‘World Class’ R.A.C Rally comes to Croft Circuit in 2011
Croft Circuit is delighted to announce a fourth major event to its list of fixtures in 2011 – a stage of the Roger Albert Clark Rally, among the world’s most exciting and evocative historic car rallies, on Saturday 3 December.
Some 150 iconic cars competition rally cars from the Sixties and Seventies will descend on Croft near Darlington for its competitive timed stage which is likely to be one of the best attended on the hugely popular R.A.C’s four-day route.
The event, born in 2004, is named in honour of the late Roger Clark MBE, a maverick household name in the Seventies thanks to his heroic exploits behind the wheel of Ford Escort rally cars (indeed he was to rallying what James Hunt and Barry Sheene were to Formula 1 and 500cc motorcycle racing). The R.A.C has appeared before at Croft (the last time being in 2006) and the stage will add a unique challenge for drivers as it will be the only asphalt test on the whole of the four-day event – the remaining competitive timed mileage will all be held on gravel stages through forests.
Crews will tackle two ‘double runs’ through the Croft stage during the afternoon of Saturday 3 December. Furthermore, the circuit’s vast race paddock will act as a Service Park – enabling the public to get a close-up look at the cars that wowed millions of public on the legendary RAC rallies of old as they are worked on by teams’ mechanics. This will also offer enthusiasts a golden opportunity for photos and autographs with the star drivers. Timings and ticketing information will be announced soon.
Top makes and models of car from the day (including up to 1981) such as MKI and MKII Ford Escorts, Vauxhall Chevettes, Opel Asconas, Mini Coopers, Saab 96s, Porsche 911s, Renault 5 Turbo and even the odd and very rare Lancia Stratos and Fulvia are among the expected entries on this year’s R.A.C. As in recent years, a growing number of overseas crews from countries such as Belgium, France and Germany are also anticipated.
Croft is already blessed with two superbly-run club level rallies, the Christmas Stages and Jack Frost events (organised by the Darlington & District and Northallerton Automobile clubs respectively) and the region generally is steeped in rallying folklore. But a stage of the ‘Roger Albert’ is a real jewel in the crown to add to the circuit’s three other high-profile events in 2011: MCE Insurance British Superbikes (13-15 May), Dunlop British Touring Cars (18-19 June) and the two-day Nostalgia Weekend historic festival (6-7 August).
“We are absolutely delighted to announce that the R.A.C is back at Croft in 2011,” commented Croft Circuit Manager Tracey Morley. “There’s a real magic and fascination about these cars with their truly iconic shapes and terrific engine notes – let alone the spectacle of seeing them being driven sideways on the limit. It is little wonder the R.A.C enjoys such a huge following both here in the UK and abroad and it will not be a surprise to hear quite a few European accents chattering away on our spectator banks here at Croft on 3 December.
“The Sixties and Seventies were both golden ages for rallying and very often the old RAC rallies would include a stage at a race circuit as part of their route. This fits in perfectly with that spirit and with two double runs on the day in daylight hours, excellent permanent viewing facilities and the added attraction of a major Service Park to get even closer to these special cars, the crowds will really get their money’s worth.
“This is a fantastic event for the circuit, the public and the region as a whole to savour and we look forward to it with great enthusiasm.”
Colin Hepenstall, R.A.C Rally Manager, said: “For some time now I have wanted to bring this rally back to Croft, with its superb facilities for both the competitors and spectators. We should be able to give everyone a fantastic experience. My thanks go to the Circuit for their hard work in making this possible and I look forward to working with them on this.”
Croft’s stage of the R.A.C follows opening event action on Friday night and Saturday morning in the forests of North Yorkshire. After Croft, the crews will move on to other highly demanding tests in forests and across moorland in North Yorks, the Borders, Cumbria and Dumfries before finishing on the Monday afternoon (5 December). Full details of the event’s route and stages are expected to be announced this coming Wednesday 11 May.
For more details about the Roger Albert Clark (R.A.C) Rally visit the official website rogeralbertclarkrally.org
Croft this coming weekend (13-15 May) hosts the UK's premier motorcycle race series, the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. To find out more about all of the circuit's 2011 fixtures, also including the high-profile Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (18-19 June) and Nostalgia Weekend (6-7 August) plus details on ticket prices/how to book, visit croftcircuit.co.uk.
