British stars compete alongside WRC champions

For the third consecutive year, Wales Rally GB, Britain’s round of the 2012 World Rally Championship, will play host to a complementary National event. The Wales Rally GB National, which takes place on Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September, will utilise many of the stages of this year’s pan-Wales WRC route, including the Likes Land Rover at Walters Arena stage on Sunday 16th September.

Wales Rally GB National is open to both historic and contemporary cars. Registrations for the event, which has been oversubscribed in previous years, will open from Wednesday 11th July 2012, with the final closing date falling a month later on Tuesday 14th August 2012. The maximum number of entries for the event is 100, with the first 100 entries received before the closing date being accepted on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. All other entries received will be advised if they have been accepted after 14th August 2012, when additional capacity on the event may be made available. The entry fee for the event will be £665 +VAT.   

Covering over 100 miles of classic Welsh forest stages, Wales Rally GB National will be based out of Cardiff, with the finish ceremony taking place on the international podium in Cardiff Bay on Sunday 16th September. Competitors will start day one in Newtown, before tackling nearly 13 miles in Dyfnant, 15 and a half miles in Hafren Sweet Lamb and over 17 miles in Myherin. On Saturday, the action will move to Crychan for just over 12 miles, followed by around five miles in Epynt and 11 and a half miles in Halfway. The event will culminate on Sunday, with almost 11 miles in Port Talbot, 5 and a half miles in Rheola and the 9 and a half mile Likes Land Rover at Walters Arena stage.

Andrew Coe, chief executive of International Motor Sports which organises Wales Rally GB, commented:

“We are delighted to be able to grow the National element of the event year-on-year. The inaugural Wales Rally GB National was well received in 2010, with over 70 entries for 60 places. In 2011, we expanded the field to include 80 competitors and received almost 90 entries. Last year’s success has allowed open up the event to 100 competitors for 2012, supporting our ultimate vision to see Wales Rally GB reach as many competitors and spectators as possible.”

Hereford’s Nigel Griffiths and co-driver Jon Scott won Wales Rally GB National in 2010 in their Subaru Impreza, but were beaten into second place at last year’s event by Whittlebury-based Roger Duckworth and co-driver Mark Broomfield, also competing in a Subaru Impreza WRC.

Tickets

Tickets for Wales Rally GB 2012 are on sale at walesrallygb.com, with prices starting from £20 per adult for the forest stages. A limited edition celebratory 80th anniversary Gold Rally Pass is also available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis for £130, providing access to all four days of Wales Rally GB 2012. (Terms and conditions apply to all ticket prices.)

Hospitality

The best viewing facilities have been reserved for VIP experiences and hospitality. This year the offerings will include in-stage hospitality at various points along the route including Sweet Lamb and the Likes Land Rover at Walters Arena stage. Options are available for groups of two to 200 people. Prices start at £99 per head and include VIP viewing, on-site parking, programmes and refreshments all provided by corporate hospitality specialist MatchPoint. The team is happy to discuss individual requirements with those looking to entertain clients, friends or family at this iconic international sporting event. Visit .matchpoint.co.uk, email walesrallygb@matchpoint.co.uk or call 02920 022 838 for further information. 

Accommodation

Media Travel has been appointed as the official accommodation provider for Wales Rally GB. Its team will be managing accommodation requirements for event organisers, competitors, media and spectators alike. It can also assist with other areas of travel including flights and ground transport. For further information, or to book, please contact Fiona on +44 (0)207 501 1887, walesrallygb@mediatravel.com or visit mediatravel.com