Poole, Dorset –February 11th; Dolphin Shopping Centre visitors will get a preview taste of rally fever on Saturday 20 February when an iconic Ford Escort MkII will be on display ahead of the Rallye Sunseeker, as what is considered one of the UK’s most spectacular motorsport events pays its first ever visit to Poole.
Crewed by local pairing Les Harrogate and Matt Thorne, the 250bhp Escort MKII will be showcased pride of place outside Marks & Spencer, offering the people of Poole a rare chance to get up close to a Class 8 rally car before it prepares for battle on the Rallye Sunseeker stages on Saturday 27 February.
Stephanie Lacey, Dolphin Shopping Centre Manager, commented: “It’s fantastic to see such a high calibre motorsport event coming to Poole. The Rallye Sunseeker 2010 is sure to attract an unrivalled crowd to Poole Quay while the entire event promises to deliver entertainment for both seasoned rallying fans and the local community alike.
“It’s not every day that our shoppers can see an iconic rally car on display just days before it competes in such a major event. I hope our visitors enjoy our preview to the Rallye Sunseeker and lend their support to the event, Les and Matt.”
Les, owner of the Wimborne-based SCF Hardware company, and Matt, a building contractor from nearby Hinton Martell, share years of national and international rally experience between them but 2010 marks their first full season of competition together. With a class win (in the then B11 category) at the Rallye Sunseeker 2006 among Les’ notable results, hopes are high for the new team to emulate that success this year.
Both crew members will be on hand throughout the day at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, to chat to visitors and sign autographs. Shoppers will also be able to buy advance copies of the Rallye Sunseeker programme, containing all the information any rally fan needs to catch this unmissable event.
Les Harrogate commented: “The Rallye Sunseeker gets the season off to a flying start. To have such a flagship event on our doorstep is a real bonus while the exciting changes to the 2010 format will hopefully help rallying to reach a new audience. With the ceremonial start taking place in Poole, it’s great to see such interest and have the opportunity to display our car in the Dolphin Shopping Centre.
“Months of extensive preparation go into the car ahead of a major event, but rallying really isn’t beyond the means of the average working person. We’ll be on hand and only too happy to answer any questions or offer advice at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, and it would certainly be nice to pick up a few more local supporters to cheer us on through the Rallye Sunseeker stages.”
Attracting teams from across the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Europe, the motorsport rally elite will flock to Poole Quay for the Rallye Sunseeker ceremonial start and parade on Friday 26 February.
The only free event on the Rallye Sunseeker 2010 programme, competitors from all six classes will be on display, ranging from World Rally cars to historic vehicles. Drivers and cars will be in situ from 6.15pm, before all competing vehicles leave the starting blocks at 30-second intervals, flagged off by the Mayor of Poole Cllr Rev Charles Meachin, from 7.30pm.
The rally proper takes place on Saturday 27 February in Wareham Forest, Ringwood Forest and Somerley Park (also near Ringwood). SCF Hardware is once again lending its special support to the Rallye Suseeker by sponsoring two of the Ringwood North stages.
Les and Matt compete in the Rallye Sunseeker with thanks to local support from; Holmans of Wimborne, Andrew Witt Estate Agents, Goldstar Onboard Ltd, Cleanaway Mobile Car Valeting, Paul Miller Soils and Aggregates and the Carlisle Design Group.