Rally legend Stig Blomqvist is set to mark the 40th anniversary of his 1984 World Rally Championship win in spectacular style – by getting back behind the wheel at the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally on 26 October. The Swedish rally icon will take on the challenging stages in a specially prepared 1964 Mini Cooper S, making his only competitive UK appearance of the year.
Sponsored by Mini Spares Centre, in collaboration with BMW/Mini, the car has been meticulously built by Söderquist Engineering in Sweden, with input from A-Series maestro Phil Anning of Anning’s Race and Restoration. The Mini Cooper is a faithful recreation of Rauno Aaltonen’s 2020 Monte Carlo Rally machine, and after putting the rally-spec engine through its paces, Stig couldn’t be more thrilled with its power and performance. The Mini is sure to be a showstopper, just like the man behind the wheel!
Joining Stig will be co-driver Paul Morris, whose deep knowledge of the North Wales forests will be instrumental in unleashing the legend’s driving mastery on the tight and twisty gravel stages. It’s a combination that promises a thrilling spectacle for rally fans.
A Tougher, Meaner Cambrian Rally 2024
This year’s Cambrian Rally is pushing the envelope with more stage miles and less road mileage, meaning an even more compact, high-octane event. “It’ll be tougher and more compact, with a ratio of two stage miles to every road mile,” said rally route consultant Alyn Edwards. “Stage miles are up to just under 60 for Interclub and National competitors, while the Mini Challenge contenders will tackle 35 miles, including a gruelling 16-mile stage at Clocaenog.”
The action kicks off with a single run through Elsi before tackling the legendary double-use stages at Clocaenog, Brenig, and Alwen. Service will be in Ruthin, and the rally organisers extend their thanks to Denbighshire County Council for supporting the road closures needed to create the epic Clocaenog stage.
As always, the event will feature a grand start and finish on Llandudno’s iconic promenade—giving fans the perfect chance to see the cars and meet the drivers up close.
Prestigious Line-Up for the 2024 Cambrian Rally
This year, the Cambrian Rally proudly serves as a round of several championships, including the ProBite British Rally Championship, the Protyre BTRDA Rally Series, the Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Championship, the TCS Paint Rally Challenge, the Mini Challenge, and the Association of North Western Car Clubs Championship. And for the first time, it’s also a round of the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup, bringing together top competitors from the UK and Ireland.
The rally continues to receive invaluable support from Conwy County Borough Council and Llandudno Town Council, both recognising the massive economic boost the event brings to the area.