THE enede.com Emerald Stages Rally will be making its debut at Rockingham next month (February), to reinforce the Northamptonshire circuit’s commitment to supporting rallying.

The event has been organised by London Irish Motor Club and will incorporate Rockingham’s International Circuit, the paddock area and perimeter roads to   provide eight demanding stages. The organisers are aiming to attract up to 100 competitors to the event, which follows the success of the popular Rockingham Stages, now in its fifth year.

The enede.com Emerald Stages Rally takes place on Saturday, February 16, and the first stage starts at 9am. Spectators are welcome and entry costs £10 per car.

“We’re really looking forward to hosting the enede.com Emerald Stages Rally, which will be a great warm up for the new racing season at Rockingham,” said Director of Sales & Marketing at Rockingham, Charlotte Orton.

“Rockingham has built on the solid foundations it has laid with the rally clubs and we are proud to continue its support and association of rallying. This event will be a great opportunity for spectators to enjoy this fun motorsport.”

A whole host of machines will be taking part, including WRC Escorts, GpN Mitsubishis, Ford Escorts and Toyota Corollas as well as a couple of WRC Subaru Imprezas.

Willie Woods, Chairman of London Irish Motor Club, said: “We are delighted to be running the Emerald Stages Rally at Rockingham for the first time.

“The potential of the venue and the staff for this rally leads me to think we will have a wonderful event with the cream of Ireland and the UK competing here.”

As well as having fun on the eight competition stages, all crews in the rally will be entered into a prize draw to win an entry to a rally in Ireland, courtesy of London Irish Motor Club.