Opportunity knocks for rally amateurs at this year's re-vamped Wales Rally GB – with amateur rally crews are being offered three different national rally competition options to compete against the sport’s elite on this event running from its new base in North Wales, 14-17 November. This gives even more VFM for the fans watching the only British WRC event. Hooray!
Following extensive research among competitors, two different National events will be run alongside Britain’s concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC); there’s also the opportunity for more ambitious entrants to contest Wales Rally GB in its entirety.
Ensuring all participants take full advantage of the WRC’s presence in north Wales, all teams will be based beside the premier world championship outfits in the new Service Park situated in Deeside. Adding to their appeal, the two National events feature many of the same classic Welsh forest stages as tackled by the WRC crews as well as the exciting new spectator stages at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park, and the historic Great Orme. Finishers will receive their trophies on the newly designed, high-profile WRC Start/Finish Podium in Llandudno on Sunday afternoon.
The longer, three-day National rally includes no fewer than 11 of the 13 Wales Rally GB stages starting on Friday with challenging tests in Hafren, Sweet Lamb and Myherin. The shorter two-day National rally commences on Saturday morning and then shares the same route as the on-going three-day event.
Saturday’s schedule includes four challenging stages – Gartheinog, Dyfi, Dyfnant and Chirk Castle. Sunday kicks off with a second run through Dyfnant and then follows the WRC route via Penllyn, Clocaenog and Kinmel Park before a dramatic conclusion on the historic Great Orme.
As well as giving amateurs an outstanding opportunity to compete on the same classic stages as the top stars from the FIA World Rally Championship, the two National rallies offer great value for money. The three-day event includes 114 miles of competitive stages for an entry fee of just £900 while the 72-mile, two-day alternative is priced at £600. Categories for historic and FIA classes are available all with their own awards. A generous Guest Pass package is also available for competitors with a dedicated hospitality facility being constructed in the Deeside Service Park.
More ambitious amateurs can, of course, tackle Wales Rally GB with its 196 miles of timed sections starting in Snowdonia after dark on Thursday evening. Indeed, to encourage local teams to gain World Championship experience, the organisers are offering crews where both driver and co-driver hold an MSA competition licence and a British passport, a significantly discounted entry fee reduced to £1500 from £2598.
“Wales Rally GB is the grand finale to both the FIA World Rally Championship and the British rallying season and we are doing everything we can to ensure we are providing something really special for all those wanting to compete,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organiser International Motor Sports. “The move to north Wales and the reintroduction of some truly classic Welsh forest stages and, of course, the Great Orme has been extremely well received. Now by offering the choice between two National rallies, plus discounted entries into the main event, we are confident that Wales Rally GB will be a hugely attractive opportunity no one will want to miss. It offers not only a chance for amateurs to pit their skills against rallying’s elite but also some fantastic stages and great value for money.”
What’s more the addition of many of the country’s top amateur crews will add further to the thrilling spectator experience with the promise of lots more spectacular action plus the inclusion of some exciting rally cars from past and present eras.
Adding to the appeal of the new-look Wales Rally GB, prices of adult admittance to individual forest stages on the day have been reduced to £15 (from £20 in 2012) while Day Passes have been re-introduced providing multiple stage access for just £33. Four-day World Rally Passes are available for £99. Moreover all adult tickets include a free programme priced at £7.50. The popular ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme has been extended providing those aged between 9-15 years old with a four-day ticket giving access to all 22 stages for just £1. Those aged eight and under are admitted free. Full details can be found on the www.walesrallygb.com websites, now with a dedicated version optimised for mobile phones via www.walesrallygb.com/mobile/home.php.
For the latest updates, directions and stage information, follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter@walesrallygb, join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb or visit the website www.walesrallygb.com.
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