Six months before the quiet forest tracks near Pitlochry, Blair Atholl and the Trossachs are shattered by the piercing cackle of modern Super2000 rally cars, the organisers of the inaugural RallyScotland gathered at Stirling Castle today to confirm the event’s route.
RallyScotland, the final round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge — which sees crews tackle 12 events in countries including Monaco, Brazil, Turkey, Italy, Russia, Portugal and Spain — will base itself in Perth and Stirling.
The competitors will then take on 13 of the toughest stage miles in Europe covering 140 timed-to-the-split-second miles. The total three-day route covers 500 road miles.
The event, which will be broadcast live into more than seven million homes across Europe, will stage a ceremonial start at Scone Palace on the evening of Thursday, November 19.
Immediately afterwards the 90 cars, driven by many of the world’s leading drivers — including Colin McRae protegee and current IRC leader Kris Meeke — will then tackle two short spectator special stages within the palace’s grounds.
The dramatic one-mile spectator-special stage will see the cars — with headlights blazing and representing manufacturers such Abarth, Citroen, Honda, Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Volkswagen — hurtle past the front of Scone Palace at around 100mph.
The following day will see the cars depart the teams’ overnight halt in Perth’s Tay Street at 8am before heading to one of Scotland’s most famous stages, the 13.3-miler at Craigvinean, followed by the 8.5-miler at Blackcraig.
The crews will then head for Blair Castle for servicing before tackling the 14-miler at Errochty and Drummond Hill’s 11.7 miles. After a further service halt at Blair Castle, the crews will have a second run through Craigvinean before heading to their overnight halt in Stirling.
Saturday, the final and longest day of the three-day season finale will see the crews fire up their cars at 06.10am.
Then they head into the Trossachs for two loops of three of Scotland’s toughest and most demanding stages, the 11.5 miles of Achray, the 5.2-miler at Fairy Knowe and the gruelling 21.7-miler at Loch Ard, just 30 miles from Glasgow.
The day is broken by a service halt in Stirling after the first run through the three stages. After the second blast through Loch Ard, the crews will return to Stirling Castle for the podium celebrations.
“The settings of Friday’s and Saturday’s special stages are steeped in history,” Andrew Coe, chief executive of event organiser International Motor Sports (IMS) said today.
“I am sure the route will provide an appropriate challenge for some of the best rally crews in the world.” It was a view backed by five-times British Rally Champion Jimmy McRae.
“These are some of the toughest stages not just in Scotland or the UK, but in the whole of Europe,” the veteran said. “But not only are they a severe test for all the drivers, they actually showcase Scotland in all its spectacular natural glory.”
Such is the appeal of RallyScotland, which has signed a three-year deal with the IRC, that Eurosport will televise a third of the event live utilising a combination of static, in-car and helicopter-mounted cameras.
“The televising of RallyScotland live across Europe will dramatically put Scotland and Scottish motorsport on the map,” Clerk of the Course, Iain Campbell, explained.
“Friday’s coverage will see live screening from Craigvinean, while Saturday will see both runs of the top 10 cars through Loch Ard with the helicopter following the final car the whole way through the stage. It should be truly stunning.”
With the event poised to generate many of millions of pounds into the Scottish economy, the organisers have worked hard to ensure tickets represent value for money.
With tens of thousands of spectators expected, an adult three-day pass — which includes access to all stages, including Thursday evening’s Special Stages and the Ceremonial Start as well as all car parks and service parks — will cost £50 (£25 for children).
“Securing the final stage of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge for the next three years was a fantastic achievement for Scotland and the route for 2009 will do justice to our heritage and spectacular scenery,” Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, said.
“Spectators will not only be able to witness three action-packed days of live motorsport but also some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.”
“The live broadcast on Eurosport will also ensure our reputation as a world class host for motorsports and as a destination for culture, history, spectacular natural landscapes and vibrant cities will be communicated far and wide. It’s going to be a fantastic three days.”
JM