Town gets into gear for big weekend

Welshpool Town Centre will be closed tomorrow night (Friday) for the launch of a major international sporting event.

 

Live music, a street market and fairground have all been arranged by Welshpool Town Council for the start of the Bulldog International Rally which gets underway from the town centre at 6pm.

 

More than 150 cars are entered from across the UK and Europe, with thousands of fans set to pour into the area over the next two days to enjoy one of British motorsport’s favourite events.

 

Economic impact figures for similar events elsewhere have shown that the area can expect to receive a collective financial windfall of up to £500,000.

 

“The British Motorsporting scene is looking forward to coming to Welshpool and it promises to be a great occasion for both rally and non-rally fans,” said Richard Hinton, from the organising committee.

 

Cars will be assembled from 6pm in the Spar car park, with a half-hour autograph session from 6.15pm alongside the fairground, stalls, live band and even a rally simulator. The cars will be flagged away from the Tourist Information Centre by Mayor Estelle Bleivas at 7pm.

 

The action begins in earnest on Saturday morning, centred on the Rally HQ and service area at Welshpool’s Livestock Centre with 10 stages over three loops in Mid and North Wales forests. The winner will be announced at the Livestock Centre champagne finish just after 7pm.

 

The event is the second round of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship as well as other supporting championships and will feature a host of local stars who will compete with Britain’s best.

 

Leading Scottish pair David Bogie and co-driver Kevin Rae (pictured), who won round one, start as favourites but face a stiff challenge from the likes of Welshmen Tom Cave and his co-driver Craig Parry.

 

Competitors, teams and fans are already in the area and Montgomeryshire’s guests houses, B&B’s and camp sites will be full to bursting until Sunday. Some pubs have even got into the spirit by offering special ‘rally menus’ and till bells are expected to ring up record receipts.

 

This will be the 51st running of the event which is sponsored by Bulldog Security Products Ltd of Much Wenlock for the 15th consecutive year.

 

For further information, including the comprehensive 'Rally Guide 1' which contains most information relating to the Bulldog International Rally, visit www.bulldog-rally.co.uk.