Promenade Stages at New Brighton

[Stratos]

Not strictly a Stratos subject.

There is a rally held on the Promenade at New Brighton on July 26th.

I was invited to take my Stratos to compete in the event 2 years ago, but it always clashes with one of the other rallies which I do ( Fat Albert Stages at Keevil).

I've heard very good things about the rally, and apparently it generates a tremendous amount of spectator interest.

As part of my plans for some more Stratos events in 2004, this is an event that might be very attractive to us.

If anyone in the North West fancies going along this years to give me some feedback, you can find details at www.promrally.bun.com/Promenade_Stax.html


Let me know if anyone decides to go.

[Sando]

Hi Dave
I've navigated on this event a few times. (albeit a few years ago now) It was quite enjoyable and well organised by a friendly club, (Warrington I think) It has some fast straights and some tight hairpins and I remember a long flat out hold your breath type corner too.
There are some very big Kerbs on some of the corners though where handbrake turns are needed around bollards.

If you imagine a dual carriageway a few miles long with a series of traffic Islands on it you'll have an Idea of the sort of stages they can run, nipping up and back off the side roads

It get s a good turn out from competitors as well as spectators with some of the quick tarmac boys and some stunning cars.

One of my best memories is being cheered on by Traffic cops at the end of the prom where there is a big wide hairpin and we were well sideways all the way around.
:D

[Stratos]

There are at least 5 Metro 6R4s taking aprt this year, including John Price (10 times National Tarmac Champion). Also a Hyundai Accent WRC, etc, etc

I heard that the stages are a bit "Mickey Mouse" but that the atmosphere and spectator interest more than make up for it.

[John]

An excellent event , shame it always seems to be on while I'm on holiday.
Well worth a visit.

[Stratos]

RallyAction Promenade Stages, Spectator Preview

If you are looking for an excellent day's rallying with close fought competition, good safe viewing that's easy to get to and provides some of the best rally action in the area, then look no further The RallyAction Promenade Stages Rally is a must see this month. Organised by Wallasey Motor Club this unusual tarmacadam rally is now in it's 23rd consecutive year and is a real gem for spectators and competitors alike, thanks to the much-valued assistance from the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral who grant the all-important road closure.

Held at New Brighton's unique closed road circuit in Wirral, this all tarmacadam single venue rally is arguably the 'biggest' little rally in the Country. There can't be many single venue club rallies that offer 45 miles of stages on closed roads, within a stone's throw of a major city such as Liverpool, attract upwards of 6 to 8,000 spectators and feature a whole host of top tarmacadam specialists in action. This year's 90 car capacity entry includes 9 times event winner and multiple National Rally Series winner John Price, Welsh Tarmacadam Champion Damian Cole in his fearsome Darrian T90 GTR, double Promenade winner Mike Oates in an S8 Impreza WRC, South Western Rally Champion Karl Broad and current Leading ANWCC Championship leading driver John Stone to name but a few.

As a qualifying round of the Focus 3 Welsh National Tarmacadam Championship and the PEC Tyres ANWCC Stage Rally Championship, it's not just the unique venue or the quality entry that makes this event stick out, it's the atmosphere that really makes it. From the moment the rally's scrutineering sessions start on the Friday evening before the rally right through to the last car crossing the line and the champagne spraying on the Saturday night, there's a real buzz.

This year's action starts on Friday 25th July between 6.00pm and 9.00pm with an ideal opportunity to catch the cars and drivers at close call as they pass through scrutineering at New Brighton's Fort Perch. A brisk walk takes you across to the Rally HQ at 'Bobby's Bar' where you can grab a quick pint in readiness for the following day's competitive action.

Saturday's stages are set to kick off at 8.30am prompt with the Mayor of Wirral flagging the 90 cars away into the first of 10 stages. The action is then pretty much continuous with cars starting at 30-second intervals, resulting in up to eight or nine cars on a stage at any time meaning you can bet there's never a dull moment.

For the very reasonable charge of £5.00 per car or £3.00 for those on foot, spectators receive a full glossy colour programme, parking adjacent to the stage and viewing of all of the stages with running commentary at the most popular spectator areas plus the ability to also tour the service area in between stage turnarounds. Organisers Wallasey MC recommend you take the car, there's plenty of parking space, a car load for a fiver with one free programme can't be bad and there also no chance of being booked by the local traffic wardens that are known to be rather unsympathetic to illegal parking around the venue.

Want to find out more? Why not try visiting the rally's own web site which is packed full of information, including details on local accommodation, entries received, how to register as a Marshal and even a selection of downloadable video clips from previous events - then log on to www.promrally.bun.com The site is packed full of useful information and is updated on a regular basis.

Rally Spectator Guide.

How to get there: Head for the Wirral via the M53 Motorway and exit at Junction 1, following the signs for New Brighton Promenade. If approaching via Liverpool take the Wallasey Tunnel and again follow the signs for New Brighton Promenade. Rally arrows will be out to guide you to the spectator car parks. Please note normal access will be restricted due to the road closure from 8.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday 26th July so follow the designated spectator routes into the venue.

Parking: Use the designated Rally Car Parks situated within the venue, don't risk parking outside - you will get a ticket or worse towed away.

Times: Scrutineering Friday 25th July 6.00pm - 9.00pm (Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton). Saturday 26th July Rally takes place on Kings Parade, New Brighton, starting 8.30am and finishing 6.00pm

How Much: Friday Scrutineering - No Charge. Saturday's Rally Action - £5.00 per car including 1 free colour rally programme or £3.00 for those on foot. Kids accompanied by an adult - Free.

Where to stay: Try logging on to www.promrally.bun.com or contact Wirral Tourism on 0151 647 6780 or email touristinfo@wirral.gov.uk

Essential Kit: If it's remotely sunny definitely pack the factor 20 and don't forget knotted hanky and a deck chair.

More Rally Information Including Entries: Log on to www.promrally.bun.com for all of the latest news and developments.

[Sando]

One of my friends said today that he thought that they also held a sprint the day before the Rally, just like the 2 day Abingdon Carnival.

Does anyone know if this is true?

Just a thought for those who may not want to go through the Rally processes but still do the weekend?

cheers
rob

[Sando]

I think I've just answered my own question. Wallasey MC do do a Sprint at New brighton Prom but it's in MAY !

http://www.wallaseymc.com/sprint.htm

:rolleyes: