshing and we are grateful for their understanding.
“Our thanks also must go to the championships scheduled to head for Builth. We will refocus our energy on the next event and hope everyone will join us in just over 12 months, on April 11, 2026.”
