Chance to meet rally heroes in Fair City

Oct 7 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

MOTORSPORT enthusiasts will line Fair City streets this weekend as the Rally of Scotland rolls into town.

Tomorrow, dozens of £200,000 top-of-the-range rally cars will park up on Mill Street by Perth Concert Hall during a break in the competition’s proceedings.

The free event, which will take place around 1.30pm will allow fans to inspect the multi-million pound fleet of vehicles and meet their rally heroes for a chat and autographs.

World rally’s top stars, including Scots Alister McRae and David Bogie, will be in attendance, with a range of impressive cars on show, including Skoda, Peugeot, Proton, Ford, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Citroen and Honda.

Andrew Coe, chief executive of International Motor Sport, the organisers of the rally, said yesterday: “We are absolutely delighted to include what is already a hugely popular feature on the IRC’s overseas events -and in one of Scotland’s most vibrant cities.

“Furthermore this gives fans and the wider public, particularly families, free close-up access not normally available at major sporting events.

“Set against the backdrop of one of Perth’s most recognisable buildings, this will make for a very special sight.”

Welcoming the Intercontinental Rally Challenge event into Perthshire for its third year, Provost John Hulbert said: “For anyone who enjoys rallying and motorsport, I would encourage them to come along to experience this event.

“We are delighted to have the rally in our area as it adds to our reputation as a venue for exciting outdoor sports and leisure.

“It attracts many thousands of spectators to the area, giving the economy a huge boost.

“It also attracts worldwide TV and media coverage for Perth and Kinross, putting the area in the shop window for potential visitors.

“Perth and Kinross is the annual venue for the Forest Stages of the Colin McRae Rally, and to now have the Rally of Scotland as an annual fixture in the calendar shows that the area is fast becoming a magnet for the sport and its followers.”

The convener of PKC’s enterprise and infrastructure committee Councillor John Kellas echoed Provost Hulbert’s words.

He added: “The Rally of Scotland is great for our area.

“It is very exciting and the live television coverage highlights the beautiful scenery across Perthshire.

“It also provides a great economic benefit to the region, whether it is through people spending money in shops or staying at hotels.

“And it keeps our profile high as a destination for outdoor activities and events.”

The rally, which will be televised by Eurosport, will begin with a ceremonial start at Stirling Castle tonight.

Two stages will then be run in the dark of Stirlingshire’s Carron Valley before classic Perthshire stages, Craigvinean, Errochty and Drummond Hill are run twice tomorrow.

Further stages will be held in Stirlingshire on Sunday morning before the event concludes with two final stages in Perthshire and a ceremonial finish at Scone Palace in the evening.

For more information see PA Sport’s comprehensive coverage, or alternatively visit www.rallyofscotland.com.

l Best in the world: See P80