The popular Specsavers Christmas Stages Rally, originally scheduled for Monday 28 December at Croft Circuit, will now take place on Saturday 2 January instead.

The organiser, Northallerton Automobile Club Ltd, was recently informed by Croft Circuit of the need to change due to the ramifications of the High Court Injunction served on Croft earlier this year and, following consultation with the committee, rather than cancel the event - which attracts some of the leading competitors in the country - it was decided that both scrutineering and documentation, as well as the rally itself, will now take place five days later than planned. The Croft facility is limited to a maximum of just 40 days of 'noisy' track activities a year.

"Despite alterations to the running order for the Rallycross event last weekend, unfortunately the last two noisy days of the restricted 40, as imposed by a High Court ruling earlier this year, have now been used up, which meant that the circuit was unable to hold this event before the New Year," Croft circuit manager Tracey Morley confirmed.

The necessity in having to alter the date from its popular Christmas Bank Holiday Monday slot will be a major disappointment to thousands of fans who were expecting to attend, but the event expects to return to the traditional date next year.

"It's unfortunate as well as disappointing, and it has caused us a few headaches as all plans were in place for the 28 December, what with officials booked, regulations printed and permits sought etc," clerk of the course Ian Jackson said, "However, with some hard work on our and Croft's part, rather than just cancel the event, we can work round it this year and hopefully, still attract a good entry and decent crowd and get back to our normal date next year."