Town centre buzzes for Bulldog

The second round of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship got underway tonight as a healthy crowd turned out to watch the ceremonial start in Welshpool.

Hundreds of people converged on Church Street car park whereby Welshpool Town Council had arranged a market, fairground and live band as all of the international crews and most of the challenge and historic competitors mingled with the crowds whilst being interviewed and signing autographs.

First away from the start line was Martin McCormack and co driver David Moynihan in their Citroen DS3, with championship leaders David Bogie and co driver Kevin Rae also being flagged away before the rally starts in earnest tomorrow morning.

Scotsman Bogie commented:  "It's fantastic to see so many people here and I think it's a great idea to bring the rally into the town centre where we can meet the locals who otherwise might wonder what is going on.  I hope more events follow this lead as I think it's very worthwhile."

The international element of the Bulldog International Rally of North Wales starts from Welshpool Livestock Sales at 07:30 with crews expected back at the finish around 19:00.  The Bulldog Historic Rally starts at 07:00 and finishes at 14:42.  The Bulldog Rally Challenge commences at 07:15 and finishes at 14:22 with the Bulldog National Rally getting underway at 09:00 and finishing at 16:10.

For more information and live results please visit www.bulldog-rally.co.uk or www.rallybrc.co.uk.