East Riding Stages Rally Champions Sustainable Motorsport

The East Riding Stages Rally will continue its partnership with Carbon Positive Motorsport for the 2026 event, supporting the rally’s long-standing commitment to measurable carbon mitigation and responsible event delivery.

Beverley & District Motor Club has reiterated its commitment to sustainable motorsport with an ambitious and practical approach to mitigating the environmental impact of the East Riding Stages Rally.

For the 2026 event, the club will once again measure and offset the carbon emissions associated with competitor fuel usage, building on a well-established legacy of environmental leadership within UK rallying.

The East Riding Stages Rally was one of the first closed-road events in the UK to integrate carbon offsetting for competitors and has continued to lead by example. Since 2022, the rally’s environmental roadmap has included offsetting competitor fuel emissions, spectator travel where data is available, and organisational logistics, underlining the club’s belief that motorsport can coexist with responsible environmental stewardship.

Organisers also work closely with local stakeholders, authorities and residents to understand and minimise disruption in host communities, fostering support and ensuring the rally’s positive contribution extends beyond the competitive action. The club provides clear guidance for competitors, volunteers, suppliers and partners, recognising that small, practical steps taken collectively can deliver meaningful results.

Event founder, Richard Vincent, said, “We are proud to continue our efforts to make the East Riding Stages Rally a benchmark for sustainable motorsport. By measuring and offsetting all competitor fuel usage at 200 per cent, we are not only addressing the unavoidable emissions from rallying, but also contributing to projects that leave a lasting environmental legacy.” The club hopes that this leadership will inspire others in the motorsport community to explore similarly proactive approaches.

2025 East Riding Stages winners, William Creighton / Liam Regan. Photo: Rally Media UK

For 2026, all competitor fuel used across the weekend will be fully mitigated using verified Carbon Reduction Units, ensuring emissions linked directly to competition are balanced in a transparent and accountable way. In addition, an equivalent volume will be secured through Pending Issuance Units from the Sequoia project under the Sequoia Carbon Standard, supporting long term UK woodland creation and biodiversity recovery.

Packed crowds at the ceremonial start of the rally in 2025. Photo: Rally Media UK

Steve Smith, Director of Carbon Positive Motorsport, said: “East Riding Stages Rally has shown consistent leadership within British rallying. Introducing competitor fuel offsetting set an important benchmark. Continuing to refine that approach and matching the investment again through the Sequoia woodland project reflects a long term commitment to responsible event delivery.”

Matthew Atkinson, Clerk of the Course for East Riding Stages Rally, added: “As organisers of the UK’s largest closed road rally, we recognise the responsibility that comes with scale. Our club's sustainability champion works with Carbon Positive Motorsport to measure our impact accurately and respond in a way that is clear and proportionate. Protecting the landscapes and communities that host the rally is central to its future.”

Sustainable Motorsport in Action

Beverley and District Motor Club operates under a published Sustainability Policy covering emissions reduction, waste management, pollution prevention and responsible engagement. The policy is reviewed annually and overseen by a Sustainability Champion to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. Further information about the rally’s sustainability commitments can be found at www.bdmc.org.uk/sustainability

About Carbon Positive Motorsport

With solutions tailored specifically for motorsport, Carbon Positive Motorsport enables the sport to take credible climate action. Their carbon offsetting supports nature restoration projects across the UK, with measurable benefits for biodiversity and resilience.

They work with events, clubs, teams, and individuals to help address the environmental impact of motorsport with a focus on clear, proportionate action that supports long-term improvement within volunteer-led organisations.

This includes support with carbon offsetting and sustainability planning, helping clubs meet formal requirements in a way that makes sense for how they already operate.  For more information, or to offset your own emissions, visit carbonpositivemotorsport.com