Rally Legends set for spectacular power show in Glasgow

Jul 29, 2017

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* Timo Salonen reunited with title-winning Peugeot 205 T16
• Stig Blomqvist back behind the wheel of Ford RS200
• Two winningest drivers from rallying’s Golden Age
• Catch five of rallying’s greatest names renewing old rivalries

The five legendary ‘Rally Gods’ starring at next month’s IGNITION, Festival of Motoring in Glasgow (4-6 August) not only will be reunited with their iconic rally cars from yesteryear but also will reigniting old rivalries in a spectacular shoot-out in some of today’s greatest sports cars.

Having wowed crowds when back behind the wheel of some of the sport’s most celebrated machines, the five Rally Gods – Markku Alén, Miki Biasion, Stig Blomqvist, Timo Salonen and Ari Vatanen ­– will draw lots to decide ‘who drives what’ in a thrilling, crowd-pleasing Street Stage Shoot-Out.

The five cars in the lottery are all state-of-the-art high performers: Abarth 124 Spider, BAC Mono, BMW M4, Caterham R600 and Subaru BRZ. Once the draw has been completed, the Rally Gods will dust off their old competitive skills for a dramatic, against-the-clock contest staged on a special gymkhana circuit.

“It promises to be a truly spectacular and exciting climax to our twice daily street shows,” enthused Cat Stanford, IGNITION Festival Director. “These famous Rally Gods are still idolised for their fast, fearless and always sideways driving styles, so we’ve lined-up for them five of the most powerful, rear-wheel-drive cars on sale today. Let their old rivalries be renewed!”

Show-goers will also be given the chance to see their heroes up close, with regular autograph and selfie sessions on all three days of the spectacular event. As previously confirmed, fans will also be treated to seeing their heroes driving five of rallying’s most revered icons from Group B and other golden eras.

Alén will be back in the hot seat of a magical Lancia Stratos, Biasion in one of his title-winning Lancia Delta Intergrales (above), Blomqvist revving up in a racy Group B Ford RS200, Timo Salonen in a Nissan 240RS coupé and Ari Vatanen in one of the Ford RS1800s he originally rallied to victory more than 35 years ago.

As a stunning celebration of all things motoring, the specially constructed street circuit in and around Glasgow’s SEC also will give visitors the unique opportunity to get up close to the sight, sound and smell of everything from Formula 1 to hot rods, supercars to classic cars, motorbikes and all things wacky and wonderful.

Highlights include Scotland’s biggest-ever collection of F1 cars – many driven in period by world champions such as Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna and Jenson Button – jaw-dropping stunt displays and world class rubber-burning drifters.

Tickets are still on sale – for more information log onto: www.ignitionfestival.co.uk.

IGNITION – Festival of Motoring

Building on the huge success of last year’s inaugural IGNITION which attracted more than 26,000 visitors, other notable features for 2017 include: 70 years of Ferrari – a tribute to the history and legacy of the famous Prancing Horse; the 60th anniversary of Ecurie Ecosse’s famous 24 Hours of Le Mans victory with an exclusive line-up of the team’s finest machinery; a bike stunt zone; a supercar grid to rival any featuring Lamborghinis, Porsches, McLarens, Mustangs, Mercedes’ and more; plus, hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest releases with the opportunity for visitors to buy their next car or bike at the event.

There will also be a return by popular demand of the rubber-burning Japspeed drifters plus eye-catching displays by renowned Scottish bike stunt rider Kevin Carmichael.

A new addition for 2017, the outdoor Ride and Drive Zone will give motor enthusiasts the chance to test their skills offering a mix of off-road driving experiences, test drives, a young driver experience and the chance to ride a trials bikes.

The indoor IGNITION arcade, another new attraction, will host a range of games and experiences to cater for the whole family, including remote control drifting, simulators, gaming areas, remote control truck racing and more.

IGNITION Tickets

Tickets for IGNITION 2017 are available now from the festival website with prices to suit every pocket. Single tickets start at just £27.50 (pre-booked) for full day entry to the show and only £15 for a late entry single ticket from 2pm. A single ticket plus morning or afternoon grandstand seat costs £40, while a family day ticket for two adults and up to three children costs just £70.

THE IGNITE Club ticket at £129 is the ultimate VIP experience offering exclusive access to the IGNITE Club Paddock and grandstand, both conveniently located trackside and close to the private IGNITE club bar where lunch and driver Q&A’s are included.

A full breakdown of ticket types, prices and event news can be found at www.ignitionfestival.co.uk.

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