WIREDGOV

The north Wales resorts of Conwy and Llandudno are gearing up to host spectacular welcome parties.  Thursday evening’s Ceremonial Start to the final round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship will be staged against the historic backdrop of Conwy Castle while the busy Mostyn Street in Llandudno will witness the Sunday afternoon’s Ceremonial Finish – what’s more -  free access is available to all at these ceremonies.  

Many of the world’s finest supercars will dazzle spectators at the family-friendly RallyFest to be staged at Chirk Castle later this month on Saturday 16 November. The new RallyFest stages have been designed to offer more than just the thrills and spills of a rally stage and will provide spectators of all ages with a full day’s entertainment.

This year’s Wales Rally GB will be based at a brand new, bespoke Service Park in north Wales, located alongside the Toyota Engine Plant in Deeside Enterprise Zone.  The site has seen a major investment of £250,000 investment by event organiser International Motor Sports and the Welsh Government.

As well as providing the competing teams with the required space and conditions for them to service their high-tech cars, feed personnel and entertain guests, the FREE to enter Deeside facility will boast a host of added attractions.

Maximising the benefits of hosting such a prestigious international event in north Wales, a dedicated Industry Awareness experience for local schools will be hosted within the Service Park.  The event will provide students with the opportunity to find out more about design, manufacturing and technology and will give them with an insight into careers that are available if they continue with their studies in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

As well as being given a chance to scrutinise the high-tech cars competing at the forefront of the World Rally Championship, attendees will be able to work with the latest experiments from Techniquest, Technocamps, take part in the Engineering Education Scheme Wales  (EESW )Jaguar 2D Challenge and participate in a series of hands-on activities with local manufacturing companies.

The Welsh Government has also worked with the Welsh Automotive Forum on Autolink (Wales) 2013.  The exhibition and conference at Venue Cymru, Llandudno is on Thursday 14 November,  just hours before the final round of the WRC begins and  will highlight future opportunities for advanced engineering products in the mainstream automotive industry. It will bring together representatives from automotive, aerospace, electronic and software technology companies as well as academia and the motor-sport sectors.

Chaired by Professor Garel Rhys CBE, the theme for the event is focused on future powertrain and energy storage technologies, and component and system opportunities in the supply chain.

Minister for the Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart, said:

“The automotive sector in Wales is home to around 150 component and systems manufacturing companies and has 15,000 people employed in automotive manufacturing with an annual turnover of £3 billion.Our support for Wales Rally GB acts as a key driver in delivering the Welsh Government’s key commitment of strengthening the conditions that create jobs, wealth and sustainable growth.

“The Welsh economy receives an immediate benefit during Wales Rally GB with teams, marshals, businesses and spectators spending considerable amounts on accommodation, food and drink, hospitality – before, during and after the event

“This year’s revitalised event has more opportunities than ever before for the whole family to get involved.  The free of charge ceremonial start and finish events as well as the RallyFest at Chirk Castle will really create a sense of occasion in the area.

“This World Class sporting event is an ideal platform to show a global audience what Wales has to offer.  I look forward to attending the event next week and I’m sure that North Wales will prove an excellent host for the final round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship.”