The first closed-road event organised under new legislation in England takes place on Sunday (22 April) when competitors from across the UK tackle the Corbeau Seats Rally Tendring & Clacton.

The Essex-based event is just two shy of a capacity 120-car entry, with crews coming from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Channel Islands and the Republic of Ireland. First into the stages will be asphalt ace Melvyn Evans, who is seeded at number one, fresh from his victory in the opening round of the Protyre MSA Asphalt Rally Championship.

Evans and his fellow competitors will tackle 45 competitive miles across five stages on the Tendring Peninsula. There are two designated spectator areas and the rally will pass them three times during the day. Spectators will also be able to watch the cars being worked on in the Service Park, sited along Marine Parade West in Clacton.

David Richards CBE, MSA Chairman, said: “This weekend’s Corbeau Seats Rally Tendring & Clacton will be a landmark event for UK motor sport. After years of campaigning, the MSA and event organisers can now take motor sport to the people, engaging with new audiences and delivering a real boost to local communities. We must give credit to Chelmsford Motor Club for leading the way and getting this initiative off the ground just a year after the new legislation was passed.”

Cllr Neil Stock OBE, leader of Tendring District Council, said: “This rally, the first of its kind in England, is a brilliant opportunity to showcase our area, and adds a different dimension to what is currently on offer in Tendring. We are delighted to be bringing such a high-profile event to Tendring, and I would like to thank the rally organisers, Chelmsford Motor Club, for working so diligently with ourselves and partners to ensure this event runs smoothly, causes minimal disruption, and brings maximum benefit to everyone.”

Chelmsford Motor Club’s Tony Clements, Event Director, said: “I am very pleased that we have received such a first-class entry, not only in terms of quantity but also quality. It should all make for an exciting day’s sport with close competition.”

Important spectator safety information is available on the event website here. Programmes – also featuring spectator information – will be on sale at Rally HQ (Clacton-on-Sea Bowling Club) on Saturday and Sunday, then at the Service Area and the two spectator stages on Sunday.

Image: Melvyn Evans in action, courtesy of rallygallery.com