Rally gives Newtown economic boost

Sunday’s rally, which is believed to have brought in up to £300,000 to the area, has received widespread praise.

 

The Rally Marketing Mid Wales Historic Stages brought the town centre to standstill on Sunday morning before setting off for a day of exhilarating racing in some of Wales's most beautiful scenery.

 

But while the competition side of the event proved exciting, the economic impact on the area and its organisation has been heralded by the town.

 

“It was a fantastic event,” said Town Mayor, Cllr Joy Jones. “I am new to rallying but was overwhelmed by the organisation, the friendliness of all involved not to mention the atmosphere it created. There was a real buzz. It was an amazing day!”

 

Competitors and visitors flooded into the area from across the UK. Hotels, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses were full and even pubs from as far afield as Guilsfield recorded busy trade from rally ‘traffic’.

 

Competitors competed in classic and more regular rally car categories through the Mid Wales forests before finishing at Theatre Hafren in the afternoon.

 

Organisers have hailed the event as a success and have welcomed the praise.

 

“Despite these difficult financial times we received a lot of entries and visitors and on behalf of the organisers I would like to thank everyone for their support,” said Chris Tomley, Clerk of the Course. “I must also thank my Organising Team at Newtown & District Automobile Club Ltd for the many hours of work preparing for the event, arranging marshalling teams and radio cover as well as several very long days marking out the stages and service area.

 

“The Town Centre Start seems to have been well received and the Lady Mayor flagged away every single car! We will certainly have another town centre start next year, but bigger and better.

 

“Thanks must go to Howard Davies and Mike Broad for their unique wit and amazing knowledge of rally sport at the start, and Dougie Bancroft of www.SelfHelpAfrica.org for looking after that side of the event for me.

 

“No motor sport event can take place without an army of marshals and timing and safety crews on the stages and I must thank our Stage Commanders and their stage teams, doctors, paramedics and rescue and recovery units all of whom ensured a safe event. I would like to invite them all back to help us again on March 4, 2012 when we will do it all again!

 

“The economic benefit to the area must be considerable and we will be analysing this over the next week.”