Wales Rally

[John Boy]

Thanks.  Looks like opinions run high on that forum too as to whether its an overpriced waste of space or a world class event with world class drivers.  We're going to go anyway, I'm actually looking forward to it and just hope its the later.  Still its a day out watching motorsport if nothing else.

[termietermite]

Thanks.  Looks like opinions run high on that forum too as to whether its an overpriced waste of space or a world class event with world class drivers.  We're going to go anyway, I'm actually looking forward to it and just hope its the later.  Still its a day out watching motorsport if nothing else.

Smokie's right, we were being a bit negative but some of us always are (no names, no pack-drill)! - part of the fun.  I'm sure you'll have a great time unless you're unlucky enough to end up on a stage that gets cancelled because of the crowds!  Just get where you're going really early because you would not believe the numbers of people compared to the old days, as it's now so concentrated in one area.
In spite of the fact that like so many forms of motorsport, it's not the way it was in the "good old days" - for which rose-tinted spectacles are always provided - we're still planning a trip to the Col de Turini some time soon!

[Chris24]

Personally we gave up on Wales Rally GB about 4 -5 years ago after it got way to expensive, too compact a route, which meant loads of traffic problems. (4 hours to go 30 miles to the next stage) We also got turned away from the service area which we were entitled to enter.

So now we tend to go to Rally Monte Carlo instead. If there are 4 to split costs with, it works out cheaper than doing Wales Rally GB, as it costs nothing to spectate out on the stages. The weather and scenery is better too, plus we get to sleep in hotel rather than our cars.

Well worth considering though is the Roger Albert Clark Rally in November. This is run in the spirit of the old RAC Rally, with stages in Yorkshire, Kielder, and Scotland. Runs over three days starting Saturday 18th November and is for 2 wheel drive stuff only. Mk1 and Mk2 Escorts, Lancia Stratos, Mini etc.

[steveaich]

Pack some good walking boots, get a decent OS map, DONT buy a ticket, DONT park in the official car parks. Nopt only do you get to see world class motorsport, but you can do it for free in combination with a good ramble in the countryside. Google earth can help with the navigating onto the stages

[John Boy]

Rats!!  Already bought the tickets.  I didn't think they were too expensive (£22/per head) compared to other sporting tickets I've bought in the past.  But the £3 handling fee and the £4.95 for delivery is just rude.

I think the plan is to go to Halfway and watch the cars through there twice.  Not going to even think about getting into the service area at Swansea.

[neilsie]

Do you mean the Welsh Rally or the GB Rally of Wales?

If the latter, I definitely wouldn't bother. It's massively overpriced, chav-ridden, the traffic is beyond ghastly (reckon on queuing for about four hours to get into the stage) and the is action mediocre at best. You'll either get soaked or covered in dust yet be well back from the action. Anyway, the cars aren't all that if you ask me, not when youve seen Grp B in action. Compared to the wonderful old-time five day long RAC rally, it's a pathetic shadow of it's former self, like cutting Le mans down to a 1000km race on the Bugatti curcuit.

ah the good old days..  old timer i am starting to sound... we used to follow it around in the late 80's, being lowely students that we were,  were camping in our Mk2 Escort.  really great community spirit, a bit like le mans, but on a colder, smaller and more mobile based.  Being feet away from the 6r4, and the amazing Rs200 is one sound and view which still causes the hair on my neck to stand on edge.  5 quid a stage entrance, bargain by todays prices.

as above, i wouldn't bother - its overpriced and overpopulated.   Be aware, that its a rally, you will see the cars for a brief second, especially if you go for a walk through the woods. If you must,  i think the best option are the "spectator stages" where you see the cars for a longer period. 

[nickliv]

The manx national and international are worth visiting too.

I nearly got flattened by a 'grale when I was leaning out of a gorse bush to take a photo.

Thing is, he interpreted the gorse bushes at the side of the road as fair game. The wing mirror clipped the camera strap, and the co driver had had garlic for dinner the previous evening. It was pretty close.

You live and learn.

Bloody good photo though.