Next year will be the 30th anniversary of Colin McRae famously winning the 1995 RAC Rally to become Britain’s first world rally champion in front of an estimated two million fans stage-side, propelling the sport to incredible heights in the UK.
McRae’s exploits, coupled with the nature of the RAC Rally – thanks to the unique gravel challenges posed by famed Welsh stages such as Crychan, Myherin, Hafren and Sweet Lamb – added to the RAC’s standing as a revered event.
Sadly, the original RAC Rally (1932-97), which morphed into Rally of Great Britain and latterly Rally GB (1998-2019), no longer exists – the UK lost its place on the WRC calendar after 2019. But the event’s beating heart and its bespoke challenge live on through the Roger Albert Clark Rally – named after the 1972/1976 winner – which aims to encapsulate the charm of the original RAC through its 350-mile, five-day marathon for historic cars.
Last November represented a milestone for the ‘new’ RAC, which first ran in 2004. It hit new heights in popularity, with enthusiasts flocking to the stages in their droves and thousands watching online as 155 crews gathered, including five-time WRC winner Kris Meeke and rising
