January 6, 2025
Motorsport has a a history of embracing cutting-edge technology and is leading the way in sustainability innovation. As environmental concerns grow, the sport’s innovative nature empowers event organisers to mitigate the carbon footprint of their events and redefine motorsport’s role in a greener future.
Beverley and District Motor Club (BDMC), organisers of the East Riding Stages Rally (ERSR), recognised this responsibility early and took proactive steps to embed sustainability into their event.
Since 2022, BDMC has worked closely with Carbon Positive Motorsport to implement effective carbon offsetting measures. This partnership demonstrates how motorsport events can lead by example, delivering an exciting rally while prioritising environmental stewardship. Now, the rally is a recognised leader in sustainable motorsport, inspiring other organisers across the UK.
The East Riding Stages Rally: A New Classic in British Motorsport
The East Riding Stages Rally, held annually in East Yorkshire, has quickly become a significant fixture on the British motorsport calendar since its inception in 2022. The event is celebrated for its dynamic engagement with the local community, featuring a ceremonial start and finish in Beverley's historic market square, a dedicated FanZone, and a spectator-friendly Super Special Stage.
The 2025 rally, scheduled for 23 February, will open the Probite British Rally Championship and the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship. Once again the event joins the AS Performance North of England Tarmacadam Rally Championship as round two, and also features in the Proflex Shock Absorbers ANCC Stage Rally Championship, the ANWCC Stage Rally Championship, and the SD34 Stage Rally Championship. "The inclusion of the rally in these major championships is a testament to the event’s growing prestige and the confidence the motorsport community places in our organisational capabilities," said Richard Vincent, the event founder.
From the start, BDMC recognised the environmental impact of hosting such a large-scale event. Determined to reduce this footprint without compromising the rally’s appeal, they partnered with Carbon Positive Motorsport to embed sustainability into the core of the East Riding Stages Rally. "The East Riding Stages was designed to create an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike, but we knew from the start we wanted sustainability to be a central part of its identity. " Vincent explains. "All hobbies have an environmental impact. The question is, what are we doing about it?"
The collaboration with Carbon Positive Motorsport began in 2022, making ERSR the first UK rally to offer competitors the opportunity to offset carbon emissions from fuel usage. In 2023, the initiative expanded to include organiser vehicles and registered spectator travel, resulting in 51 tonnes of CO₂e offset—a record for UK rallies at the time. In 2024, BDMC extended the programme further, offsetting 55 tonnes of CO₂e.
Steve Smith, Co-founder of Carbon Positive Motorsport, described the approach: "We are extremely proud to support Beverley & District Motor Club's environmental plans. Our 200% offsetting means that for every tonne of CO₂ emitted, we can offset an equivalent amount immediately through verified carbon reduction projects, while also committing to offset an additional equivalent in future projects. This ensures we not only neutralise the rally’s carbon footprint but actively contribute to long-term environmental restoration."
BDMC has also implemented practical measures to further reduce its environmental impact. Recyclable signage is used throughout the event, including for the stage furniture, with eco-friendly materials ensuring that these items can be fully recycled. "Using recyclable signage is a simple but effective way to minimise waste," said Vincent. "It’s an example of how sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated—it just requires the will to make better choices."
Building for the future
BDMC’s proactive approach demonstrates that sustainability and motorsport can go hand in hand. By working with Carbon Positive Motorsport for carbon offsetting unavoidable emissions, and embracing innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint, the East Riding Stages Rally is continuing to find ways to reduce their environmental impact.
"We’re committed to continuous improvement," said Vincent. "Our future plans include exploring new ways to reduce the impact of event operations and encouraging competitors to do the same. It’s about ensuring that the rally not only thrives today, but continues to do so in the future."
The East Riding Stages Rally stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful changes can make a significant impact. By embedding sustainability into the heart of their event, BDMC has shown that motorsport can rise to today’s environmental challenges while inspiring hope for a greener tomorrow.
To find out how your event can stake the first steps to sustainability, contact us via steve@carbonpositivemotorsport.com
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