Pirelli Rally returns to its Carlisle roots

Carlisle is set to welcome back the Pirelli International Rally this Friday (27 April). The Pirelli International Rally is about to celebrate a memorable anniversary with the 2012 event marking 21 years of Pirelli's title sponsorship, a unique partnership in the motorsport world and one which has helped the Carlisle based event cement its position as one of the country's leading headline rally events and a permanent fixture in the MSA British Rally Championship.

As part of the prestigious Pirelli event, international and national crews will begin leaving a ramp outside the Old Town on Friday (27 April) evening from a specially constructed start in the city centre pedestrianised area. Spectators will be able to witness firsthand the cars as they travel around the city centre streets.

The Pirelli Historic Rally will kick off the action at 4pm and will be followed by the start of the Pirelli International Rally at around 7pm.

Jason Gooding, Carlisle City Council’s Chief Executive, said:

"We have a long and celebrated link with the rally dating back more than twenty years. We are delighted to welcome it back to the city, as this is great news for the local economy and local rally enthusiasts. When we staged the event the rally in previous years, it has attracted thousands of spectators and has provided an economic boost.”

Carlisle City Council have teamed up with Cumberland Sporting Car Club for the Carlisle stage of the event. More information about the Pirelli International event is available on http://www.pirelliinternationalrally.co.uk/