RAC Rally is back

Great news that the WRC, world Rally Championship will be back in the UK in 2027.  It’s visiting Scotland, based in Aberdeen and running through the forests of Aberdeenshire.

The last time it was in the UK was 2019 and hasn’t been in Scotland since 1995.  Coincidentally the year that the amazing Colin McRae won his world championship!

David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, said the return of the championship and the world’s top drivers to the UK is “very meaningful”.

“Rally Scotland will bring the world’s best drivers back to British stages, but it will also be more than a rally,” Richards said.

“It’s an opportunity to showcase the passion of our rally community and demonstrate how motorsport can contribute to innovation, sustainability and inspiring the next generation to get involved in our sport.”

The current World Rally Championship season spans 14 rounds across four continents.

Although next year’s calendar has yet to be confirmed, the new Scottish event is expected to take place in the autumn.

Hosting Rally Scotland is estimated to deliver up to £80m for the local economy.

Scottish Government Business Minister Richard Lochhead called it “a huge moment for Scottish motorsport”.

“It is also an opportunity to attract thousands of visitors, teams and fans from around the world, bringing significant benefits boosting local and national economies,” he added.

The UK has been a key part of the World Rally Championship since its inception in the 1970s.

I can’t help thinking back to when the gruelling 5 day RAC rally was the biggest spectator sport in the country with millions out watching in forests throughout the UK.

And I’m getting goosebumps thinking of the cheers greeting Tony Pond and his barking V6 Metro 6R4 through Kielder in 1986.

FIA deputy president for sport Malcolm Wilson said: “The United Kingdom has incredible heritage and passion for our sport, and the return of a flagship world championship event is the start of the next chapter in this long history.

“As we enter a new era for the WRC in 2027 with new regulations, more accessible cars and more crews fighting at the sharp end, it’s fantastic to see the appetite is there from organisers, governments and of course the fans to put together new WRC events.”

I love that David Richards (Ari Vatenan’s co-driver and founder of Prodrive) and Malcolm Wilson (ace driver and founder of M-Sport) are both proven world rally fanatics and practical, successful business people.  I’m sure they were instrumental in the lengthy dance that led to this success.

If they want to go into politics I’ll vote for them!

Thanks,
Neil @ Carrosserie
Tel: 01833 630 011

PS. Just contact us for help with your classic.