Thrillseekers turning out to watch a trailblazing street rally race through Tendring will be able to get so close they can almost taste the action.
With just a month to go until the big day, bosses behind the first ever Corbeau seats rally have revealed the location of two official spectator areas where crowds can watch cars thunder past from a safe distance.
Ship Hill in Bradfield is the main zone giving panoramic views of the route, while those watching from the second at Wick Road, near Great Bentley, will see cars sweep round a tight hairpin bend.
Support for the action-packed event, which organisers hope will one day be as big as the Clacton air show, is being revved up as the countdown begins.
Between 5,000 and 10,000 people are expected to attend, more than 100 drivers are signed up and tourism bosses are predicting the televised rally – the first of its kind in England – will attract national and even international attention.
Challengers compete against the clock in a series of timed tests across the district, with the main hub on Clacton seafront.
Event director Tony Clements, from Chelmsford Motor Club, said: “We are all so excited and making the final preparations for the rally right now.
“The rally is the first closed-roads street rally in the country and we’re proud to be bringing it to Tendring.
“It’s getting massive now with about 10,000 people expected to come and watch, we’re hoping to bring it back next year and eventually want to be as big as huge events like Clacton air show.
“The best thing about this rally is that people can watch from the roadside, within a safe distance of course, and really get up close to the action.”
Tendring council leader Neil Stock said the rally, taking place on April 22, was a fantastic opportunity for the area.
He added: “This event will really put Tendring on the map and help to raise our profile nationally, and even internationally.”
Research by Sheffield Hallam University has estimated that such rallies could be worth £40million a year.
Clacton MP Giles Watling added: “Along with the brilliant Tendring Hundred Show and Clacton Air Show, this is going to give us a real boost.
“I myself travelled to the Isle of Man to watch a rally there, so I know how thrilling they can be.
“I think it is a great event and will bring real investment here.”
For more detailed information about when and where you can watch the rally, visit the Corbeau seats rally website.
Council chiefs reassure residents over noise and disruption fears
Concerns have been raised to council chiefs about the rally event, with residents worried about noise and travel disruption.
Certain roads need to be closed to accommodate rally stages, which has prompted complaints to Clacton MP Giles Watling and council leader Neil Stock.
There are also fears that noise will affect communities on the day.
Mr Stock and organisers from Chelmsford Motor Club said they were doing everything in their power to minimise disruption.
“We understand there have been some concerns from residents along the routes, and the organisers have been working alongside us and other partners to manage, mitigate and minimise all the points raised.
“However, the overwhelming view we have had when officers have been out on the route is a positive one, including from many farmers who are supporting the race with hay bales and land for spectator areas.”
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