[hansen384cbh]

All,

First time on the forum and im going to wade straight in with a controverial topic that might, I hope, prompt a good discussion but even more so make someone with some authority on the matter take the issue further for me and all the other fans planning on attending Wales this year.

My gripe begins a few years back, having always attended the Lombard RAC since a kid of 5 with my father I have made it my yearly jaunt to follow my sport even though it has moved further and further away (I live in Newcastle) since the good old days. And it is this further and further away comment that is relevant to my current frustration.

Last year I attended the rally as per usual and to cut a long story short made my way onto the stage on one of the ranges. Now whilst I appreciate you cant go wandering around the ranges why is it that even on a straight part of the course spectators were held back behind tape nearly 40metres from the road!! I may aswell have watched it on tv.

A similiar even more frustrating issue occurs on the forest stages. The loathed introduction of 'Spectator Viewing points' where you are restricted to standning with everyone else in a place dictated by whoever sets up the stage. This prevents you from the age old enjoyment of walking the stage and finding 'your spot' a spot thats unique to you and where you feel you will enjoy it the most. Everyone adheres to the rules, listens for whistles, clears the stage when the pace car comes through etc. For those of you who are now saying to yourselves 'No they dont, there is always someone who stands in the wrong place etc' yes fine, but why should that be a reason to SPOIL it for everyone.

Im afraid the grass roots of the sport are being spoiled by these over the top rules health and safety nonsense and you will see a large movement of spectators to lower level rallying if you continue to restrict the rally to the far reaches of Wales, the over the top pricing that results in those who cannot travel with a group finally saying enough is enough and the H&E that is ruining the sport as a spectacle.

For those Marshalls who know what im saying please speak up with those in charge and for those who look down there noses from the safety Range rover go and marshall F1!!

Rant over, bring on the do gooders!!!