Stage Rally Licences

Competitors are reminded that with effect from January 1st 2002, every driver competing in stage rallies will be required to hold a stage rally competition licence. Also that neither drivers nor co-drivers will be able to apply for their competition licences on the day of an event.

The new Stage Rally National B licence may be issued without other qualification to the following:-
- Any competitor who has previously held a Non-Race National B competition licence.
- Any competitor who has previously held any licence which, was valid for driving in special stage rallies (i.e. Any Race, Kart, Speed, Drag or Rally licence, all of which were always valid as a Non-Race National B).
Evidence of driving on a special stage is not required.

Any driver not qualified as above will be required to successfully complete the BARS (British Association of Rally Schools) course. These are:-
1) Any competitor who has held only a Non-Race Clubmans licence.
2) Any competitor who has held only a Rally National A Navigator licence.
3) Any competitor who has never held any type of competition licence.

Each driver required to complete a BARS course will need first to purchase a Novice Stage Rally Driver Pack from the MSA. The pack, which costs £39, includes a list of all BARS rally schools, together with a 2002 Competitors' Yearbook, a VHS video and a licence application form. Credit card holders can order by telephone (Sarah Clark on 0175 376 5000) or on-line at www.msauk.org.

The new Stage Rally National B licence is the only licence, which will entitle the holder to drive in special stage rallies. It can also be used for any other event requiring a Non-Race National B or a Non Race Clubmans licence.

Any competitor wishing to drive in special stage rallies will be required to apply for a Stage Rally National B Competition Licence. No special stage rally will accept a Non-Race National B licence for a driver.

Any competitor wishing to navigate in special stage rallies may apply for a Non-Race National B, Rally National A Navigator or, if they are entitled, a Stage Rally National B. These licences may not be applied for on the day of the event, as all special stage rally competitors are now required to be in possession of their licence prior to competing.

Motorsports Now! Winter 2001