Details of the accepted entries for the inaugural RACMSA Rally of Scotland, the 11th and final round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), to be held from 19th – 21st November were released at the Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow today. Amongst those addressing the media guests was triple Formula One world champion, Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE.
Currently entries stand at almost 60 (with capacity to accept more up to the closing date of Friday 7th November), including 30 international entries from 10 nations representing 10 vehicle manufacturers.
Leading entrants include 2009 IRC Drivers’ Champion - and factory Peugeot driver - Kris Meeke, Scotland’s Alister McRae in a semi-works Proton Satria, reigning Scottish Champion, David Bogie, in a Mitsubishi Lancer and newly crowned British Rally Champion Keith Cronin from Ireland in a Fiat Abarth Punto. A second Peugeot 207 S2000 has also been entered by the BF Goodrich Drivers Team. The winner of that drive will be announced later this week.
Also on the entry list are future stars Craig Breen and Tom Cave. Cave, 18, tackled his first World Rally Championship event last year, just days after passing his driving test. Meanwhile, Waterford’s Breen, 19, has this year walked away with four championship titles, including the UK, Irish and International Fiesta series. Both will be names to watch taking on the might of the IRC’s established stars in the Scottish forests.
Andrew Coe, chief executive of the Rally of Scotland’s organiser, International Motor Sports Ltd, is thrilled with the quality of the entry and noted: “It is shaping up to be a cracking finale to the 2009 IRC series. The lochs and hills of Stirling and Perth & Kinross will provide a stunning backdrop for what we hope will be the first visit of many visits for the IRC to Scotland.”
He continued: “It is not just the spectators in the forests who will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of top line international rallying in Scotland. The event will benefit from live coverage, both on Eurosport TV and online. Across the board, the rally will break new ground and we’re delighted it is also playing a pivotal role in the Homecoming Scotland celebrations of 2009.”
Paul Bush OBE, chief operating officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “The Rally of Scotland will, without doubt, be one of this year’s sporting event highlights and an un-missable spectacle in Perth and Kinross and Stirling. As the final stage of one of the world’s biggest motor sport championships, it will draw thousands of spectators from far and wide, bringing a substantial business benefit for local hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. The event has secured an impressive line up of world class drivers, both from the UK and of international acclaim, which will ensure an exciting competition will be broadcast live on Eurosport to an audience of millions, showcasing Scotland’s sensational scenery and capacity for hosting major events.”
Perth & Kinross provost John Hulbert said: “Perth & Kinross Council is delighted to welcome this exciting new event to Perthshire which provides a great opportunity to showcase the best of the area to a global television audience. The Rally of Scotland is a fantastic chance for anyone interested in rallying to experience this thrilling sport in stunning surroundings here in Perth and Kinross and we hope that people will come from far and wide to take advantage of that.”
Councillor Scott Farmer, depute leader of the council and portfolio holder for economy, tourism and finance said; “I am delighted to welcome this prestigious and exciting event to Stirling. As joint hosts of the RACMSA Rally of Scotland, which is the final leg of the prestigious Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) series, we believe that the event will provide a unique platform for showcasing Stirling and the beauty of its landscape to the world, thereby boosting tourism and delivering major economic benefits to the community."
To keep up to date with news and information about the Rally of Scotland, visit rallyofscotland.com. Tickets are available now and can be purchased by calling 0844 847 2488.
