Motor racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart flags off Perth Rally event

Nov 24 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

SCOTTISH motor racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart and First Minister Alex Salmond braved monsoon-like conditions to flag-off the inaugural RACMSA Rally of Scotland at historic Scone Palace.

And winner Kris Meeke dedicated his latest victory to another Scots legend, Colin McRae.

The three-day event culminated in a spectacular ceremonial finish at Stirling Castle.

After battering their way through stages in Perth and Kinross on Friday, hundreds of fans gathered on the castle’s esplanade on Saturday to hail Brits Kris Meeke and Guy Wilks, who took first and second place respectively, with Scottish star Alister McRae completing the podium’s top steps.

The rally attracted fans, drivers and media from across the globe and was hailed yesterday as a huge success by organisers and partner organisation, which included Perth and Kinross Council.

After a titanic battle on classic Scottish forest stages, Meeke emerged victorious in his Kronos-prepared Peugeot 207. The victory was the icing on the cake for his championship year in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).

Commenting after his win, Kris said: “It’s a dream come true this year for me and I hope I have shown that I am one of the best out there – it has been the best experience of my life. That car never missed a beat all year and I thank the entire team for that. For me personally, though, this victory on the first Rally of Scotland is dedicated to the guy who helped me get started in my career: Colin McRae.”

Andrew Coe, chief executive of event organiser International Motor Sports Ltd, said: “The first running of the RACMSA Rally of Scotland has been an overwhelming success. We have had so much support from everyone involved, including the First Minister and Sir Jackie Stewart, who started the event in style on Thursday by waving off the top cars.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to EventScotland and both Stirling and Perth and Kinross Councils who have partnered with us to make this event happen. And thank you to all the teams, drivers and media for their support and all the volunteers who gave up their time, as without them we wouldn’t be able to run the event.

“We’re already looking forward to the next two years and promise to deliver an even greater event next year.”

Paul Bush OBE, chief operating officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, added: "Scotland has once again proved to be an outstanding host for motorsport.

“Over the past few days some of the world's top rally drivers have competed over some of the world's toughest stages in conditions which have been both challenging and exhilarating.

“Spectators and viewers were treated to some of the best rallying action ever seen on Scottish soil and witnessed Brit Kris Meeke win his first rally since securing the IRC Drivers’ Championship on the last round. Our congratulations go to the top Scottish driver, Alister McRae, who fought off tough competition to come third.

"The 2009 Rally of Scotland has well and truly set the bar for the coming two years when the rally will return to Scotland. Thousands of motor sports fans will be able to enjoy highlights of the competition on Eurosport over the coming week and thousands more will have been watching it live around the world.”

Bush concluded: "The Rally has also showcased Scotland's scenery, rallying terrain, enthusiastic crowds and welcoming hospitality to thousands of visitors who have come along to enjoy the action up close.

“These visitors have in turn generated massive benefits for Perth and Kinross and Stirling, increasing bed nights and tourism revenue in the winter months."