World class drivers are under starter’s orders

(Date of issue: Tuesday, 10 November 2009)

The countdown to the start of the star studded 2009 Roger Albert Clark Rally has begun. To mark the event a photo opportunity has been arranged with last year’s winner, Malcolm Wilson OBE and his winning MK2 Escort. Both will be on hand with Carlisle City Cllr Marilyn Bowman, portfolio holder for Economy and Director of Carlisle Tourism Partnership Marie Whitehead, outside the Civic Centre, at 10.00am, on Thursday, 12 November, as part of the preparations to receive this year’s event.

Malcolm is supporting his co-driver from last year John Millington, who has teamed up with this year’s event favourite, former British Rally Champion, Gwyndaf Evans in their bid to win. However, they won’t have it all their own way, they are competing against a star studded field; featuring former World Rally Champion; Stig Blomqvist, Le Mans 24 Hour Champion; Guy Smith, British Rally Champions; Phil Collins and David Stokes and Historic British Rally Champion; Steve Perez.

This year’s field is the largest ever with 68 teams competing, in this must-do event, in the British rallying calendar. The Roger Albert Clark Rally recreates the classic RAC Rallies of the 1960s and 1970s, taking in classic gravel stages in Yorkshire, Kielder, Scotland and Cumbria. For the sixth year in a row the city is set to welcome back this prestigious UK rally. The competitors along with their support crews, watched by thousands of spectators, are a major economic boost to the area and firmly place Carlisle at the heart of British Motorsport.

The rally starts from Pickering Showground, Yorkshire on Friday, 13 November. The cars arrive in Carlisle on Saturday, 14 November for an overnight halt. Sunday, 15 November is spent in the Scottish borders and the Dumfries area, before another night in Carlisle.

The final day of the rally, Monday, 16 November, takes crews into the daunting Kielder forest complex in Northumberland before a lunch-time finish in Carlisle city centre for the champagne finish. The Mayor of Carlisle, Councillor William Graham, will wave the cars over the finish line.

Carlisle City Council Cllr Marilyn Bowman, portfolio holder for Economy said:

"Over the last six years, the Council has continued to assist the organisers of the Roger Albert Clark Rally, helping the rally to continue to grow and thrive. There is a rich heritage of rally driving in this area and this event will certainly generate great opportunities for local businesses, placing Carlisle even more firmly on the map. Especially as competitors and rally fans are coming from all over the UK and Europe to watch these world renowned drivers compete in this classic event finishing in this great border city."

Malcolm Wilson OBE said:

‘’The Roger Albert Clark Rally is a great event that brings rallying back to its roots and it is fantastic to see that it is continuing to thrive. It evokes great memories of the classic British rallies of the 1970s and ‘80s and I can confirm from personal experience, having competed in the event last year that it provides a huge challenge for all of the competitors. Carlisle is the perfect location for Saturday’s overnight halt because of its proximity to some of the great rallying forests of the North of England and South of Scotland.’’

Marie Whitehead Director of Carlisle Tourism Partnership said:

‘’We are extremely pleased be the finishing point for this world renowned rally for the sixth year. This type of event helps raise the profile of the city both nationally and internationally - generating significant income and great opportunities for local business and tourism, especially with competitors and fans coming from all over the UK and as far afield as South Africa.’’