Rally Isle of Man will be a mixture of classic and innovative stages this September.
The entire course and itinerary for the event has been extensively reviewed by the organising teams’ Route Committee. As a result the challenge for crews will be every bit as the tradition of the event demands, whilst offering a real spectacle.
Indeed striking the balance has been one of the key ingredients, as Kris Killip, Clerk of the Course for the Duke Stages Rally section of the event, suggests.
“We’ve not only looked at the overview, we’ve attempted to create a highlight within each section of each day, something that stands out for competitors and spectators alike.”
It was announced in March that the centre-piece of Thursday nights opening leg (20th September) would be a spectator super-special stage on Douglas Promenade, featuring side-by-side action with cars head-to-head. There will also be two other stages without going too far from the events TT Grandstand service area.
Friday’s eight day-time tests will take place across the island and will include more side by side action, with a plan in place for two of the tests to start on the same stretch of road, pitting crews against one another from the green light! It is thought it may be a first for the sport.
The islands ancient capital of Castletown, a long standing friend of the event for over 25 years, remains at the heart of Friday nights action that covers four tests, though the familiar stage from Hango Hill through the town has also received a makeover!
Saturday’s ten stage day means it’s no easy run to the finish ramp.
As throughout the route, long main road runs will be kept to a minimum to enhance the experience for competitors and fans but also reduce inconvenience for non-rally road users as far as possible.
To achieve this, Saturday morning will feature double usage of roads on two stages, another first for closed roads events on the island.
It all builds to a traditional fitting finale with a dash down Glencrutchery Road to finish at the TT Grandstand on Saturday afternoon. The crews will most certainly have earned any champagne and silverware that may be coming their way!
“Almost every stage includes an element of what competitors would describe as classic Manx rallying,” says Kris Killip. ”Druidale, The Mines, Castletown and the Classic for example are all included. Some of them may be in a different format, but the roads that give this island its unique place in our sport are still what present one of its ultimate challenges.”
• Regulations are set to be published in early July as entries open, however a pre-registration facility has been made available at rallyisleofman.co.im for anyone planning to participate in whatever capacity.
• Rally Isle of Man is able to accept entries from non-UK/Irish license holders as it is registered as a National Event with Authorised Foreign Participation (NEAFP). Competitors who make wish to take part on this basis should contact the Rally Office in the first instance.
• To help take the stress out of booking arrangements, the rally has teamed up with specialist trip planners Isle of Man Events Limited (iomevents.com). They’ll be only too happy to look after the planning for your entire trip, covering travel and accommodation, with great prices.
For further editorial information contact:
Chris Boyde, Rally Isle of Man Media media@rallyisleofman.co.im +44 (0)7624 476 608
or Rally Isle of Man Office rally@rallyisleofman.co.im +44 (0)1624 852 440
