ROCKINGHAM STAGES RALLY RETURNS FOR NINTH SEASONTHE Rockingham Stages returns for an incredible ninth consecutive season this weekend (December 8/9) with the rally once again providing the finale to a fabulous year of motorsport at the Northamptonshire circuit.Reigning champions Pete and Aron Rayner are unable to defend their 2011 title, but there are more than 40 crews competing over the challenging two day tarmac event to stake a claim to their crown.Joint organisers Thame Motorsport Club and Middlesex County Automobile Club will utilise every inch of road at the venue, including the access roads and tunnels, both pit lanes, the paddock area and a combination of the in-field circuit and the UKs only banked oval circuit, providing 90 miles of competitive motoring over 12 stages.
Six stages take place on Saturday, including the infamous two stages in the dark, which are guaranteed to provide entertainment, with the remaining six stages taking place the following day.
In addition there will also be a Sunday Stages rally, offering six stages over 47 miles for those who dont wish to take part in both days. Also new to this year is the introduction of a 1-litre class to encourage smaller engined cars to compete.Starting at car one are Tony Racey and Gawaine Clark, who won the event in their Impreza in 2010. They will be challenged by a whole host of machines, including the rally winning Ford Escort RS of Paul King and Alicia Miles seeded at number two.
Richard Edwards and Andy Hollingham will be starting as car three, also in a Ford Escort, while last years third place finishers, Andy Corner and Ade Camp will be taking part once again in their rapid Peugeot 205.Look out for the entertaining orange Escort of John Legg and David Parsons at car five, with fellow Flanders Rally Challenge competitors Andy Rowe and Cat Lund (who happens to be Rockinghams Head of Operations), right behind them in their Mitsubishi Evo 2.
The action starts at midday on Saturday and 10am on Sunday. Tickets cost just 10 on the day, or 15 for both days, and theres free admission for children aged 16 and under.
Spectators and service crews can enjoy a great view of the stages from the pit garage roof and from the grandstand seats of the Rockingham Building, and everyone can warm up in the Welcome Centre which will be open for hot food and drink all day and will also host a rally get together on Saturday evening.
