Having been a fan of rallying since about 1987 and followed the RAC Rally religiously every year since then my interest seems to be slipping lately, mainly due to the event and the lack of ticketing organisation.
I know the FIA keeps telling us that WRC events should become shorter and more manigable, mainly for TV and revenue but it dosent seem to ring true.The older events were far better for spectators regarding cost and viewing chances.As for TV coverage it seems to be less now than ever, Channel 4 can be applauded for their coverage but it seems to take second best now with most programmes being aired the wrong side of midnight.What happened to the early eveing slot of the first year?
Also dont you think the spirit of rallying has been taken away. The whole concept is to start in one place and end up somewhere else not go round and round in circles every day repeating what you just did. The whole orginisation seems to be going down the Formula 1 route which frankly is rubbish, they should look at motorcycle race events to see how it should be done.
Now we're told that the event maybe under threat because of the unsuitability of the area of apparent competitors speeding between stages. I think south Wales is totally unsuitable and it should be moved to Chester to give the English link and use the Mid and North Wales stages. Spreading the event out a bit more would ease the traffic too, after all you dont need to be a genius to realise that all that trafic in one small space isnt good.

I agree (see my topic "how to cut costs down for the teams")this used to be a rally for the people, which was open for so many to see.

I also agree. However. The event is not under threat it will run next year. Every rally is the same around the world. Start and finish in the same place and run many stages twice. TV coverage could be better. Cars could be limited a little less. Look back 20 years and see how much it has changed. Alot of people will dissagree but 10 years or so ago Rallying "WRC" was no where near as good as it is now. So at least it is beeter than then.

But unfortunaltely things change. Sometimes it is not always for the better. Look how BTCC is now utterly SH!TE. 5 years ago + it was the Bo!!ocks. But now that is ruined. Why can't we have a DTM series like Z Germans do!? F1 is going the same way and should take a leaf out of Carts book but they are not doing too well either. But it looks like rallying is pretty stable at the mo as it is very good. At least there are more than 3 Manufacturers next year when the champoinship was between 3 12 years ago. Its not all over yet.
I will kepp supporting WRC as i thnk it is excellent and hope that it does not go the same way as BTCC.
Rallying seems to be becomming evermore popular and there is always going to be the support for it from Manufacturers and rally teams.
Cheers
Al

The fact is that ratings are everything - and sadly, ball sports are in our culture (like it or not - and i really dont!!!:rolleyes: ), so motor racing is never going to be pushed as a ratings winner. Look how fantastically the Hill v Schumacher duels were televised by the beeb in F1. Remember the nightly RAC updates -great. But there simply isn't the money. My own circuit has seen fields fall by at least 30%. Things are only invested in, based on short sighted consumer targets (just look how all shops stock identical goods - and not many ,at that, nowadays). The marketing people have won - we've become consumer sheep essentially. I'm afraid that in rallying Dave Richards is becoming the border collie who's already savaged a few of his own flock in my opinion - and will probably bring the F1 commercial creed to bear on WRC. The only plus side is access to Drivers - something i wasn't aware of until last weekend - fantastic, and unlike any other form of motorsport. Wonder how long before Petter's manager gives him a good talking to about not mixing with us - he wasn't best pleased on Sunday afternboon;)? But I think we all were:)

reply to 6R4.
Yes BTCC used to be excellent, used to get infield parking at Donnington for both rounds but it must be 6-8 years since iv'e been because as you said its c##p now, remember watching nigel mansell trying to demolish the bridge at craners curves. I would hope rallying never gets that bad.

it doesnt matter where the rally is, there will always be traffic and speeding problems whereverit is. Doesnt it change every 5 years anyway or doesnt do that anymore?

HEY YOU PUNKS GUESS WHO IS BACK?