The iconic Castletown stage on the Isle of Man, famous the world over for its harbour hugging street-side action, will make its return to this year’s Manx Rally – the double header Rounds 3 and 4 of the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship on 15/16 May.
The town stage will run in darkness on the evening of Friday 15 May, and forms part of a dynamic route that takes in some of the island’s most classic tests as well as introducing new twists to old favourites.
Ahead of entries opening on 1 March, the Manx Auto Sport organising team have announced the following details of the route to enable crews to plan their trip to the island in May.
After the pre-event recce either the weekend before or on the Wednesday and Thursday prior to the event, 18 special stages and an impressive 130 competitive stage miles are on offer. From the now traditional Rally HQ of the TT Grandstand, shakedown on Friday morning enables crews to have the opportunity to acclimatise to the unique Manx lanes ahead of three stages early that afternoon.
After a short rest, seven stages make up Friday night’s offering including the return of the Ancient Capital of Mann, Castletown before a late overnight halt.
Saturday hosts eight more stages before a late afternoon finish at the TT Grandstand.
Clerk of the Course Mark Quayle believes this year’s Manx Rally is shaping up to be one of the finest in its history.
“The roads on the Isle of Man are famed the world over for their unforgiving nature and unrivalled challenge, but to be able to add probably the most iconic stage on the island to our itinerary in 2020 is really the icing on the cake for Manx Auto Sport,” he says.
“Castletown holds many fond memories for fans and drivers alike so we are looking forward to watching crews blast around the harbour once again, it’s certainly been a few years since we have seen that on the Manx. As well as that, we have some fantastic stage lined up with a pretty relentless itinerary ensuring crews are tested to the limits when they come here to compete. The Manx has never been easy, and this year is no different”.
The organisers have also been able to secure discounted ferry crossings and accommodation with their Official Travel Partner Isle of Man Event Services, while the entry fee starts from £660.
Event regulations and more information on the route, along with the opening of entries will be released on 1 March.
Be the first to comment