CAPACITY CROWD AS AMATEURS RUSH TO COMPETE ON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STAGE

Move to north Wales proves hugely popular with amateur crews

 Race2Recovery to compete on legendary Welsh stagesInternational entries for Wales Rally GB still availableNext month’s refreshed Wales Rally GB (14-17 November) has attracted a full capacity line-up of amateur crews all eager to pit their skills against the world’s best on the legendary Welsh forest stages.As previously confirmed a pair of National Rallies is being run alongside Britain’s concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Both two-day and three-day formats have proved incredibly popular with potential competitors – indeed both are now completely sold out.Much of the appeal has come from the organisers’ strenuous efforts to ensure local teams can maximise the World Championship’s presence in north Wales. Crews competing in the two National events are based alongside the premier WRC teams in the new Service Park situated in Deeside. Their concurrent routes feature many of the same classic Welsh forest stages as well as the exciting new spectator RallyFest stages at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park. Finishers will receive their trophies on the newly designed, high-profile WRC Start/Finish Podium in Llandudno on Sunday afternoon.In total a maximum of 100 places were available, with five of these being offered free to the winners of the various national rally championships as part of the ‘Road to Wales’ initiative. The remaining 95 places have all been filled with the organisers now only accepting a handful of hopeful reserves.“We are thrilled to announce a maximum capacity entry for the two National Rallies – it’s further proof of just how popular the move to an exciting new base in north Wales is proving to be,” said a delighted Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organiser International Motor Sports. “For so many reasons it’s vitally important that Britain’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship acts as an inspiration to all those involved in the sport. That’s why it’s especially encouraging to see so many of our enthusiastic amateurs keen to pit their skills against rallying’s elite on what are some of the world’s best special stages. What’s more the full entry will provide fans with lots of extra entertainment.”Indeed spectators on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be treated to a dazzling selection of rally cars which make up the National entry list. These include proven rally favourites like the Subaru Impreza and Mitsubishi Evo as well some great classics from past eras such as a Porsche 911, Lotus Cortina and Austin Healey 3000.Further interesting entries come from Race2Recovery, which is fielding no fewer than three competition prepared Land Rover Freelanders. Formed in 2011 by a team of predominantly injured servicemen, Race2Recovery aims to inspire those who are disabled and simultaneously raise money for the Help for Heroes charity.Adult tickets for individual stages start from just £15* while Day Passes providing multiple stage access can be purchased for just £33*. Moreover both tickets include a free programme valued at £7.50. Full details can be found on the official www.walesrallygb.com website.

While both National events are sold out, ambitious amateurs can still tackle the full Wales Rally GB with its 196 miles of timed sections starting in Snowdonia after dark on Thursday evening – entries for that close on 15 October. Indeed, to encourage local teams to gain World Championship experience, the organisers are offering crews a significantly discounted entry fee (reduced to £1500 from £2598) where both driver and co-driver hold an MSA competition licence and a British passport.

* Terms and conditions apply to all ticket prices.