Carlisle Hosting Pirelli International Rally

The city of Carlisle will reverberate to the sound of throbbing motors and tyres traversing gravel on the weekend of April 17 to 19 when 150 cars compete in no fewer than five Pirelli International Rally events. Topping the bill is the second round of the MSA British Rally Championship, an event that is bringing an international field of competitors to Cumbria.

Ahead of the crews lies two days of action over the fast gravel tracks in the border forests where any slip can land a car in one of the many deep ditches, leading to instant retirement. But with vital championship points at stake, the drivers will be no doubt give every ounce of effort to wring every second out of their times.

The opening round of the British championship saw a surprise win for Irish crew, Keith Cronin/ Greg Shinnors but they will start in the number two position behind the winner of the last two Pirelli International Rallies, Guy Wilks. With another two-time winner, Mark Higgins, at number three the battle for overall victory could prove fierce.

The Pirelli International Rally gets underway from the Carlisle Racecourse at 6:00pm on Friday April 17.