The Roger Albert Clark Rally is one of Britain’s most significant historic rally events. This year’s edition, taking place at the end of November, will see as many as 200 crews taking part, as the organisers managed to expand the entry list by making use of a rarely applied rule change.
The number of entries for the Roger Albert Clark Rally is now higher than in any other event held on British soil since the 1976 Lombard RAC Rally.
The rally attracted huge interest from competitors, which led to the decision to make a rule change. Thanks to this adjustment, the total number of participants was raised from 180 to 200. As a result, 20 crews who were previously on the reserve list will now have the chance to enjoy the legendary event.
“We are absolutely delighted that we have been able to increase the capacity of the field by 20 cars. It means that the first 20 crews on the original reserve list can now plan ahead, secure in the knowledge they will be on the start list in November. We’re very grateful to everyone at Motorsport UK for their support in making this possible,” rally boss Colin Heppenstall commented to Rallying UK.
“It’s great news for the event and great news for UK rallying in general. We think the last time more than 180 cars started a rally was the 1996 Network Q RAC Rally, which had 182 starters,” he added.
Ten competitors who started the 1996 event will now be lining up once again. There are no participants remaining from the 1976 Lombard RAC Rally, but a fun coincidence is that the winner of that event was Roger Clark – the man after whom the current rally is named.
“It is going to be an incredible celebration of UK rallying. I’m delighted that we can confirm that 20 of those on the original reserve list are now guaranteed a place,” Heppenstall rejoiced.
