RALLYING greats from around the world will be descending on Scotland this weekend to compete in a truly special contest.
Fans will be able to enjoy all the thrills as the famous Knockhill circuit in Fife hosts only the second McRae Rally Challenge after the inaugural event in 2015.
In a celebration of one of Scottish motorsport’s most renowned families, three generations of the McRaes will be in action, with dad Jimmy, son Alister and grandson Max all taking to the stages as part of the two-day festival.
Jimmy will drive a Ford Escort Mk2, with Alister piloting a Hyundai Accent WRC, while teenage sensation Max will be at the wheel of a powerful and modern Ford Fiesta Rally 2.
Former World champions Stig Blomqvist and Luis Moya have teamed up to compete in a mighty 5.0-litre Chevrolet Firenza Can-Am, with Welsh hero Gwyndaf Evans and World Championship-winning co-driver Phil Mills out in a historic-spec Ford RS1800.
Scottish Olympic cycling superstar Sir Chris Hoy makes his rally debut at the Fife track in a Mitsubishi Evo9, while former British Rally champion Jonny Milner comes out of retirement with his title-winning ex-works Toyota Corolla WRC.
A who’s-who of Scottish rallying features in the 65-car invitational rally and the Juniors are represented by 20 up-and-coming stars in action over the 40-mile, two-day rally.
Tributes will be flowing on and off track to the late, great Colin McRae as the event hosts the largest selection of his competitive cars from over the years.
More than 20 of his machines, from his first Mini to the famous WRC-winning L555 BAT and amazing R4 concept rally car, have been gathered for the various displays and track demonstrations.
Some 40-plus WRC, Group B, Group A and other cars will be on display and on track each day.
The line-up includes Audi Quattro, Lancia 037, Peugeot 205 T16, MG Metro 6R4 and Renault 5 Gordini machines, as well as all the other iconic rally cars from three decades of rallying.
There will also be the global unveiling of an exclusive eight-car limited-edition of Colin’s WRC Subaru Impreza, with the first version handed over to its new owner.
Two of Colin McRae’s most successful co-drivers will be in attendance – Derek Ringer, with whom he won the 1995 World Rally Championship, and fellow World champion Nicky Grist.
Scotland’s first lady of rallying, Louise Aitken-Walker, and Swedish co-driver Tina Thorner – both World Ladies’ champions – will also be there demonstrating the various cars.
But perhaps one of the highlights of the weekend will be the presence of current Red Bull-backed World Rally Championship star Elfyn Evans.
The Toyota works driver will be making a guest appearance on Sunday and will be driving a selection of classic motors from the Japanese marque.
As well as the rally action, there are parades, demonstrations, interactive interviews with an opportunity to ask your favourite star a question, autograph sessions and much more.
There is even the chance to win a passenger ride in an Audi Quattro Sport driven by Stig Blomqvist.
Check out www.knockhill.com for full event details and to purchase tickets, as well as book your place for the visit of the British Touring Car Championship on July 30-31.
Ahead of the action, a special ribbon-cutting ceremony involving the McRae family to mark the naming of a corner at the venue in honour of them will take place on Friday.
Knockhill director of events Stuart Gray explained: “We asked the family and they are delighted that their name will forever be part of the circuit that has featured in so much of their sporting activities.
“And this weekend’s McRae Rally Challenge reinforces the point and promises a great spectacle for thousands of fans.”
