The streets of Chester will be alive to the sound of turbocharged engines when Wales Rally GB makes a triumphant return.
Expect crackling exhausts echoing along Eastgate Street as the lightning-quick cars take a much more serene tour of the city centre .
Chester has not hosted the British round of the FIA World Rally Championship in 20 years.
Wales Rally GB managing director Ben Taylor said: “It’s going to a fabulous occasion and I’d like to thank all those in Chester who’ve worked so hard to make this possible.
“We are constantly looking at exciting new ways to widen the rally’s appeal to both existing fans and new audiences and this special evening in central Chester will certainly do just that.
“The city has a particularly strong link with the WRC events of the past, so returning to these hallowed streets makes this return all the more exciting.”
As part of Chester Rally Week, some of the world’s most fearless drivers will be bringing their mighty machines to cruise through the city on October 28.
It will be entirely open to the public free of charge.
Now the 72nd Dayinsure Wales Rally GB, most of the event’s 22 stages take place across the border in North Wales from October 27-30.
This year the one exception is the family-friendly RallyFest stage being held at Cholmondeley Castle , which was revealed last week. Another chance for fans to get up close and personal.
The pre-event charity forum, which attracts many of the sport’s top names from both past and present generations, will be held at Chester Racecourse on October 26.
Chester has a long history of association with Rally GB, but has not played host to any action since 1996.
Undoubtedly the most iconic WRC moment in the city was when the late Colin McRae was crowned as Britain’s first-ever world rally champion at the racecourse in 1995.
'Significant boost'
CH1ChesterBID believe its return could prove an economic boost with the rally’s global following in tow.
BID manager Carl Critchlow said: “Hosting this element of the event is a huge coup for Chester and we’re delighted to see the Dayinsure Wales Rally GB returning to the city after so many years.
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“As part of Chester Rally Week, motor sport fans will get the chance to see and meet the drivers, teams and cars from the World Rally Championship, all set against the iconic backdrop of Chester city centre.
“These rallies attract an international following and we’re expecting thousands of people to visit the city for this special event, providing a significant boost to footfall on our high street.”
Tarporley - based company Dayinsure has been announced as the main sponsor of Rally GB until 2018.
Crews will make their way to Chester after the first day of competition.
They are expected to arrive in the city at about 6.30pm, passing under the Eastgate Clock and, after a brief stop to sign some autographs, through the official time control on Bridge Street.
From there the convoy will head back out to the service park at Deeside Rally Village.
Tickets for the competitive stages of the 2016 Dayinsure Wales Rally GB are already on sale. Adult prices start at just £20 for the family-friendly RallyFest at Cholmondeley Castle with free admission for under 15s.
For more information visit www.walesrallygb.com .
