Tuesday 21st September 2004

Rally GB organisers claim success

Everything ran smoothly, says event boss

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The organisers of the 2004 Wales Rally GB have claimed that the event was an enormous success in its new September dates. "This year's event was always going to be a new experience - for the organisation, the competitors and spectators alike - in the new September dates", said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive, Rally GB Limited.

"We are, therefore, delighted that the event went extremely smoothly.  No stages were cancelled, traffic ran smoothly for spectators on each day and the ticketing arrangements, including our new initiative regarding the fulfilment of programmes, worked extremely well. We were also very proud to be one of just two World Rally Championship events this year to have a full entry list at the start. And with 42 cars completing the four days, as well as a good number of cars re-entering on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the SupeRally system, we gave spectators an action-packed spectacle throughout the weekend."

Rally GB Limited also reported that support from the thousands of volunteers was high and helped to make the event run smoothly for competitors and spectators alike.

"Working with the title sponsor, Welsh Development Agency, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and all our other Welsh partners including host city Cardiff, Swansea for the Rally Centre at Felindre and the Forestry Commission, we were able to put on an event that provided something for everyone. This gives us a very strong foundation for next year when we will again be in a similar September date", concluded Andrew Coe.

[stooz]

"traffic ran smoothly "

well it would, at the prices they were charging, hardly anyone went.

And thats an informed opinion. I know several people that go to cyrpus, australia etc to follow it round, but wouldnt go to the UK event this year.
Not enough show per buck.

[rutthenut]

How many competitors were 'nicked' this year?
And spectators/service crews?

All the same, congrats to all if this good press is accurate.

[traction]

Well organised my Arsenal!

Having agreed a month in advanced we'd marshall at halfway, we didn't receive our signing on details through the post before the event, so we had to go to Rally HQ and get the details we needed.

We turned up to marshall halfway at 6 in the morning (First car is at 10 remember). The Deputy CLerk of Course didn't even have us down to attend. Didn't know to expect us to also be a radio car (kind of important I think, doesn't the radio organiser speak to the stage organiser?). Didn't have any marshall tabards left ( good job cos their ones are crud, but thank God we brought our own).

And to cap it all there were no freebies left for us!

And they expect us to give up our time to help an event that is so well organised?

Ta.

[stooz]

rutthenut said:

How many competitors were 'nicked' this year? And spectators/service crews? All the same, congrats to all if this good press is accurate.

They tried to nick one rally car with shredded tyres, 5 miles from service, but in the end they opted for a police escort.