History 1990s

1992 Lombard RAC Rally (Great Britain)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1992 Lombard RAC Rally (Great Britain)

Date: November 22–25, 1992

Start Location: Chester, England

Finish Location: Chester, England

Total Distance: 527.80 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1992 RAC Rally marked a generational shift in the World Rally Championship as 24-year-old Colin McRae stormed to a breakthrough victory on home soil. Driving the Subaru Legacy RS with co-driver Derek Ringer, McRae attacked the muddy and fog-filled stages of Wales and Northern England with fearless commitment. His aggressive style thrilled fans and signaled the arrival of a new rally star, while giving Subaru its second WRC win—and its first in Europe.

Route

Kielder Forest: High-speed gravel with narrow tree-lined paths—mistakes punished instantly.
Clocaenog and Hafren: Rolling Welsh stages with mixed grip and tricky rhythm—known for deep mud and fog.
Dalby and Sherwood: Slippery with tight corners—demanded clean pacenotes and tire discipline in changing weather.

As usual, the RAC Rally delivered a blend of fast gravel forest stages and technical woodland routes, often shrouded in mist and lined with slippery leaves:

Weather was cold and damp throughout the event. McRae thrived in the changing conditions, often taking risks others avoided—many paid off spectacularly.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Colin McRae & Derek Ringer · Subaru Legacy RS
2nd Place
Ari Vatanen & Bruno Berglund · Subaru Legacy RS
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185

McRae’s win ignited a new era for British rallying—he became the youngest winner of the RAC and gave Subaru a powerful foothold in the WRC narrative.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Fog and Rain: Classic British rally weather reduced visibility to meters at times—McRae adapted quickly and pushed hard regardless.
  • Mud and Grip Shifts: Constant surface changes made tire choice and car setup critical throughout the rally.
  • Youthful Bravery: McRae’s aggressive confidence gave him the edge—where others lifted, he pressed on.

The 1992 RAC Rally launched a legend—Colin McRae’s fearless charge through the forests became an instant classic and a defining moment for Subaru in world rallying.

← Previous Event 1992 Rallye de España – Catalunya (Spain)
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