IRC Rally Scotland 2009

[J4MIE]

Scotland will stage the final round of the prestigious Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) in 2009 over the weekend of Friday 20th and Saturday 21st November.

This thread is for all the information about it to try and help you guys who are planning to come to the event, it does seem like there are a lot of you

The rally will be based between Stirling (about 35 miles / 40 minutes West of Edinburgh) and Perth (30 miles / 35 minutes North-East of Stirling).

According to HaCo the route details will be announced at the end of April. I don't know what stages will be being used but none of the ones around Stirling have been used for many years. I think the ones around Perth are likely to be similar to those used on the Colin McRae Forest Stages but that is only six weeks before so not sure they will have enough time to repair the roads etc so don't know if they will be using any different ones.

But I just also wanted to mention that when you are making plans, you may even consider coming over a week early to watch at the Roger Albert Clark Rally, 13-16 November. For me it's the best UK rally of the year, 3 long days of following historic cars around the country, using some of the best stages and it's just completely awesome, I can't describe how much I enjoy it. Last year Malcolm Wilson won it in a MkII Escort. What a week this is going to be!! http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org

You can choose between flying in to Glasgow or Edinburgh airport as both are roughly the same distance from Rally HQ but from Perth it's quicker/easier to reach Edinburgh.

Plenty of accommodation nearby too, where you stay depends on how far you want to drive each day. I'd recommend travelodge in quite a few places nearby, Stirling, Falkirk, Perth, Dunfermline, Kinross, and at a push Glenrothes or Dundee. Visit http://www.visitscotland.com for info on accomodation etc.

If anyone knows who is likely to be entering the event or coming to watch that would be interesting too I will put all the info I hear about the event in here.

[AndyRAC]

Really looking forward to November - should be some fantastic Rallying action. Agree about the RAC which is the week before, always a fantastic event - the only 'bad' thing is it doesn't last long enough, I always feel it needs another day.
As for the IRC Scottish - I'm intrigued as to what the route might be - is 6 weeks enough to get the stages used on the McRae Stages back in some sort of shape? Just wish it was another day instead of the 2 days. And hope that all the top boys turn up, plus a few wild cards & the BF Goodrich drive should go to a young Scottish/British driver.
Finally, I hope the prices and spectator areas aren't like on RallyGB......

[J4MIE]

Not too sure I agree about the RAC being too short, I really noticed on the Monday last year that most of them were really trying to get to the finish more than anything else. I don't blame them at all, it's a lot they've got through up to then and of course they don't want to throw it off with the finish in their sights! Also another day would mean another area of the country and would add a significant cost to doing the event.

There will probably be a shakedown stage on the Thursday and I'm led to believe there may be a test day organised in the run up to the event too. IRC events are tending to be two day events as well which will cut costs no doubt, but still providing good competition and entertainment

[sal]

See my post re the RAC inthe British section however the event will be on and looks like being better than ever!

[J4MIE]

Route and spectator information will be announced on their website tomorrow, not sure when but I'll try to keep an eye on it and post a link

[Donney]

I would love to go, if I have the chance (read that money available) I'm definitely going.

[J4MIE]

Spectators ticket details announced, will go on sale at midday today.

http://www.rallyscotland.tv/news_story.asp?ID=14

Full details of the route will be announced on Wednesday May 13th.

[J4MIE]

I would love to go, if I have the chance (read that money available) I'm definitely going.

Would be good to see you over here Donney. I believe that Travelodge have a sale on at the moment with some £9 rooms available, have a search on their website, might save you a bit of cash.

Easyjet also have direct flights to Edinburgh from various places in Spain.

[sal]

Is £50 the highest rally pass charge in the IRC? Britain has a reputation to keep up!

[AndyRAC]

Is £50 the highest rally pass charge in the IRC? Britain has a reputation to keep up!

Must admit, I baulked when I saw that price. Wasn't totally surprised however, IMS are the organisers - their raison d'etre is high ticket prices. I'd be willing to bet that £50 is the most expensive in the IRC, and it's not really on. I'll probably still end up going.........