The iconic Three Castles Rally is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2027 with expanded events, increased car eligibility, and a new one-day introduction.
To commemorate its 25th anniversary in 2027, the Three Castles Rally is unveiling significant expansions and new events that promise to elevate the experience for participants. Starting from October 1, entries are officially open for three distinct rally events, catering to a diverse range of participants.
Origins of the Three Castles Rally
The inception of the Three Castles Trial dates back to the summer of 2001, during a time when North Wales was grappling with a foot-and-mouth epidemic, which severely impacted local tourism and businesses. The founders sought to revitalize the area by launching a rally that would attract visitors while differing from traditional, lengthy rallies. Their vision was to create an engaging weekend event that appealed both to seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers. This approach allowed those with limited time to experience the thrill of rallying without the commitment typically required for more extended challenges.
Growth and Legacy of the Rally
Three Castles Classic Rallies was established in 2002, with the inaugural Three Castles Trial taking place in Llandudno in 2003. The event saw participation from 110 cars and crews, all new to the rallying scene. Over the years, the rally's reputation has grown significantly, attracting competitors not only from the UK but internationally as well, and establishing itself as a staple in the classic car rally calendar.
Expanding the Celebrations: A Summer Festival
For its milestone year, the Three Castles will evolve into a full-fledged summer rally festival, once again hosted in the picturesque town of Llandudno. The main trial will occur from June 8 to 11, 2027, traversing approximately 500 miles spanning North Wales. Notably, the rally has broadened its eligibility criteria to allow cars manufactured prior to January 1, 1991, potentially attracting a greater number of participants.
New Events Introduced
In addition to the traditional rally, a fresh event, the VSCC Challenge, is being introduced this year. It will follow much of the same route as the main trial and cover roughly 400 miles over the same four days. Limited to 50 entries, the event will utilize a class handicap system, awarding points towards the VSCC Club Championship.
VSCC secretary Tania Brown emphasized the event’s unique format: “Just like the Pomeroy Trophy, this new event will be decided on a handicap basis, allowing members with all ages and types of car the chance to do well.” This introduces a competitive edge that aims to increase member participation throughout the summer rally season.
The Mostyn Trophy: A One-Off Experience
The rally will also feature the Mostyn Trophy, a one-off introduction designed to let newcomers sample the rallying experience. This event, named in honor of club president Lord Mostyn, will occur on June 8, 2027. Participants will navigate a concise route of approximately 120 miles, allowing up to 50 crews to learn the ropes of rallying in a supportive environment.
Event director Ian Crammond noted the value of this opportunity: “The Mostyn Trophy will be as complete an introduction as you could wish for to our way of doing things. This isn’t planned to be a regular event, so we hope as many people as possible who are thinking about coming in future will take this one-off opportunity to give it a go.”
Current Participation and Future Outlook
Since entries officially opened, interest has spiked significantly, with 20 crews already registering for the Trial and VSCC Challenge, and four for the Mostyn Trophy within the first two weeks. The excitement surrounding this year’s events marks a promising lead-up to the anniversary celebration.
For those interested in participating, further details regarding entry procedures and regulations can be found on the official Three Castles website. As the rally approaches, many participants and spectators are eagerly looking forward to a summer filled with classic cars, camaraderie, and the stunning landscapes of North Wales.
