The JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion will set a new UK record for rallying, with the purchase of future offsetting for a minimum of 100,000 kg CO2e from this year’s event.
This level of carbon offsetting will be the highest of any UK rally so far, and one of the highest carbon compensation levels of any global rally event to date.
The event organisers have a long-term partnership with Carbon Positive Motorsport to progressively offset the full carbon footprint of the event. This amount of CO2e is calculated based on footprint sources such as all competitors, organisers vehicles and initial estimations of event logistics and spectators, and may increase post event.
Via Carbon Positive Motorsport’s end-to-end event offsetting package, the final figure is expected to represent 25% more offsetting than the carbon footprint created by the event. This means that in the long term, after maturity of the carbon offsetting project, 25% more carbon will be offset than is generated by the event.
To assure this level of future offsetting, the carbon will be captured using one of Carbon Positive Motorsport’s UK projects, which are validated by the Woodland Carbon Code to meet UK government and legal requirements.
The project, based in the Highlands of Scotland at Loch Ness, provides carbon sequestration through the reforestation of largely native tree species, which bring additional sustainability benefits such as improved wildlife biodiversity, as well as meeting the most stringent set of validation and independent auditing requirements throughout the project lifespan.
“Sustainability is a core focus of every one of us involved with the rally,” explains Chairman of the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion organising committee, Phil Pugh.
“We are committed to find ways in which we can reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of our event. Finding permanent solutions to decarbonise the sport long-term is vitally important, while significant carbon offsetting through our partnership with Carbon Positive Motorsport delivers a near-term solution as we work towards carbon neutrality.”
With over 110 competitors entered, this year’s rally promises to be spectacular. Returning to the British Rally Championship after concentrating on European Rally Championship events it is current British Rally Champion, and former Carbon Positive Motorsport ambassador, Osian Pryce, co-driven by Stephane Prevot, who leads the field away.
Carbon Positive Motorsport brand ambassador, Garry Pearson, is currently lying second in the 2023 British Rally Championship. Co-driven by Daniel Barrit, the pair are entered in their Cemcor sponsored Melvyn Evans run Polo GTI R5, and are looking for another good result following their excellent second place in the BRC at the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally.
“I’m delighted to have the continued support of Carbon Positive Motosport,” said Garry. “It’s great to be able to offset the emissions we produce on this prestigious rally.”
Fellow brand ambassador Kyle White, co-driven by Sean Topping, will be competing in their Peugeot 208 and after an excellent performance in their home round in Ulster, are currently leading the junior driver championship and 7th overall in the championship standings.
Carbon Positive Motorsport founder Paul Glass said “The commitment to sustainability by the event organisers is not just shown by the level of offsetting that will be made in the future, but also through a wide number of initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of the event.
“Already we are working together on further innovations for next year’s event and continuing the FIA environmental accreditation journey. I want to thank the organisers and competitors for their support for our initiative and wish all competitors and spectators a safe and enjoyable event, I can’t wait to experience it for myself.”
The event also sees the deciding rounds of the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship, with Neil Roskell and Callum Black fighting it out for the Championship win.
Roskell and co-driver Andrew Roughhead lead the series after six high-scoring finishes in their Ford Fiesta Rally2. Roskell has been the epitome of consistency this year, with three second place points finishes, but Black and co-driver Jack Morton are the only crew able to deny Roskell the title.
Photo credit: MSUK Protyre Asphalt Championship
Darren Atkinson has once again been the top 2WD finisher this year and goes into the final two rounds of the series a magnificent third overall. Co-driven on this occasion by Matt Daniels, he will be hopeful of another good finish, although his focus will be securing the Escort Challenge and class B13 titles in his Haldane Fisher Escort Mk2.
Based in Aberystwyth, this year's two-day 100 stage mile Rali Ceredigion starts on Saturday 2 September with a loop of three stages in the morning, a lunchtime service halt, a repeat of the same three stages in the afternoon, service and two runs through a street stage in the evening (totalling 55 stage miles).
Day two takes place on Sunday 3 September. It contains a loop of three stages in the morning, a lunchtime service halt and a repeat of the three stages in the afternoon (totalling 45 stage miles), before a late afternoon ceremonial finish on Aberystwyth Promenade.
To further reduce the environmental impact of the event, Carbon Positive Motorsport are offering all JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion competitors and spectators a 20% discount to encourage everyone travelling to the event to carbon offset their event related travel.
To help bring a greater positive environmental impact, use the discount code RC23 on our website shop.
It only costs a little to make a big difference for the sport, so whether you're a competitor or spectator, why not join with us to help make motorsport sustainable.
To become Carbon Positive yourself, visit our website www.carbonpositivemotorsport.com
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