ANDREW KELLITT
“The cars will be special in the dark”
t’s the question I get asked regularly and often this week… where should I go and spectate? Well, here’s what I’d be doing with a World Rally Pass.
Shakedown is a must. These 2017 WR Cars are spectacular and you should make the most of every chance to see them. Thursday morning, Clocaenog, car park A just west of Ruthin. Get there early, the first car’s in 0800hrs.
Tir Prince (off the A55, just east of Abergele) is a great addition this year. As well as the autograph session and ceremonial start, there’s the chance to see the first competition. It isn’t the longest, but it does include a jump and two very long corners on gravel –and it runs in the dark.
Friday is into Myherin (SS2) first thing : head for car park B off the A44. The viewing is great, with a chance to see the cars for a long time.
I’d be heading to Newtown for the regroup and a chance to catch up on what’s been going on.
Where I go in Hafren (SS7) would depend on the weather. If it’s sunny, I’d be heading into car park D for the more open moorland stretch. But if it’s raining, I’d follow the road along to car park E and get in among the trees at the hairpin.
Saturday depends on whether you want to include the Rallyfest stage at Cholmondeley. If Cholmondeley’s on the menu, I’d have a bit of a liein and head to Dyfnant (SS9). Spectator access is off the B4395 north of Llangadfan. Car park J is the overnight car park, whereas car park I only opens Saturday morning – so you might be better taking the second left into the forest, which takes you to I. This takes you to a fast approach into a hairpin, which runs away down to ‘Irish Corner.’
If you want a full day in the forest, it means an earlier start to get into Aberhirnant (SS8). You’ll come into the woods on the north side with car park L taking you to a square left with a quick approach while M offers a longer view. It starts before 0800hrs. Don’t hang around too long. I’d recommend Dyfi 2 (SS13) next, but if the traffic’s not too bad and you can get around to Aberangell, then you could head into Gartheiniog (SS12) via car park H, with access to three very good corners.
Now you can either stay and watch the WRGB National runners (due through at 1518hrs) or you could dive into Machynlleth for a bite to eat on your way to Dyfnant (SS16) in the dark.
On Sunday all roads lead to the B4501, which becomes car park O for the day. Heading north, you’ll have Alwen (SS17/20) on the left and Brenig (SS18/21) on the right. Alwen first time through and then heading to the Brenig Visitors’ Centre for the finish of the powerstage (SS21) would probably be my choice. You’ll get to see the cars in action first time through and then you can watch as the drivers and co-drivers wait to find out who’s going to bag the five bonus points.
If you want the more formal podium celebrations, watch the cars in action in Brenig first time through, then Alwen on the second loop and head straight for Llandudno once the cars are through SS20.
Visit the Rally Village on Deeside and please listen and act on what the marshals tell you. They are all volunteering their time for your safety.