The 45th running of the Rallynuts Stages Rally heralds a significant change to the event formally known as the Severn Valley Stages, as entries open this week for the re-named event on the 14th April 2018.

Established racewear and accessory firm Rallynuts Motorsport became title sponsor of the rally in 2016 and thanks to the success of the past two years, have further enhanced the partnership by signing a long-term agreement to become title sponsors until 2023.

Located in its now traditional rally base at in Builth Wells, organisers of the popular event have devised a new-for-2018 route, which offers 45 miles of classic rallying in the Cefn, Crychan, Gwibedog and Radnor forests, spread across seven stages.

To ensure the conditions of the Welsh forests are in optimum condition for all crews in the field, 31 miles will be single use, ensuring smooth roads for all competitors on the Midland Manor Motor Club organised rally.

The all-gravel event will also welcome back the Jordan Road Surfacing BTRDA Rally Championship which returns after 27 years away. The rally was a round of the Gold Star Championship between 1983 and 1990 and the national rally series will undoubtedly bring a new feel to the event and along with it, a wide range of cars and crews from across the UK to the county of Powys in April.

It will once again be a qualifying round of the Pirelli MSA Welsh Rally Championship, who will be joined by the West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters and the Brian Dennis Motorsport Welsh Historic Rally Championship.

The event will retain many of its popular characteristics from the last few years, offering competitors a cost effective, compact and friendly rally in the heart of Wales.

The rally base at the Royal Welsh Showground offers a perfect location for the event thanks to its unrivalled facilities, playing host to Rally HQ, Scrutineering, attended overnight parking, service and the start and finish ceremonies.

Joint Clerk of the Course Chris Ashley believes the format of this year’s event is one of the best yet and is looking forward to welcoming both championship and non-championship crews to the event.

“Year on year we have worked really hard to ensure our event has a great route across stages that are in their prime and I think we have that just right again in 2018, especially with the significant amount of single usage on offer” he says.

“This will really help the crews further back in the field and as it’s the first time these stages will have been used this year, they will be in top condition. We are also of course delighted to welcome Rallynuts as long-term title sponsors and the despite the date, name and championship change, we are still the same great rally everyone has enjoyed in the past. It has all the ingredients of a great weekend of rallying”.