Organisers of the ERC newcomer have launched Rali Engage, an exciting initiative “designed to boost community involvement and engagement with local schools”, according to event officials.
A recent announcement confirmed “there will be various displays and exhibitors covering road safety, local food producers, education and career opportunities in motorsport and the motorsport supply chain. It will be staged within the international service area in Aberystwyth during the rally weekend”.
Organisers are also planning several fan zones to include car parking and live commentary. An autograph session is planned during the Rali Show on Aberystwyth Promenade during the afternoon of Friday 30 August.
Rali Ceredigion counts as the penultimate event of the 2024 ERC season and is formed of 14 Tarmac stages in west Wales over a competitive distance of 183.02 kilometres.
It begins on Friday 30 August with the Cwmerfyn Free Practice and Qualifying Stage followed by two runs of the lengthened super special through the streets of host town Aberystwyth that evening.
Brechfa and Llyn Brianne – tipped as being a favourite for drivers due to its “demanding nature and spectacular landscape” according to Rali Ceredigion organisers – are two all-new stages included on the Saturday itinerary in addition to Nant y Moch and a return to Aberystwyth for two runs.
Rali Ceredigion chiefs rate the Nant y Moch stage as an event “classic” due to its use of “high-commitment, reservoir roads”.
The deciding leg on Sunday 1 September features the all-new Bethania test complete with its mix of single and double-width roads, while Hafod forms the event-closing Power Stage.
Andy Gilmore, the Rali Ceredigion clerk of the course, said: “It’s always a proud moment to reveal our plans for Rali Ceredigion, which this year makes history in bringing the ERC back to Wales for the first time since 1996.
“Roads across Ceredigion offer a unique challenge to competitors and this year’s expanded format means more local communities can get involved and the region will benefit from increased international exposure thanks to the live TV coverage – all creating a significant economic boost to the region.”