By Paul Evans

The organisers of the Get Connected Rali Bae Ceredigion, which will be Wales’ first closed road stage rally, say they want to make it an annual internationally acclaimed event.

The rally will be based at Aberystwyth University and run on Sunday 8 September, with eight stages located in the nearby country lanes.

The organisers believe that the rally will set new standards when it comes to access, convenience, safety and spectacular viewing opportunities for spectators. An innovative Park-and-Ride service will be introduced for the day of the rally, which will see specially chartered buses departing from Aberystwyth every 15 – 20 minutes and take spectators directly to specially designated areas that provide safe and well-positioned vantage points.

The event is endorsed by Visit Wales and Ceredigion County Council and run in accordance with the Government’s Road Traffic Act regulations and guidelines that were updated in 2018 to allow timed competition on closed public roads.

“The launch event has underlined the enthusiasm that exists for the Get Connected Rali Bae Ceredigion,” says Phil Pugh, experienced co-driver and Chairman of the event’s organising committee.

“From the moment the idea for the rally was suggested in April last year, we have been overwhelmed with the support and encouragement we’ve received from everyone involved: our commercial partners, Aberystwyth University, local authorities, businesses and residents, as well as our own car club members – and I have to thank them for all their support so far.

“While there is still a great deal still to do between now and September, the venues are in place and route is all but complete. We are sure the nature of the roads that run through some of the most stunning scenery to be found anywhere in the UK will prove popular with teams and spectators. We therefore hope the rally will become an annual occasion and build into a nationally, if not an internationally, acclaimed event.”