RallyDay @ Castle Combe - (Sat) 22 Jul 06

Posted: August 25, 2006 10:09 PM

After driving the Castle Combe circuit in VLE756X, the immaculately-preserved Rothmans Escort kindly loaned by Beaulieu's National Motor Museum, Vatanen remarked: "I must have been a really good driver 25 years ago -- this car is a real handful!"

Making his first visit to Rallyday, Vatanen proved a huge hit with the spectators from around the world and was surrounded by enthusiastic rally fans wherever he went. "The UK was the country where my professional career took off, so this is like a big family reunion. It's fantastic to meet all these people," he said.

David Richards, another first-time visitor, who flew in especially, said: "This is an incredible show. I've only read about it before, but it's a great opportunity for everyone to get together in a relaxed atmosphere."

World Rally Championship teams were also there in force, with full-specification World Rally Cars from the BP Ford World Rally Team, Mitsubishi Motor Sports Team and the Eddie Stobart Motorsport Team. They were driven by Mikko Hirvonen, Mark Higgins and Matthew Wilson respectively and all three drivers gave the crowds spectacular driving displays. Hirvonen, who thrilled the thousands of rally fans throughout the day in the current Castrol Ford Focus WRC06 on numerous track sessions, commented: "This is my first time here, but it's great to see all these famous rally cars".

The event also celebrated the 25th anniversary of Talbot winning the FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers, with over 40 examples of the Sunbeam Lotus plus a number of immaculately prepared ex-works cars.

Lancia's centenary celebrations also took place, in the shape of a major display of the evocative Italian machinery -- including 50 Delta Integrales -- highlighting the company's rallying pedigree with a collection of some of the world's most iconic rally cars.

The star-studded event also included Jimmy McRae, Pentti Airikkala, Russell Brookes and Phil Collins, plus a huge collection of historic rally cars from the Group 4 and Group B eras. Brookes, back behind the wheel of an Andrews Heat For Hire Opel Manta 400, said: "I used to race here in my early career, but today's crowd is much bigger! It's a great day."

The on-track action was complimented by a new Bowler Wildcat rally ride experience from the world of Rally Raid, stunning driving displays from Russ Swift and live commentary by TV personalities Jon Desborough, Tony Mason and Nicky Grist.

Proceedings halted for an emotional one-minute silence at Noon, in honour of the late Richard Burns and Michael Parks, both of whom were at Rallyday 2005. Immediately afterwards, Richard's father Alex drove Richard's Subaru Impreza RB5 as the lead car in a parade of 50 RB5s.

Packed with more action, celebrities, original works rally cars and larger crowds than ever before, Rallyday 2006 confirmed its status as the UK's premier rally car show.

Rally Car Day (Castle Combe)

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PRE EVENT NEWS
The 6th Rallyday takes place at Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire on Saturday 22 July.

• HIRVONEN & FOCUS WRC06 AT RALLYDAY 2006
• ARI VATANEN AT RALLYDAY 2006
• MAJOR CELEBRATIONS AT RALLYDAY 2006
  - 1981 World Rally Championship
  - Lancia's Centenary

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13/06/06
HIRVONEN & FOCUS WRC06 AT RALLYDAY 2006
Castrol and the BP Ford World Rally Team have confirmed their support for Rallyday, which takes place at Castle Combe Circuit on Saturday 22 July. Current World Rally Championship driver -- and the latest in a long line of successful "Flying Finns" -- Mikko Hirvonen will star at the event in the Ford Focus WRC06, which he will demonstrate on track in front of an estimated 10,000 visitors.

One lucky visitor will get an unforgettable ride alongside Mikko in the Focus WRC06 co-driver's seat and experience the stunning speed and agility of the latest £500,000 World Rally Car and professional driver combination. To have a chance of winning this incredible prize, visitors need only buy a raffle ticket from the Castrol stand on the day. All proceeds are being donated to Save the Children charity.

Continuing with young WRC talent, British driver Matthew Wilson from the Stobart Motorsport World Rally Team will make his first visit to Rallyday, giving fans the opportunity to witness a future World Rally Championship contender in the making.

Former British Rally Champion Russell Brookes will be reunited with three ex-works rally cars -- all in their original Andrews Heat for Hire livery -- for demonstration runs through the event's Feature Rally Stage. The cars, used to campaign numerous championships, have all been immaculately restored since their competition days and include a Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, Ford Sierra Cosworth and Opel Manta 400.

2006 marks the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Ari Vatanen and David Richards winning the World Rally Championship drivers title in 1981. This, for many rally enthusiasts, will be the highlight of the event, as Vatanen and his original championship-winning co-driver David Richards CBE will once again drive VLE756X, the most famous Rothmans Escort of all time. David Sutton, who managed the Rothmans Rally Team to victory 25 years ago, will be central to these celebrations, surrounded by some of the original cars and team members who helped the team achieve success.

Complimenting the original team will be a magnificent display of original and replica Rothmans Escorts. In addition, a large selection of significant historic Ford rally cars -- ranging from Lotus Cortina to RS200 -- will be on show in the main paddock, courtesy of the Gaydon and Historic Motorsport museums.

The Sunbeam Lotus Owners Club will have 40 cars -- including five ex-works rally cars -- on display at the show, to mark 25 years since the car won the World Rally Championship manufacturers title.

As if all that were not enough, Lancia's centenary will be celebrated by the Lancia Motor Club, who will host a major display of evocative Italian machinery at the event, highlighting the company's rallying pedigree with a collection of some of the world's most iconic rally cars.

Rallyday has numerous attractions for spectators, but for those interested in participating a selection of activities is available throughout the day, including white-knuckle rally car rides around the circuit with a professional rally driver, the Castrol WRC Focus simulator, Yokohama's new Wheel Change Challenge and the all-new Bowler Wildcat experience, run by the Bowler Spirit Dakar Rally Team.

Jon Desborough and Tony Mason will be driving the microphones to keep the crowds up to speed on activities throughout the day.

Further details of the 2006 programme and other attractions can be found on the Rallyday website (www.rallyday.com).

For anyone not familiar with the event, Rallyday is an annual show giving visitors a chance to enjoy the spectacle of a wide range of rally cars and rally stars, in an open and spectator-friendly environment. It combines live action on the track with static displays in the paddock, and has offers something for everyone, from the rally enthusiast to a family looking for an enjoyable day out.

More Details

Rally Car Day (Castle Combe)

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16/05/06
ARI VATANEN AT RALLYDAY 2006
Former World Rally Champion Ari Vatanen will star at the UK's premier rally car show, which takes place at Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire on Saturday 22 July.

Vatanen, now in a rather different hot seat as a Member of European Parliament, remains one of the world's most respected rallying celebrities, with a hugely enthusiastic following in the UK. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Ari winning the 1981 FIA World Rally Championship in the iconic Rothmans Ford Escort.

Joining him again in the passenger seat at Castle Combe will be his original championship-winning co-driver, David Richards CBE.

Former Rothmans Rally Team Manager David Sutton, along with several members of his original rally team and a selection of genuine and replica Rothmans Escorts (from the enthusiasts at www.rothmansescorts.com) will be central to the celebrations.

Completing the World Championship reunion will be the most famous of all Rothmans Escorts, VLE 756X, which is rarely seen outside the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The car will be reunited with Vatanen and Richards at Rallyday and driven in front of an estimated 10,000-plus crowd to mark this very special occasion.

Other attractions at Rallyday 2006 include the 25th anniversary of Talbot winning the Manufacturer's World Rally Championship with the Sunbeam Lotus. Former British Rally Champion Russell Brookes will drive the original Andrews Heat for Hire sponsored Sunbeam Lotus, and the Sunbeam Lotus Owners Club will have 40 cars -- including five ex-works rally cars -- on display at the show.

In addition, to celebrate Lancia's centenary, the Lancia Motor Club will host a major display of evocative Italian machinery at the event. Highlighting the company's rallying pedigree will be a selection of the world's most iconic rally cars, including Lancia Fulvia, Stratos, 037, S4 and Delta Integrale.

Further details of the 2006 programme, including the names of star drivers, teams and attractions attending the show, will be announced in forthcoming press releases and listed on the Rallyday website (www.rallyday.com).

For anyone not familiar with the event, Rallyday is an annual show giving visitors a chance to enjoy the spectacle of a wide range of rally cars and rally stars, in an open and spectator-friendly environment. It combines live action on the track with static displays in the paddock, and has offers something for everyone, from the rally enthusiast to a family looking for an enjoyable day out.

Advance tickets are now on sale at just £10 per adult and £2 per child. Tickets will also be avaliable on the day at £12 per adult and £3 per child. ,BR>Ticket booking -- plus details about track sessions, paddock parking, trade stands and spectator information -- can be found on the Rallyday website

Rally Car Day (Castle Combe)

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22/03/06
MAJOR CELEBRATIONS AT RALLYDAY 2006
Rallyday 2006 celebrates the 25th anniversary of two major achievements from the 1981 World Rally Championship:
Ari Vatanen and David Richards winning the Drivers' title in the Rothmans Ford Escort;
and (in that same year) Talbot taking the Manufacturer's World Rally Championship with the Sunbeam Lotus.

Some of the original works rally cars and teams which helped achieve these titles will be starring live on track in front the anticipated crowd of over 10,000 rally fans.

In addition, celebrating Lancia's centenary, the Lancia Motor Club will host a major display of evocative Italian machinery at the event. Highlighting the company's rallying pedigree will be a collection some of the world's most iconic rally cars, including Lancia Fulvia, Stratos, 037, S4 and Delta Integrale.

Further details of the 2006 programme, including the names of the star drivers, teams and attractions attending the show, will be confirmed in forthcoming press releases, and listed on the Rallyday website.

For anyone not familiar with the event, Rallyday is an annual show offering visitors a chance to enjoy the spectacle of a wide range of rally cars and rally stars, in an open and spectator-friendly environment. It combines live action on the track with static displays in the paddock, and has something to offer everyone -- from the rally enthusiast, to a family looking for an enjoyable day out.

On-track action comes in the form of professional driving demonstrations, track sessions, rally car rides, circuit parades and a feature rally stage. Off track, there are a host of displays where visitors can have a close look at some of the world's most iconic rally cars, which have made rallying history through the years.

Paddock activity centres on the main event stage, where guests are interviewed. There are also numerous trade exhibitors, ranging from major car manufacturers to individual specialists offering a diverse array of rally merchandise.

Rallyday Interactive is where visitors can go further than just spectate. Whether it be a rally simulator, radio-controlled rally car races or full-on white-knuckle rides in a selection of rally cars, there are many activities for people to participate in.

Advance tickets for this year's event are now on sale, priced at £10 per adult and £2 per child.
Tickets, in addition to information on track sessions, paddock parking, trade stands and spectator information, can all be found on Rallyday's website:

Rally Car Day (Castle Combe)