Bowker Ribble Valley in Osbaldeston has confirmed a new partnership to provide INEOS Grenadier support vehicles for the 2024 Legend Fires North West Stages.
The partnership means the rally will return in 2024, after a year’s hiatus, with three INEOS Grenadier vehicles exclusively driven by safety-trained professionals during the event.
The 2024 Legend Fires North West Stages will be the opening round of the Probite British Rally Championship and the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Championship. It will feature 58 stage miles over 10 special stages on closed public roads across Lancaster, Wyre and the Ribble Valley.
The iconic event will take place on the 22nd to 23rd of March 2024. The rally will kick off with a ceremonial civic send-off from Garstang’s High Street and a triumphant return for a champagne finish, marking innovative and spectator-friendly features of the event, supported by Garstang Town Council.
The rally will be hosted at Myerscough College’s Bilsborrow campus, serving as the Rally Headquarters, Central Service and Scrutineering location. Rallying enthusiasts and students at the College benefit from firsthand experience, enhancing the educational aspect of the partnership.
Speaking about the new partnership, Richard Rawlings, for Bowker Ribble Valley, said: “Bowker are proud to support the Legend Fires North West Stages in 2024. The INEOS Grenadier vehicles are robust and dependable, making them an ideal choice for support vehicles for one of the highlights of the North West autosport calendar.”
“The Legend Fires North West Stages attracts thousands of people each year. It is a great opportunity to see some of the best rally drivers in the country competing on some of the most challenging and exciting roads in Lancashire. We can’t wait for the event.”
Rally Director Mark Hothersall from Legend Fires North West Stages said: “Having Bowker Ribble Valley on board as our support vehicle supplier is a fantastic addition to our event. The 2024 Legend Fires North West Stages promises to be the best yet. The rally’s return is a testament to the dedication of all involved, and we can’t wait to deliver a rally that we hope lives long in the memories of rallying enthusiasts and the local community.”
The North West Stages was first organised in 1995, but in 2019, was only the second car rally in England to take advantage of the updated Road Traffic Act legislation, which allows Councils to close public roads for motorsport events. The 2024 event will run exclusively on closed public highways, covering 58 miles over 10 special stages. Each stage will take place on the Saturday.
