WIRRAL's rally fans will be disappointed to learn that this year's RAC Rally is not to be based on their doorsteps, at Chester.

Chester has staged the event for four of the last five years, with several stages in the North West.

Chester Racecourse has also hosted the Rally Show, but now organisers Network Q have decided to move the world class RAC Rally to Cheltenham until 1999. The reason given was that the rally should not be associated with any one area for too long.

Cold comfort for local rally fans, who watch the cars in action on Sunday special stages at picturesque locations like Oulton Park or Tatton Park in Cheshire. Then, there are the more rough and isolated forest stages in North Wales.

Not anymore it seems - until the next century. Although the route for the 1997 Network Q RAC Rally has not yet been announced, it is likely to be more Midlands and South Wales-based.

The decision in no way reflects on Chester as a host, stress RAC Motorsports Association. But, the decision is expected to cost Chester about £10m in lost business.

However, consolation comes with the news that Vauxhall Rally of North Wales, a British Rally Championship, on March 14, will have its rally HQ at Bromborough with floodlit spectator stages on New Brighton prom.

By Robin Bird

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.