Network Q RAC Rally 23-25 November 1997

On 22-23 November, this year's Network Q RAC Rally gets underway in dramatic fashion at its new Cheltenham Racecourse HQ, with a two-day action-packed blockbuster show. Hosted by motor sport-mad BBC TV personality Mike Smith, the 1997 Network Q RAC Rally Show showcases the stars ­ past and present ­ of British and World rallying, plus countless other household names in a memorable weekend curtain-raiser to Britain's No1 'live' spectator event.

Blasting into life at 10.00am on Saturday 22 November, the Rally Show promises a non-stop line-up of attractions until 6.00pm on Saturday and again between 10.00am and 4.00pm on Sunday 23 November.

Visitors can rub shoulders with, or at least collect an autograph from, the cream of world rallying, including Colin McRae (bidding for his third consecutive Network Q RAC Rally victory), Carlos Sainz and Tommi Makinen (the principal protagonists for this year's FIA World Rally Championship crown). Tensions will run high, because the Network Q RAC Rally is the finale of this year's 14-round World Rally Championship, and could yet determine the eventual champion.

The showground is within a hair's breadth of all the high-speed action of the Network Q Cheltenham Racecourse special stage. The manicured lawn of the Parade Ring becomes the Network Q Presentation Stage, where the usual showcasing of four-legged racing pedigree makes way for wonderment at state-of the-art four-wheel drive, turbo-charged technology.

Ever-popular host Mike Smith orchestrates pre-rally interviews and features with the colossal driving talent in attendance, providing visitors ­ both rally enthusiasts and novices alike ­ with an exclusive insight into the three epic days of adventure which lie ahead.

The show spotlight alternates between the relatively cerebral activities of the Parade Ring and the highly-charged, fuel-belching, tyre-screeching, adrenalin-pumping excitement of the Live Action Arena. Housing a breathtaking exhibition of motorised theatre, the Arena showcases such highlights as peerless stunt driver Russ Swift, madcap antipodean Quad Bike wizard the Kangaroo Kid, and the awe-inspiring spectacle of championship-standard high-speed autotesting.

The entertainment is not restricted to ground level, either: show-goers will be thrilled by the airborne acrobatics of Britain's No1 sky diving team, The Red Devils, who will majestically drop in on proceedings each day at 1.00pm. For those who prefer to watch a more relaxed form of flight, an impressive exhibition of hot air balloons will add colour to the occasion.

The main body of the showground is taken up by impressive manufacturer displays. As well as a better than ever opportunity to meet the World's top rally drivers, visitors get their first chance for a close-up view of the new breed of World Rally Cars, of which no fewer than eight will compete in this year's Network Q RAC Rally under the banners of Ford, Subaru and Toyota.

No only World Championship factory teams will parade their wares: they are joined in enthusiastic fashion by the highly competitive 'Formula 2' cars from Mobil 1 British Rally Championship teams Ford, Honda, Nissan, Peugeot, Proton, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Toyota and VW, producing a bigger and better show than ever before.

On Sunday, the show's hours of opening are sandwiched neatly between the dramatic action on the Cheltenham Racecourse special stage, where ­ under the noses of grandstand spectators ­ the field of 160 competitors start and finish the first of the three days in their 1997 Network Q RAC Rally campaigns. Throughout Sunday, Cheltenham show-goers can enjoy up-to-the-minute news and times from the day's nine other special stages via the Parade Ring's digital display.

In addition to the state-of-the-art rally cars of today, visitors on both days of the Show can enjoy watching the stars of yesteryear at close quarters, as the RAC International Historic Rally competes on the Network Q Cheltenham Racecourse stage from 11.30am on Saturday and 4.50pm on Sunday.

For aspiring McRaes and Makinens, the day's activities need not be limited to watching: Silverstone Driving Centre bring their complete karting set-up so that vistitors can get behind the wheel and step on it themselves. If that's too lifelike for some, rally simulators and computer game consoles offer a 'virtual' experience of the sport.

Great shopping is also guaranteed. Whether your interest is a new set of tyres for your car, official team or event merchandise, or filling the gap in your rally video library, someone at the show is sure to have just what you are looking for. Competitions galore and live music complete the line-up of an unmissable Network Q RAC Rally Show for all the family!

        Show timetable

        Saturday, November 22:  10.00 - 18.00

        Sunday, November 23:    10.00 - 16.00pm  (Gates open 06.00 - 20.30)



        Ticket prices:  Adults £8 each; Children (under 16) £1 each

        Ticket Hotline: 01327 857273