Motorsport: Rally of Scotland fans descend on Perth

Nov 20 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTHSHIRE becomes the epicentre of world rallying today as fans descend on the Big County for the inaugural RACMSA Rally of Scotland.

Last night, Scone Palace played host to spectators, crews and media from around the globe in the countdown to the final round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).

And Formula One legend Sir Jackie Stewart joined First Minister Alex Salmond at the start line.

Sir Jackie earlier took in the impressive “Speedsters” exhibition at Perth Museum which celebrates the achievements of Scotland’s many motorsport stars.

The Big County will be seen in all its glory today and the event, supported by Perth and Kinross Council during the Year of Homecoming, will be beamed to an international audience. The rally heads for a finish in Stirling tomorrow.

The entry list includes teams from over 10 different nations including Ireland, Germany and Iceland.

Top British drivers include this year’s IRC champion Kris Meeke, works Skoda UK driver Guy Wilks, current British Champion Keith Cronin and 2009 Scottish Rally Champion David Bogie.

Paul Bush, chief operating officer of EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “Scotland will demonstrate why it is the perfect stage for rallying when the Rally of Scotland. Securing a stage of the prestigious Intercontinental Rally Challenge is testament to the country’s major event credentials and its success in delivering high calibre sporting occasions.”

The Rally of Scotland forms part of Homecoming Scotland 2009 and was secured for Scotland through a partnership of EventScotland, Perth and Kinross Council and Stirling Council.