I have been involved in motorsport since 1969, including being an official of the local club almost all that time ... and the fact that we (North Wales Car Club) have helped bring back Britain's major car rally, the final round of the World Championship. to the town gives me and my fellow cliub members a great sense of acheivement and pride, a feat that will benefit the various businesses in town and the hotels during their "quiet" period.
This came about as a result of the highly successful Rallyfest of 2010 and the forward-thinking of the Conwy Borough and Llandudno Town Councils - two organisations often criticised for not supporting events in the towns.
True, some people will be inconvenienced. That is an unfortunate thing that happens when something major is on your doorstep, whether it be a car rally, a cycle race, running, sailing, major football tournament, Victorian extravaganza, evening Christmas shopping or simply too many tourists clogging up the town. You can never please all of the people all of the time.
I have volunteered to help with the forthcoming Wales Rally GB, only a small task but I will be stationed on the Orme armed with a radio. Having been to a training session I find it unbelievable just how much has gone on behind the scenes to ensure that everyone is kept safe (hundreds of marshals for just the three miles or competitive road), marshals all around the town to assist with traffic flow, and a huge task of visiting all the residences and giving them the chance to acquire passes so that they can, as closely as possible, carry on their daily lives.
True, the Orme will be "closed" for the duration. For very good reasons - to be able to run the event smoothly, efficiently and above all, safely. The Marine Drive has been closed for a few motorsport events this year - the Three Castles, the Cambrian, the Mini Britannia and now the Wales Rally GB. That has involved just five days in which you are not allowed (by law, please note) to walk, cycle or drive around the Orme during the "closed" times.
To say that perhaps a walker may get hit by a speeding car is a total red herring - there will be no walkers on the "stage" - they would be breaking the law by being there, there will be many marshals to guide them to safety. So anyone even thinking about trying that on would be well advised to take their daily constitution along the Promenade (watch out for cyclists) or perhaps the path from West Shore towards Conwy, where they will be able to roam unhindered.
For those who remember the RAC Rally using the Orme the last time was in 1981!!! It may have been free then, but unfortunately, these days the event organisers see fit to charge £20 for the privilege of seeing the world's top drivers in action. It is still a lot cheaper than the cost of attending a Championship Division football match or, I am sure, County Cricket when it is held in Colwyn Bay. Whether or not you find the Citroëns, Fords and so-called Minis as exciting as Vauxhall Chevettes, Opel Mantas, Ford Escort Mk2's, Toyota Celica, Renault 5 Turbo, Sunbeam-Lotus, Lancia Stratos and Alpine-Renaults only you can judge (I know which I prefer watching!).
If you are against paying £20 to attend the event then did you go and watch the recent Cambrian Rally? Twice as many cars, intense competition and for just a small parking charge!
To those of you who are "against" the event, then please bear with is - there are 360 days in the year when there is no motorsport in town, so plenty of time to enjoy the Orme (as I do myself, on foot or bicycle). To those of who who are "for" the event - thank you - enjoy!
