Organisers Rally Isle of Man and Druidale Motor Club Ltd have been delighted with the initial take up of entries for September’s 50th anniversary running of the event.
In just a week 22 crews have submitted entries, including teams from Japan and Belgium.
“We’re absolutely over the moon,” says John Gill, Chairman. “Only three of the crews who have entered so far are from here on the island, so it is a wonderful start, and naturally we’d encourage all rally competitors to come and join in what should be a really special event.”
Indeed the rally boasts 192 stage miles, just four less than the full Wales Rally GB WRC route and considerably more than any other British isles event this year. And with events running under both National A and National B status organisers are tagging it as the ‘clubmans International!’
“We know that multiple past winners, revered names such as Colin McRae and our Patron Mark Higgins, have said that the challenge of this rally is akin to anything the World Championship offers, and we want every crew to have the chance to come and be a part of it, so if you’ve ever wanted to experience the feeling at a much more cost-effective level, here’s your chance!”
To enhance that, the organisers confirmed recently that the ‘Manx International Rally’ title will be revived and competitors will therefore battle to have their name alongside those of World Champions Ari Vatanen, Henri Toivonen, Colin McRae and Richard Burns on the roll of honour.
The event is open to all competitors from Europe and Ireland as it is registered as a ‘National Event with Authorised Foreign Participation (NEAFP)’, allowing Rally Isle of Man to accept entries from non-UK and Irish license holders.
The Historic section, Rallee Classicagh, will be run as a National A event and the Manx International Rally and Manx Trophy Rally (a one and a half day event with reduced entry fee) will be run at National B staus.
Online entry and regulations for the 12-14th September event are available on the rally’s website www.rallyisleofman.co.im
To help take the stress out of booking arrangements, the rally has once again teamed up with specialist trip planners Isle of Man Events Limited (www.iomevents.com). Sally and Natalie will be only too happy to look after the planning for your entire trip, for competitors, officials and spectators alike, covering travel and accommodation, with great prices only available through Rally Isle of Man. Contact +44 (0) 1624 664460 or email: sally@iomevents.com; Natalie@iomevents.com.
