The year may not be over but the first entries have already been received for the 2013 MANN Construction sponsored Chris Kelly Memorial Stages, an event providing an excellent opportunity to get your season under way.
Taking place on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th February, the organising club Manx Auto Sport has announced an exciting deal for competitors, in that entry fees and ferry travel can be secured from just ?550 (*). Adding to this fantastic offer to include accommodation, a 3 star hotel, sees the total rise to ?718 – still great value (**).
They also confirm that their event once again forms a qualifying round of two championships:
• Eurocars Motorsport Manx Rally Championship (***)
• AWNCC Stage Rally Championship
In previous years numerous UK crews have used the event to get there season underway or as a test ahead of the Manx National Rally in May and this year is no exception. Already on the list of entries is leading MSA Asphalt Championship competitor John Indri in his Darrian T90 along with Yorkshire crews Andy Bird (Vauxhall Chevette) and Tommi Graham (Ford Escort MkII) and regular Welsh visitor Hugh Jones (Ford Escort MkII).
Continuing is the popular format of Friday night and Saturday daytime stages which has come to be known by the competitors. The opening leg is planned for six tests in total with two runs over the three stages, while Saturday will present a further eight, again two runs over four tests. As always true classic Manx roads will be used as well as a new twist as the end of the event, keep watching for that news!
Overall the rally will take in 105 stage miles spread across the seven separate stages with very limited road miles between, ensuring that reconnaissance will not be a drawn out affair. Servicing for the event will be centralised each day with the opening night based at the famous TT Grandstand in Douglas while Saturday will see a relocation to the Jurby motordrome in the North of the Island.
Reconnaissance can be completed either the weekend before, 9th & 10th February, or the Thursday/Friday 14th & 15th February giving crews flexibility in the build up. Scrutineering and documentation will take place on Thursday evening.
Not to be forgotten is the social side of Isle of Man rallying with the after-rally party and prize presentation playing an important role in the event.
For all the information you need to be part of the action head to manxautosport.org where the regulations and entry form await you.
(*) Standard Entry Fee ?325 available until 1st February.
?550 based on two people, plus van and trailer (up to 10 metres total) ferry return and entry fee. Additional metres
charged at ?20 per metre
(**) Accommodation is based on two people sharing a twin/double room.
(***) The Eurocars Motorsport Manx Rally Championship is open to all entrants to events, both on and off-island based, and even better - there is no registration fee!
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