A THREE-DAY “banger” rally across the popular North Coast 500 route in the Highlands which has been announced for next year has been met with frustration from locals.
Organised by Rustbox Rallies the event aims to provide an “unforgettable banger rally adventure” across the world-renown route in March 2025.
The proposed route will see attendees start at Fort William, then go towards Loch Ness, Inverness, John O’Groats, Dunnet Head, Durness and Bealach Na Ba, before finishing in Inverness.
The NC500 event was first launched by veteran banger rally enthusiasts in 2022 where 28 people participated across 19 vehicles.
According to the Press and Journal, some locals have aired their frustration with the event stating on social media that the roads in the Highlands are not suitable for a rally.
Phil said: “Our roads are our lifelines, not a plaything for the boy racers who always find an excuse to act like jackasses.”
While Elspeth wrote: “Rallies like these should be banned.
“Why don’t they do it along the back streets of Glasgow or London or any busy city. Perhaps they could race along a motorway.”
Susan described the rally as “not a bright idea” as she said the roads are “not suitable for rust buckets or convoys”.
“A sure way to annoy the locals, if the weather allows an attempt in the first place,” she added.
Meanwhile, Rob said the event is antisocial and very dangerous.
He wrote: “How many more of these things are there? There was a similar event in June of last year.
“They were even driving the B869 from Clachtoll to Drumbeg and beyond, a road full of blind corners, hidden dips, steep slopes and limited passing places.
“Antisocial and very dangerous.”
Organisers from the company have held similar rallies across the UK and Europe.
The Rustbox Rallies website states that whilst the “banger rallies are not races” participants will “undoubtedly see the most amazing sights on offer”.
The cost to register a car for the rally with two participants is £199 and drivers can also choose to raise money for a charity of their choice.
There is also the stipulation that rally participants’ cars must be £750 or less to enter.
Not all opinions from locals are against the event, as one person said: “Good luck to them. They raise a lot of money for some good charities.”
While another local said: “Good bit of fun, as long as they don’t leave a mess.”
