wyllier
4th September 2007, 17:47
The organisers of this weekend's Merrick Forest Stages Rally claim the stages are the best they've seen for many years.
More than 70 cars will leave the start ramp at the Riverside car park in Newton Stewart on Saturday morning - ahead of them, five challenging stages of the Galloway Forest totalling just over 44 miles.
First up is Arroch Hill, followed by Loch Derry, Linfern, Blackhill and finally the famed 14-mile Glentrool stage - regarded by many in rallying circles as being one of the best in the UK.
In previous years, crews have complained about the roughness of some of the stages resulting in punctures and damage to cars.
However, Merrick Rally manager Allan Marshall says he's never seen them in better shape.
"I've travelled the length and breadth of every stage and they're in excellent condition", Mr Marshall said, adding: "If any competitor complains this year they should take up circuit racing!"
A handout for spectators - detailing the best stage vantage points - will be available at shops and filling stations around Newton Stewart and will be handed out at the rally start.
Glentrool will again be the main spectator stage with parking areas provided.
The first Historic entry leaves the Riverside car park at 8.45am with the main field - headed by newly crowned Scottish champion Gary Adam - setting off from 9.20..
Crews will have two 25 minute stops during the day at the newly constructed service area at Glencaird, close to the Glentrool stage.
The first cars will start returning to Newton Stewart from around 2.30pm.
The Merrick is the penultimate round of the County Saab Scottish Rally Championship, and, although the title has been decided, there is still a lot at stake on Saturday - including Group N honours.
... :)
More than 70 cars will leave the start ramp at the Riverside car park in Newton Stewart on Saturday morning - ahead of them, five challenging stages of the Galloway Forest totalling just over 44 miles.
First up is Arroch Hill, followed by Loch Derry, Linfern, Blackhill and finally the famed 14-mile Glentrool stage - regarded by many in rallying circles as being one of the best in the UK.
In previous years, crews have complained about the roughness of some of the stages resulting in punctures and damage to cars.
However, Merrick Rally manager Allan Marshall says he's never seen them in better shape.
"I've travelled the length and breadth of every stage and they're in excellent condition", Mr Marshall said, adding: "If any competitor complains this year they should take up circuit racing!"
A handout for spectators - detailing the best stage vantage points - will be available at shops and filling stations around Newton Stewart and will be handed out at the rally start.
Glentrool will again be the main spectator stage with parking areas provided.
The first Historic entry leaves the Riverside car park at 8.45am with the main field - headed by newly crowned Scottish champion Gary Adam - setting off from 9.20..
Crews will have two 25 minute stops during the day at the newly constructed service area at Glencaird, close to the Glentrool stage.
The first cars will start returning to Newton Stewart from around 2.30pm.
The Merrick is the penultimate round of the County Saab Scottish Rally Championship, and, although the title has been decided, there is still a lot at stake on Saturday - including Group N honours.
... :)