The intrepid stars and superfast cars of the FIA World Rally Championship will make a spectacular return to the UK when the 2018 Dayinsure Wales Rally GB blasts off under the floodlights at the Tir Prince Raceway on the evening of Thursday 4 October.
Introduced last year, the innovative new Visit Conwy Tir Prince curtain raiser proved to be a real crowd-pleaser attracting more than 6,000 visitors.
Now an even bigger and better show is promised when the WRC returns next month with improved spectator facilities plus an enhanced programme of entertainment.
Competitors will be again racing against-the-clock on a challenging course combining sections of the venue’s renowned harness racing cinder track and adjoining hard-standing areas. Adding to the excitement, jumps will again launch cars into night sky while a new wheel-spinning donut will guarantee plenty of eye-catching tyre smoke.
The layout of the competitive route has been refined to provide spectators with even more dramatic viewing opportunities. There will also be extra floodlighting plus the chance for fans to upgrade to a special new Paddock Pass.
This Paddock Pass provides access to an unreserved seat in a stage-side grandstand adjacent to the new Dayinsure donut as well as a grandstand seat offering great views over the popular warm-up area where drivers perform lots of rubber burning skids while revving up for the start.
Whether upgrading or not, all those at Tir Prince will savour a full evening of exhilarating car-themed family entertainment with autograph sessions, interviews, commentary, big screens, Paul Swift stunt driving shows, Supermoto bikes, catering, merchandise shopping and much, much more.
Outstanding value is also on the cards: adult tickets are priced at just £15 when purchased in advance (or £20 on the gate), while accompanied children aged 15 and under are admitted free. Admission is included with the four-day World Rally Pass, available for £99, and the Thursday Day Pass, which costs £28. Paddock Passes are priced at an additional £10 for adults and £15 for accompanied children strictly subject to availability.
The venue is easily accessible, too, being conveniently situated close to Kinmel Bay in the busy north Wales resort region and adjacent to the A55 north Wales Expressway.
“It’s going to be another great night out,” says Ben Taylor, Dayinsure Wales Rally GB Managing Director. “Rallying is an amazing sport, but it can be difficult for people to get to see it, so we are always looking for imaginative ways to bring it to new audiences.
“The kick-off stage at Tir Prince proved to be instant success when introduced last year. It bought the WRC action to the heart of a well populated area and got the rally off to the best possible start. I have no doubt that we’ll get another amazing crowd for what’s going to be an equally memorable opening evening come early October.”
“I don’t think anybody really knew what to expect from this new venue when it first appeared on the route last year, but there were a lot of people and that created a really nice atmosphere,” added last year’s WRGB winner Elfyn Evans. “For a driver it is actually quite a tricky little stage on what’s a sandy surface.”
Full ticket details can be found on walesrallygb.com.
Visit Conwy Tir Prince – Provisional Timetable
Thursday 4 October
16:00….Gates open
16:30….Paul Swift stunt display and Supermoto show
17:30….WRC cars on display for Paddock Pass holders
17:50….Autograph sessions with WRC drivers
18:10….Paul Swift stunt display and Supermoto show
18:25….WRC driver presentations
19:00….Dayinsure Wales Rally GB – Special Stage 1
22:00….Gates close