KNOCKHILL, Scotland’s National Motor Sport Centre, has announced a special rally festival event taking place in May next year to mark the 20th anniversary of the late, great Colin McRae winning the World Rally Championship in 1995.

The track has previously hosted stages of the Scottish Rally, the UK Rally Challenge and currently hosts the opening round of the Scottish Tarmac Rally Championship every year. This new event, to be held on 16th and 17th May, will be a multi-discipline, multi-action rally festival, not only celebrating the achievements of McRae, but the world of rallying, both old and new.

The sporting element of this unique event will feature an invitational competitive rally for three classes, bringing together current competitors in their latest machinery. These will include competitors in classic rally cars and the next breed of rally stars – the Brick and Steel Junior Rally Championship will allow future young stars to showcase their potential.

The event will use a combination of tracks within the Knockhill venue including the famous racing circuit, the Knockhill rally stage and abundance of perimeter roads, all providing an exciting and challenging single-venue rally format for the drivers and crews.

Organisers are working with the McRae family and an impressive display of the champion’s cars will not only take centre stage on display at the event but will be driven on stage too.

Knockhill events director, Stuart Gray, said, “We are proud and privileged to be working with the McRae family to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Colin’s world title.

“He competed here so many times in rally events, raced here in the British Touring Car Championship and a Porsche Carrera Cup car; he tested here often and came for some fun too. We knew him very well and think that this tribute event will be something special for the thousands of Colin’s fans and rallying fans across the UK and beyond. “We will be announcing details of the event soon but the weekend of 16th/17th May at Knockhill will be one for all rally and McRae fans to put in their diaries now.” Jimmy McRae, Colin’s dad, said, “We are pleased to be working with Knockhill and their working group to put together this special event to mark Colin’s 20th anniversary.

“It seems only like yesterday that we all shared in his success and believe that this event will relive his achievements and showcase rallying in Scotland at a great venue.

“I have competed recently at Knockhill and know it is a real test for the crews and all the show elements off track will be a real treat for rally fans too.” More information will be released over the coming weeks as to the event format, timings and costs to enter, and for clubs and trade stands to become involved too. Details will be on the Knockhill website www.knockhill.co.uk soon with more content being added during the coming months.

Mr Gray added, “We believe this will not only be a special event for Colin’s 20th anniversary but will also be a showcase event for all of rally sport in the UK.

“With the unique amphitheatre nature of Knockhill and the stage miles available, we hope it will become an annual event, bringing top-class rallying to the people and off-track entertainment and enjoyment too with different themes and content each year.”