with a little help from First Minister and Sir Jackie Stewart
Today (Thursday 19th November) the First Minister of Scotland, Rt Hon Alex Salmond and Sir Jackie Stewart officially start the inaugural RACMSA Rally of Scotland, being held from 19th-21st November. The action-packed Ceremonial Start takes place at the historic site of Scone Palace and will mark the start of three days of high-octane rally action and the final round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).
As well as watching the First Minister and the triple Formula One world champion waving the first cars off in style, fans will witness the first two special stages. Both stages are competitive and drivers will be going full throttle through the grounds of the palace in their bid for overall and class success. As well as rally fans and sports lovers, the evening will also be the perfect entertainment for families*, thanks to the safe and secure setting of the Palace.
In addition to the Ceremonial Start and running of the first two stages, fans will be able to get up close to top drivers at the autograph-signing session. The entry list for the first running of the top-class event has attracted some of the biggest names from the world of international and British rallying. These include recently-crowned IRC Champion, Kris Meeke, Scottish Rally Champion David Bogie, Alister McRae and British Rally Champion Keith Cronin.
Andrew Coe, chief executive of event organiser International Motor Sports Limited (IMS), commented: “It is a great honour that the First Minister and Sir Jackie are giving up their time to support the first Rally of Scotland. There is a real buzz surrounding the rally, which is the biggest motorsport event to be hosted by Scotland in over 20 years. I want to thank fans for their continued support.”
First Minister Alex Salmond said: “I am delighted to join Sir Jackie Stewart in flagging off the drivers to start the first stage of the Rally of Scotland at this historic setting at Scone Palace. Winning the right to stage the Intercontinental Rally Challenge for Scotland over the next three years is a fantastic coup for Scotland. It will generate a substantial visitor boom in the local economies, and adds to our already impressive motor sports calendar. We have a strong heritage in motor sports and have produced outstanding world champions in every category. Their skills and reputation for innovation continue to inspire the next generation of motor sports stars.
“It is particularly fitting that the inaugural rally is taking place in the Year of Homecoming. This event is a true celebration of our contribution to the world and will showcase Scotland’s stunning scenery across the globe. I would like to wish all the drivers the best of luck this weekend and to welcome Scotland’s many high profile kings of motorsport home.”
Tickets for this evening’s action are still available and fans can buy tickets in advance at £15 for an adult and £5 for a child. Children under 8 years old go free which means the whole family can enjoy the Ceremonial Start for an affordable price. On the gate tickets are priced at £20 for an adult and £5 for a child (subject to availability).
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 purchased online or via the telephone hotline will now need to be collected in person from the event ticket office in Stirling Service Park.
