NS6064 : Monte Carlo Classic Rally Glasgow
taken 11 years ago, near to Royston, Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow has a long association with the Monte Carlo Classic Rally, having served as the UK starting point from 1949 until 1973. The centenary event in 2011 also had a starting point in the city.
In addition to Glasgow, the 2013 event has starting points in Warsaw, Copenhagen, Rheims and Barcelona. The distance from Glasgow to the finish line in Monte Carlo is around 2000 kilometres.
Competitors from these cities will meet at Valence which will be the city-stage for two nights, during which time competitors will follow the legendary routes of the Ardèche and the Haute-Loire, from Burzet to Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid.
Continuing towards Monaco, with a halt at Gap, the route will again include traditional special stages of the Monte-Carlo Rally, starting with Saint-Jean-en-Royans and finishing with the Col de Corobin.
Finally, the last section will see competitors take their cars up the legendary Col du Turini during a short but intense night.
The Glasgow event traditionally started in Blythswood Square, but such was the popularity of the 2011 event (which attracted 9000 spectators) that a bigger, more suitable venue had to be found. Historic Glasgow Green was chosen, with the starting ramp in front of the People's Palace museum and the exit from the park being made via the McLennan Arch onto Saltmarket.
Over 12,000 spectators turned out to see the hundred or so competitors off at the start of their epic adventure. Around forty of the Glasgow starters are expected to complete the entire race, with others planning to drop out along the way.
Descriptions and other information about the cars pictured are welcome.