Roger Albert Clark Rally manager Colin Heppenstall has completed his final route survey ahead of the 12th running of the event which will be held 27-29 November.
Sunderland plays host to the service park with crews tackling 150 miles over 20 special stages. Friday will see competitors take on a challenging opening leg with 40 miles being covered followed by two days of daylight rallying.
“The stages have all been re-graded and are well settled,” said Heppenstall, who drove the full route last weekend. “Many of the roads have not been used since last year and those that were used on the Pirelli Carlisle Rally in April were all regraded soon after that event and have settled nicely over the summer and the very dry autumn.”
Regular competitors to the event will see four miles of roads that have never been used for rallying, “It’s very fast and flowing section on top quality roads,” added Heppenstall.
Sunday’s route will start with a double pass through Harwood which is a crew favourite from 2014.
“Harwood is a superb stage, our new format will put all the crews through twice with only a quick management service in between and over 23 competitive miles to get Sunday off to a great start.”
“It is probable that we’ll be starting around 70 two-wheel drive cars, so even those at the tail of the field should find the stages in very good condition.”
