A prestigious Lake District motoring event will go ahead in 2022 after being left 'bankrupted' due to Storm Arwen in 2021.

The annual Grizedale Stages Rally have confirmed that it will go ahead on 2 and 3 December 2022 as 'The Coppermines Grizedale Stages Rally', after the Director of Coppermines and Lakes Cottages Phil Johnston signed up as the new headline sponsor.

After tree damage caused by Storm Arwen rendered the route unsafe just 4 days before the event in December 2021, the organisers attempted to reschedule for January 2022, but the lower number of entrants, usually numbering around 80, meant that the event was deemed financially unviable:

"After refunding competitors, this, last minute, cancellation effectively bankrupted the rally, with so much expense already committed (printing, Rights of Way Closure, rally plates, marshals gifts, awards etc), and leaving its future in doubt."

"The losses were covered by the promoters, Furness District Motor Club but that leaves the club with no funds to cover any contingency should a similar situation arise in 2022 (storm, snow, etc). 

"However, a previous sponsor, Coppermines and Lakes Cottages, have come to the rescue of the rally both financially and putting up the organising team in some of their fabulous cottages.

"We remain best friends with Hippo Motor Group, our much-appreciated headline sponsor since 2016 and we would like, publicly, to thank Tom Preston and Hippo Motor Group for their invaluable support over that time.

"We’ll still see you on the stages.

"But for 2022, it’s all aboard for the “Coppermines Grizedale Stages Rally 2022. 

"5-4-3-2-1-Goooo!!!"

Mr Johnston posted on social media: "Really pleased to be able to help rescue "The Coppermines Grizedale Stages Rally 2022! 

"Thanks to all the great volunteers and businesses who also make this happen, great to be involved again!"