23 Mar: Kris Meeke for Knockhill

… Kris Meeke confirmed for McRae Rally Challenge …

World Rally Championship star Kris Meeke is all set to play a starring role at the ‘McRae Rally Challenge’ supported by Beatsons’ Building Supplies, EventScotland and the events team at VisitScotland, in May at Knockhill. Taking time out from a very busy FIA World Rally Championship schedule, the Citroen World Rally Team star driver has confirmed that he will attend the two day festival commemorating Colin McRae and Derek Ringer’s world title victory 20 years ago.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA“I am really excited about coming to Scotland for the McRae Rally Challenge at Knockhill,” said Kris, “I have many happy memories of my time in Scotland, where I was given such a warm welcome by the McRae family and indeed the wider rallying fraternity. Colin’s support, advice and encouragement played a huge part in the development of my early rallying career and gave me the opportunity to compete at the highest level. It will be great to be able to relax amongst friends in the build up to the WRC round in Portugal the following weekend.”

There are no details as yet of the car that he will drive as we go to press, but since this event on the 16/17 May falls between Rally Argentina and Rally Portugal, there will be little chance of a Citroen DS World Rally Car. However, Citroen UK have stated they ‘will have a presence’ at this event. Immediately after the McRae Challenge, Kris will fly out to Portugal for the fifth round of the world series the following weekend.

Whatever happens, Kris will be pitched against long time friend and rival, Alister McRae, plus some of Scotland’s top national stars including 5 times Scottish Rally Champion and former British Rally Champion David Bogie, reigning Scottish Champion and past BTRDA Champion Euan Thorburn and former works driver Jock Armstrong.

More champions have also entered the fray, including three times Scottish Rally Champion, Ken Wood, former Scottish Champ Gary Adam, and former Scottish Tarmack Rally Champion Ross Fernie. With so many British and Scottish Champions entered, it will be a highly competitive, high adrenaline charged event with all the crews driving flat out in tribute to Colin. Event Director Stuart Gray said: “The event is fast becoming Scotland’s own ‘Race of Champions’ or perhaps it should be known as the McRally of Champions!”

From farther afield comes Phil Collins, who faces quite a bit of work ahead of May’s event. The Welshman’s Ford Escort Mk2 punctured a tyre two weekends ago on the West Cork Rally in Ireland causing the car to roll quite spectacularly out of the competition. However, the 2001 BTRDA Champion and former British Championship front runner is convinced that his beloved, battered and bruised Mk2 will be back in pristine condition for the mid May event.

There’s news too of a growing number of exhibits in entries for the display and parade of Group B rally cars. Gray continued: “Already it’s looking like the biggest ever gathering in Scotland of Group B rally cars since they were in action three decades ago. These cars typified the excesses of the 1980s, they still look fabulous, sound glorious and are hugely powerful, some with 3 times the power output of to-days’ World Rally Cars.”

Included in this exotic line-up that will be displayed and demonstrated on-track are Ford RS200s, Audi Quattros, MG Metro 6R4s, a Lancia Delta S4, Toyota Celica GT4s, Ford Sierra Cosworths and a Renault Maxi Turbo, with more cars being confirmed daily.

Commenting on the growing list of stars and exhibits for the McRae Rally Challenge, Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Events Director said: “Scotland is the perfect stage for events and we are delighted to be supporting the McRae Rally Challenge. With off-track displays of history-making rally cars, Owners Clubs and trade stands, and demonstrations, as well as the main competitive rally, there is undoubtedly something for everyone.”

Details of other on-track demonstrations and parades will be announced when confirmed, ensuring that there is something for everyone on the weekend of 16/17 May.

Tickets can be pre-bought at a discounted rate on-line:
http://motorsport-events.knockhill.com/events/mcrae-rally-challenge

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