I was Chief Marshal on the event (my third year in that role, but eleventh year with the event) and it is a big favourite of mine (I've also been involved with the Cambrian Rally for over 40 years!!!) - superb cars, wonderful characters and we managed to get the weather right again after last year's four days of heavy rain!!! For me it's a way to get very involved without the expense of entering!!!
The entry fee is, as said, getting on for £3000 but for that you get your hotels and meals all included with the top hotels being used for the event (as I'm local I go home each evening!) so in real terms it is not an expensive event, especially when compared to some other similar ones!
You don't need an expensive car (although there were many) as proved by the Hillman Imp, so I suspect some of you have something suitable for next year!
During the last three days I have covered nearly 600 miles checking that all my marshals were at the correct location - they all were, smiling and friendly. The event comprises regularity sections on public roads (low average speeds, maximum 30 depending on the type of road) along with 15 special tests including the four that were on the Orme - my team were on the Orme all Friday night setting up and ensuring the venue would be clear.
The route took in a lot of north Wales and gave the competitors some wonderful scenery as the mountains were very clear. Certain venues gave the opportunity for views not normally seen (such as looking down on Llanberis from above the power station). Certainly a good advert for north Wales and what it has to offer.
In total there were over 200 marshals on the event and I gave out no less than 350 bottles of water, packets of crisps and a well-known chocolate bar when doing my rounds!!!
The full results can be found on the event website
www.three-castles.co.uk and there will be loads of photos added soon.
The event has booked the same week in 2014 and 2015, so book the dates in your diary now - it would be nice to have a few local entries !!!
