Preparations for the popular Voyonic Grampian Forest Rally are gathering pace as organisers Stonehaven and District Motor Club announce outline plans to welcome spectators to watch the action this August 13, after being forced to run behind closed doors in 2021. Based in Banchory, just outside of Aberdeen, the Grampian will once again welcome the prestigious Motorsport UK British Rally Championship and KNC Groundworks Scottish Rally Championship to the event, offering a spectacular day of action in the nearby Kincardineshire forests. As the biggest motorsport event in the northeast of Scotland, an impressive entry of drivers from across the UK and beyond will tackle the popular stages in the forests of Durris, Fetteresso and Drumtochty with a central rally base at Milton of Crathes. And after COVID restrictions prevented fans from attending last year, rally organisers are delighted to open the doors to spectators next month, enabling them to witness some of the fastest rally drivers in Europe blast through the gravel test in a spectacular display of skill and precision. Banchory will offer the first chance to view the cars and crews with the Ceremonial Start taking place in the public car park just off the B974 from around 08:40 on Saturday morning. Onlookers will have the chance to chat to the drivers and get up close and personal to the cars before they head out into the forests for the day. The Zenith Energy Durris test hosts the opening stage of the event and the first of two spectator areas on the stages. Accessed from Denside, south of the B9077 near Crathes, the area enjoys catering and facilities alongside a fast and sweeping section of the stage which offers great viewing and is run twice during the day. The first stage kicks off from around 09:00 with the second pass at 14:45. Stages three and six at the John Wink Design Finglenny house the second location, with easy access off the A957 just north of Rickarton before a drive into the forest to the spectator parking. Also with catering and facilities, this spot overlooks a more technical section of the stage, with competitors having to negotiate a bridge and tight left hander in front of the spectator area. Be in place for 12:00 for the first run and 15:10 for the second. The ceremonial finish and traditional champagne spray will take place at Milton of Crathes from around 16:15 where the winner of the event will be crowned. Each spectator area requires a £10 cash donation the local charities manning the area. More information including spectator access maps, entry list and timings will be available on the event website in the coming days. Regular updates will be posted on the event’s social media channels and website: www.grampianforestrally.com -ENDS
For more information on Voyonic Crew Management Group, please visit: https://www.voyoniccrew.com/ For more information on the British Rally Championship, please visit: www.britishrallychampionship.co.uk
For more information on the KNC Groundworks Scottish Rally Championship, please visit: www.scottishrallychampionship.co.uk