History 1990s

1996 Network Q RAC Rally (Great Britain)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1996 Network Q RAC Rally (Great Britain)

Date: November 24–27, 1996

Start Location: Cheltenham, England

Finish Location: Cheltenham, England

Total Distance: 380.00 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1996 RAC Rally brought the World Rally Championship season to a dramatic close on the wet and muddy tracks of Great Britain. Colin McRae and co-driver Derek Ringer delivered a spectacular performance, navigating the classic Welsh and English forest stages with speed and flair. The event served as both a test of precision in slippery conditions and a showcase of rallying’s raw excitement, drawing huge crowds throughout the multi-day event.

Route

Sweet Lamb Complex: A favorite among spectators, combining water splashes, jumps, and tight bends.
Dyfi and Hafren Forests: Fast and flowing forest stages with varying grip and frequent fog.
Kielder Forest: Long, demanding sections with narrow tracks and high-speed corners.

The route spanned iconic gravel stages across Great Britain, with key features including:

The traditional mix of slick gravel, autumn mud, and dense forest landscapes pushed drivers to the edge and created unpredictable time gaps.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Colin McRae & Derek Ringer · Subaru Impreza 555
2nd Place
Tommi Mäkinen & Seppo Harjanne · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Ford Escort RS Cosworth

McRae’s win at home was a fan-favorite moment of the 1996 season, highlighting his fearless driving style and deep familiarity with the British stages.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mud and Rain: Late-autumn weather soaked the stages, creating dangerously slippery conditions.
  • Visibility: Dense morning fog and evening shadows reduced sight lines and required razor-sharp co-driver timing.
  • Fan Pressure: McRae raced under immense public attention, raising the stakes for every stage win on home soil.

The 1996 Network Q RAC Rally closed out the season with a crowd-pleasing win from McRae and an unforgettable demonstration of technical brilliance under pressure. It remains one of the most iconic British rally victories of the decade.

← Previous Event 1996 Rallye de España – Catalunya (Spain)
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