The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
SCOTLAND-—Paisley, a historic region in the lowlands of this country was flooded with 10,000 car enthusiasts last week as the Monte Carlo Classic Rally revved into town for the second time.
Motoring fans waved off 70 drivers at the town’s historic abbey as they began the first stage of the world-famous rally.
The 104th rally saw drivers head on a 2688-km odyssey over the Alps to the French Riviera as they were joined by competing cars from other start cities of Barcelona, Turin, Copenhagen and Reims.
Provost Anne Hall, who helped get the drivers on the road, said: “We are delighted to be able to host the world-famous event here in the historic town centre of Paisley.
“Last year’s event was a really memorable night, with a great atmosphere, and the sight of the cars setting off from outside Paisley Abbey made for a magnificent spectacle.
Among the drivers who departed from Abbey Close were 2014 Commonwealth Games Judo Gold Medallist and Royal Marine Commando Chris Sherrington and his wife Zoe said the Daily Record in a report.
The pair was one of the first to head for the Channel in a 1966 Triumph Spitfire Mark 11, assembled from a ‘box of bits’ by Chris.
The Paisley crowd will also be treated to a guest drive by Scotland’s fastest lady rally driver – 22-year-old Caroline Carslaw, from Ayrshire – in a car from the modern era.
The 2013 Scottish Ladies Champion said: “It is a real honor to be part of an event known across the globe. Competitors gathered for an official photocall at the former Rootes Group factory at Linwood, which paid homage to the region’s role in motoring heritage.
Around 6,000 locals built cars such as the Hillman Imp, which put Scotland on the car construction map until the plant’s closure in 1981.
This year’s rally will generate over £1million, with hosts Renfrewshire Council building momentum towards a bid for UK City of Culture status in 2021.
For the competitors, though, reaching the sunshine of the famous casino town of Monte Carlo is all that matters.