… British Rally Grampian-ship …
The British Rally Championship will head to Kincardineshire for the first time since the 1980’s next year, as the Grampian Forest Rally becomes a qualifying round of the series, adding to the traditional visit from the KNC Groundworks Scottish Rally Championship.
Scheduled to run on 14th August 2021, the all-gravel forest rally will once again be based at Crathes near Banchory, just 15 miles from Aberdeen and will offer some of the best drivers in Europe all the classic ingredients of the popular motorsport event, as Britain’s premier rally championship heads to the North East of Scotland.
Building on the success of the past few years, the Stonehaven and District Motor Club organised event will offer 45 miles of special stage action across some of the best stages in Scotland, offering tests in iconic locations such as Durris, Fetteresso and Drumtochty. These stages have witnessed thrilling battles over the past few years as Scottish Rally Championship contenders fight it out in the sweeping and super-fast tests in the region.
Having been part of the Scottish Championship since 2016, the event has been one of the most popular in the calendar, scooping the coveted Coogie Urquhart Trophy for the best round of the 2019 tour. Now, the spectacular SRC crews will be joined by British Championship contenders in a thrilling showdown across some of the best-loved rally stages in Scotland.
“We are delighted to welcome the British Rally Championship to the Grampian Forest Rally in 2021 and we are very excited to be hosting the fifth round of the series across our stunning stages here in Royal Deeside,” said Clerk to Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire and Rally Secretary Gordon Ritchie.
“The rally has proved its popularity over the years with Scottish Rally Championship competitors who have always enjoyed the event that Stonehaven and District Motor Club put on. Next year we are raising the bar once again as the British Championship makes the trip to East Scotland and we are confident of being able to provide another superb event for any competitor who enters, or any rally fan who is out on the stages witnessing the action”.
The British Rally Championship consists of seven rounds, covering each of the home nations, with the Grampian Forest Rally housing the second of four gravel rounds during the season. The ultra-competitive championship has been instrumental in the progression of World Rally Championship stars such as Elfyn Evans, Craig Breen and Kris Meeke, with the legendary Colin McRae a two-time winner of the championship, vaulting him into the WRC limelight in the 1990s.
“All of Stonehaven and District Motor Club are very excited about 2021, not only to get back to rallying after our enforced sabbatical this year but to introduce the BRC crews to our event whilst welcoming back competitors from the Scottish Rally Championship as well. They are all vital to the continued success of the event” Ritchie continues.
“We know that we can run a great rally and have some of the best stages in Scotland. It’s an amazing showcase for the region and local businesses to be able to bring the best rally drivers, crews and teams not only in Scotland but the UK and beyond to the area and compete in our forests. We are looking forward to welcoming fans and competitors to the event, everyone can be sure of an exciting day of motorsport. It will be a fantastic boost to the county and we will release more information on our plans as we progress towards August”.
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