Nicky Grist will lead by example and watch his own rally on the internet from his home – as the action from the 2021 Nicky Grist Stages (Saturday 10 July) is streamed live, alongside live online timing and a new online tracking system (rallytracking.co.uk) which will follow every car through every stage.
This year’s Nicky Grist Stages is being run behind closed doors, with no spectators permitted in any of the stages nor the service area – which is moving from the centre of Builth Wells to the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.
In addition to Special Stage TV filming every competitor from as many stages as possible, and broadcasting the live action on its Facebook page (facebook.com/specialstage), various championships – including the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship, MRF Tyres BTRDA Rally Series and Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship – will also be following the event live on their own social media platforms, with additional coverage on RallyFM.net.
The Quinton Motor Club-organised event will therefore host one of the largest live online broadcast productions ever seen on a UK rally outside the WRC – and not even the event's title sponsor will be anywhere near the stages, but enjoying the action from his sofa instead.
“I have to travel to Builth Wells to deliver the trophies, and after that I’ll be heading back home,” said Nicky.
“I’d love to go out and watch on the stages, like I do every year, but I’ve no reason to be there and I feel it’s important to set a good example. I sponsor the event, but come the day of the rally I’m just a spectator – and I have to respect, just like everyone else has to, that no spectators are allowed.
“There is currently a heavy amount of military training on the Epynt range, and we are very grateful to the MOD for allowing the rally to use parts of its land this year.
“We are also very grateful to Powys County Council, Builth Wells Town Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, Motorsport UK and an awful lot of other people in fact. It’s been an incredible effort by Neil Cross and the team at Quinton Motor Club to ensure that this event can take place, and now we must ensure that it runs safely and smoothly.
“The message is very clear – no spectators. I know it’s disappointing, but it’s only for one year.
“If fans ignore this plea and are seen on the stages, the rally will be stopped and it could affect the future of motorsport on the Epynt range.
“I certainly won’t be spectating. I don’t want to be the person that’s responsible for jeopardising the future use of this magnificent motorsport venue.
“I’ll be watching the rally on the internet at home instead.”