CLACTON seafront is set to host its own stage of next year’s Corbeau Seats Rally for the first time.
The race, on April 23 and 24, will also open the 2022 Motorsport UK British Rally Championship.
In 2018, the rally in Tendring was the first to make use of new legislation which allowed closed road motorsport in England.
It included five stages across the Tendring countryside and Clacton was only used as a staging area.
But next year a new spectator stage will take place twice on Clacton seafront on the Saturday evening.
On the Sunday the cars will go out into the surrounding lanes, for three loops of four closed road stages, with designated spectator viewing areas and facilities.
Race - the rally will include four stages in the Tendring countryside
Event director Tony Clements, of the Chelmsford Motor Club, said: “Our first closed road events received a great response from the rally crews and most strikingly from the people of Tendring and Clacton who enjoyed a family friendly day out.
“Our partners and local communities have been waiting patiently for the rally to return and we’re delighted to bring a round of the prestigious British Rally Championship to the area, as well as catering for our clubman competitors”.
Alex Porter, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said the announcement is brilliant news.
“To be a round of the BRC is fantastic for the rally as it will attract stellar drivers.
“Previous champions include world champions and household names such as Colin McRae and current World Rally star Elfyn Evans,” he said.
“However, to be the opening round of the competition is undoubtedly a real coup which will hopefully draw even more spectators to the event and our beautiful district.
“The evening stage along Clacton seafront on the Saturday is an added attraction and incentive for people to come and make a weekend of their visit – boosting our local businesses.”
“As always we will be working closely with the rally organisers, Chelmsford Motor Club, to bring a safe and fun event to the district for the third time.”
Crowds - the first Corbeau Rally in Tendring attracted 6,000 spectators.
Corbeau Seats managing director Victor Lee added: “Inclusion in the BRC is a feather in the cap for Chelmsford Motor Club and also reflects the enthusiastic support the club enjoys from Tendring Council and the local community.
“After two difficult years, we’re delighted to be back.”
Further details of the rally will be released early next year.
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