Sligo is ready to rally this weekend
IT is with much excitement that the Connacht Motor Club hosts its annual stages rally event this Sunday, September 2nd.
This is a relief following a period of uncertainty around the original scheduled date, as Ireland was gripped in unprecedented temperature levels.
The disappointment felt among organisers, competitors , spectators, businesses and the general public abated when an alternative date presented itself.
The club have voiced their appreciation to the loyalty and support it received from all stakeholders in bringing it to fruition in the time frame involved.
The committee are delighted that the majority of entrants in for the original date have remained committed to the new September date with a further bunch of newcomers entered.
The timetable of the event is consistent with the original plan, with participant crews arriving late Friday evening or Saturday morning to begin their preparation in advance of the main Sunday event.
This is called reconnaissance and allows competitors to traverse the route in a controlled fashion in their standard road car, during a dedicated period on Saturday morning and compile detailed safety notes for the following day.
Events for the general public kick off at 2.30 pm on Saturday afternoon , as all competing cars will undergo scrutiny located at Sligo Retail Park, Carraroe.
This location presents itself as the perfect venue for the general public to get up close to the cars for photo opportunities.
The cars will then park up securely for the night, inaccessible to the competitor or the general public until the following morning.
At 9.45am, preceded by a safety briefing to all competitors, the cars head out for the first of three stages of the day.
Having then availed of service the crews repeat the loop a further two occasions, separated by another service in between.
On completion of the nine stages , the successful finishers will then make their way back to the finish ramp at Sligo Park hotel at 5.15pm.
The local Sligo Stages Rally has grown over the last thirty eight years to be recognised as one of the best one day rallies in the country and this will be reflected in the competitor numbers and the expected spectator levels .
The knock on contribution to the local economy is substantial and extends out into the broader region of the individual stages .
Spectators are asked to purchase a programme from one of the many retail outlets and select a recommended safe viewing location to experience the action on the stages .
For the serious enthusiast, a visit to service area in Collooney will be well worth while to observe the pressures in overcoming the mechanical set backs and returning to competition .
Weekend Timetable.
Scrutiny at Sligo Retail Park on Saturday between 2.30pm and 8.pm.
First Car Away from Retail Park on Sunday morning at 9.45am.
First car back at finish ramp at Sligo Park Hotel at 5.15pm.