This month will see rally cars return to Wrexham for the first time in nearly 20 years in a three-year plan to create a new home and truly memorable event for the town.

Rally Revival, taking place on October 15 and 16, 2021 aims to recreate those memories of past RAC rally time controls and of course the years when the town hosted the Vauxhall Rally of Wales.

Building on the highly acclaimed 2020 running, which saw such greats as Jimmy McRae, Derek Ringer, Louise Aitken-Walker and Nicky Grist enjoy a unique atmosphere the like of which hasn't been seen since the glory days.

Open once again to a wide range of cars with a cut off at December 31, 2001, there really will be something for everyone.

Friday will see crews based at the Ty Pawb in the centre of town from 3pm, which will give fans a chance to view the cars and meet the crews.

 

David Llewellin in Celica.

David Llewellin in Celica.

 

This precedes an early evening start in Queens Square, where crews will be flagged away before a gruelling evening of tests.

Saturday is a full days tour with runs at many venues creating a feel very much like the traditional Sunday leg of the old RAC Rally.

This year there will also be an all-day spectator experience at Weston Park.

Sister event The Speed & Rally Show will be running all day and Revival will be the star attraction with visits for several different layouts during the day.

An ideal family day out with car displays, motorbikes, drifting and a whole lot more going on.

 

Phil Mills.

Phil Mills.

 

Leading the field away at Car 1 will be double British Rally Champion David Llewellyn back in a Celica GT4, he will be partnered by the hugely experienced Paul Spooner.

Also taking part but back to his driving days is 2003 World Rally Champion co-driver Phil Mills, with his son taking over duties on maps.

Cars ranging from the humble Mini, through Ford Escorts and the mighty Lancia Stratos will be represented right upto Lancia Delta (including an ex Miki Biasion car) and Subaru Impreza.

The two themes this year are 20 years since Richard Burns won the WRC and 40 years since Ari Vatanen did the same, Richard Gough brings one of Ari's Rothmans MK2 Escorts whilst Kevin Procter brings one of Richards 2001 WRC Imprezas.

Former factory co-driver Shaun O'Gorman makes a rare outing alongside Matt Rees, as does local former Vauxhall Co-driver John Gittins, whose notable results include wins with Pentti Airikkala back in the 1970s.

 

Dave Matthewson of Bangers & Cash.

Dave Matthewson of Bangers & Cash.

 

Journalistic and TV interest abounds with Dave Mathewson from TV series Bangers & Cash bringing a V6 Clio, whilst esteemed motoring Journalist Henry Catchpole takes the wheel of a 309 GTI for the weekend.

Event director, Bryn Pierce, said: "We're delighted to welcome everyone to Rally Revival 2021 in association with Cooper Tires, which aims to rekindle memories and create new ones.

"To have on board such enthusiastic partners coupled with stunning venues for this second running was something we'd hoped for as the entrants will be in for a treat.

"After a successful 2020 event we hope to bring you even more new memories.

"The team we've put together are second to none and we are looking forward to welcoming you to Wrexham on October 15.''

• Rally Revival entries are open via www.rallyrevival.co.uk

Spectator tickets are available via https://www.rallyrevival.co.uk/spectators