History 1990s

1997 Network Q RAC Rally (Great Britain)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1997 Network Q RAC Rally (Great Britain)

Date: November 23–26, 1997

Start Location: Cheltenham, England

Finish Location: Cheltenham, England

Total Distance: 395.36 km of special stages

Surface: Gravel

The 1997 RAC Rally delivered classic British rallying with muddy forest roads, autumn fog, and massive fan turnout. Colin McRae, backed by an energized home crowd, attacked the slippery gravel with his signature commitment, overcoming fierce pressure from title rivals to claim a dramatic win. The RAC Rally’s long-standing reputation for unpredictability held true as changing conditions and narrow margins defined the season finale.

Route

Sweet Lamb: A spectator favorite featuring water splashes, jumps, and tight bends under low-visibility skies.
Hafren Forest: Long, flowing gravel stage with patches of ice and thick morning fog that tested co-driver timing.
Kielder: A fast and rough stage with notorious tire-cutting rocks and narrow tree-lined sections.

The rally wound through famous Welsh and northern English forests with key stages including:

Constant moisture on the ground made tire choice and driving rhythm essential for staying in contention across multi-surface sections.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist · Subaru Impreza WRC97
2nd Place
Tommi Mäkinen & Seppo Harjanne · Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Ford Escort WRC

McRae’s relentless attack in the closing stages secured a final WRC victory for Subaru’s 1997 campaign, marking a memorable farewell to the WRC97 chassis.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mud and Leaves: Autumn conditions left roads slick and unpredictable, forcing constant steering corrections and clean car positioning.
  • Fog and Shadows: Morning stages in dense forests limited visibility and amplified the importance of accurate pace notes.
  • Fan Pressure: Massive home support brought both adrenaline and pressure, making focus under stress a key factor.

The 1997 Network Q RAC Rally was a storybook ending for Colin McRae’s WRC season — a fearless performance on home ground, pushing through the mud to victory in front of a nation of supporters.

← Previous Event 1997 Rally of Malaysia (Malaysia)
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