Autosportfoto

Everyone welcome to buzzing deeside service park

Live bands, special displays, stunt riders, funfair and fireworks
Rallying's pits and paddock complex offers free entry
Toyota motor sport heritage and Bloodhound SSC on show

When Wales Rally GB roars into North Wales next week (13-16 November), the heart of the event will be free for the public to view at the official Service Park in Deeside. The Service Park is home to all 160 crews competing in the rally and acts as the event's pits and paddock complex.

Taking up almost ten acres within Toyota Manufacturing's engine plant site, the Service Park attracted more than 15,000 visitors last year and received widespread praise as the perfect setting for fans to see the cars and stars up close.

Building on that huge popularity, even more activities, entertainment and facilities have been organised for next week's event and once again entrance is entirely free.

The Service Park is open to the public from Thursday morning through to Saturday evening, with funfair, interviews, live music, fireworks, sideshows, a big screen, covered catering area and a host of other attractions aimed at a wider family audience.

Europe's premier bicycle stunt show - Animal WD-40 Action Sports Tour - will be wowing the crowds with their high-flying jump riders and there's also a funfair with dodgems and children's rides.

During the week, an Industry Awareness STEM event organised by the Welsh Government will bring in more than 1000 students from local schools as part of an inspirational programme of engineering-based activities.

From Friday evening a special indoor entertainment area will feature Red Bull simulators, a face painter for younger fans as well as a fantastic display of historic Toyota motor sport cars including WRC winners and a Le Mans prototype, alongside the amazing Bloodhound SSC Supersonic Car.

Courtesy of Shell, another popular attraction is certain to be a homage to this years official Rally Legend, Ari Vatanen. The famous Finn won this event 30 years ago and fans will be able to see his victorious Peugeot 205 T16 in the service park.

This year's live music line-up also has a high-octane edge to it as Toseland - the hard-driving rock band fronted by double World Superbike Champion James Toseland - tops Saturday evening's bill.

"The atmosphere last year was fantastic," enthused Ben Taylor, Managing Director of Wales Rally GB. "It was fabulous to see how many people came to see what was going on. It's the perfect way to get a first taste of this amazing sport and it should encourage people to venture into the stages see the real action.

"We have developed an amazing relationship with Toyota who have supported the event so generously for the past two years, not only by providing the space for the Service Park itself, but also by allowing their offices to be used as Rally Headquarters. They have become an integral partner in the creation of this world class event."

Free of charge parking is available on-site on a first come, first served basis and once this reaches capacity, an overflow park and ride system will be put into operation. Visitors are advised to follow the road signage and listen to the event's dedicated Wales Rally FM radio station on 87.7FM for the latest information.

Full details of arrangements can be found in the on-line Rally Planner available via the official www.walesrallygb.com website which also has full ticket information.

Entry to the Service Park, Ceremonial Start, Newtown Regroup and Ceremonial Finish is free.

Tickets for the competitive stages start from £25.

Tickets are also available via the ticket hotline on 0844 847 2251.

WALES RALLY GB

DEESIDE SERVICE PARK - TIMETABLE*

Thursday 13 November

11:00- 22:00 Service Park open to public
Friday 14 November

06:00 - 23:00 Service Park open to public
15:00 - 18:00 National Rally cars in service
18:20 - 21:55 WRC cars in service
18:40 Interviews/autographs on stage
21:00 Live music from Jonah Cage

Saturday 15 November

05:00- 23:00 Service Park open to public
10:00 Indoor Entertainment area opens
13:30 - 15:00 WRC cars in service
14:00 Live music
15:00 National Rally cars in service
18:15 - 18:45 Drivers' Forum on stage
18:45 Live music from Connah Evans
20:00 - 23:00 WRC cars in service
20:20 Interviews/autographs on stage
20:55 Fireworks
21:00 Live music from Toseland
* All times subject to change

Notes to Editors

About Wales Rally GB: Since its inception in 1932, the rally has been run 68 times. Enforced stoppages have included World War 2, Suez Crisis (1957) and Foot and Mouth (1967). Wales Rally GB is the British and 13th and final round of this year's FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). To date, it is one of only two events (along with Finland) to have retained its status as both a qualifying and scoring round of the WRC since the championship was established in 1973.

Wales Rally GB is held annually and is organised and promoted by International Motor Sports Ltd (IMS), the commercial arm of the Berkshire-based Motor Sports Association, the governing body of motor sport in the UK. The Rally has been branded Wales Rally GB since 2003 with the Welsh Government being the principal funding partner. A move to north Wales in 2013, together with considerable financial investment, delivered a revitalised rally that was widely praised by all involved. The event's official website is www.walesrallygb.com and provides regular news updates as well as a link to copyright-free images.

Media Contacts:

Motor Sport and Welsh Media: Jonathan Gill, Wales Rally GB Media Office, MPA Creative, High Barn, Effingham, Surrey KT24 5PR.
Tel: 01372 414120 or 07860 563000
E-mail: Jonathan.Gill@MPACreative.com

National and Lifestyle Media: Zoe Wiggins at HPS Jardine, Atlas House, Third Avenue, Globe Park, Marlow, Bucks SL7 1EY.
Tel: 01628 894832 or 07766 088713
E-mail: Zoe.Wiggins@HPSJardine.com

WRGB 26/2014