Fans, drivers, teams and media from across the globe will descend on Scotland this week for the inaugural RACMSA Rally of Scotland, which takes place from Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st November. Sweden, Belgium, Portugal, Australia, Estonia and Iceland are just some of the locations that Scotland will be welcoming visitors from for the final round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).
Scotland will be seen in all its glory by a host of fans who have travelled to take in the action of the new event, all of whom will have undoubtedly been seduced by the country’s unique motorsports heritage. Speaking of his support for the event, triple Formula One world champion Jackie Stewart said: “Scotland has an amazing heritage when it comes to motorsport – and rallying in particular. This event is a tremendous opportunity for Scotland to project itself through sport, to highlight its natural beauty and create new opportunities.”
The entry list for the event has attracted teams from over 10 different nations including Ireland, Germany and Iceland. This means millions more will see Scotland in all its glory as overseas fans support their local drivers, either in person or through the live television and extensive web coverage.
Paul Bush OBE, 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 begins this week. 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.”
“It is fantastic that we have had such wide-ranging support for the first Rally of Scotland and I’m proud that we are taking Scotland to new audiences via the sport of rallying,” commented Andrew Coe, chief executive of event organiser International Motor Sports Limited. “What’s more is that this event is contracted to stay in Scotland for another two years and therefore the scope to grow the rally and further attract overseas audiences is even greater.”
The Rally of Scotland takes place over 13 special stages across Stirling and Perth and Kinross. The event kicks off at the Ceremonial Start at Scone Palace on Thursday 19th November, gates open from 5pm, when First Minister of Scotland, Rt Hon Alex Salmond and Sir Jackie Stewart wave off the first ten cars.
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.
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. Please note tickets ordered from now onwards, either online or via the telephone hotline, will need to be collected from the rally ticket office in Stirling Service Park.
