Jimmy McRae confirms Manx return as entry deadline approaches

Jimmy McRae, one of the legendary names of British rallying, is set to return to Rally Isle of Man powered by Microgaming next month.

The Scot, a five-time British champion, has won the event outright three times, and will contest the event as part of his Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship campaign, driving a Vauxhall Firenza can-am.

Jimmy’s first victory on the Manx came in 1982 at the wheel of a Rothmans team Opel Ascona, winning for the same marque two years later in an Opel Manta by a still record margin of 12 minutes 31 seconds.

His final victory was in a Ford Sierra Cosworth in 1987.

McRae is one of over 50 entries received by organisers so far, with others planning to compete urged to act quickly as entries close at the reduced rate on Monday (August 11).

Normal rate entries will remain open for a further week until Tuesday, August 19.

Amongst those received so far are crews from Japan, France, Belgium and Australia, as well as around the British Isles.

The three-day event is also a qualifier in the MSA British Rally Championship, NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge Trophy, Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Historic Tarmac Rally Championship and Eurocars Motorsport Manx Rally Championship.

Rally Isle of Man runs from September 11-13.