SLIGO STAGES RALLY BEGINS THIS WEEKEND

AFTER months of planning the motorsport extravaganza of Sligo Stages Rally begins this weekend. On Saturday morning the participant crews converge on Sligo to begin their preparation in advance of the main Sunday event. The competitors are given the opportunity to traverse the route in a controlled fashion and compile comprehensive safety notes to guide them through the stages on the following day.

Commencing at 2.30 pm on Saturday afternoon , all competing cars will undertake a rigorous series of safety checks at Scrutiny ,located at Sligo Retail Park , Carraroe, an opportunity for the general public to view the rally cars up close. The cars then park up for the night in a secure area known as parc ferme where they will remain until Sunday morning.

The Sligo Rally has built up a strong reputation and credibility within motorsport circles and this will be reflected in the competitor level and spectator numbers turning up at the weekend. This will greatly contribute to the local economy both in Sligo but also in the surrounds particularly , east of the county where the stages are located . To view the competitive action spectators are recommended to purchase a programme from one of the many outlets locally ,and select one of the highlighted good , safe vantage points . For those with a mechanical interest , a visit to the service park off Collooney roundabout is a must , where the efforts put in by competitors to their rally cars can be viewed.

Scrutiny at Sligo Retail Park on Saturday between 14.30 and 20.00 .First Car Away from Retail Park on Sunday morning at 9.45. First car back at finish ramp at Sligo Park Hotel at 17.16