Rally-Driver.com: RAC HISTORY – AS IT HAPPENED

RAC HISTORY – AS IT HAPPENED
================================================================================
Elton on 05 March, 2008 12:00:00
 
The 1983 Lombard RAC Rally released on DVD
The historic RAC Rally – one of the most prestigious events in world
rallying, and often one of the most competitive and unpredictable.
Now the incredible drama of the 1983 Lombard RAC Rally can be relived on DVD
for the first time. This is the start of a new collectable DVD series from Duke,
featuring highlights from classic RAC rallies previously only available on VHS.
In the 1983 programme, viewers can watch legendary drivers as they do battle on
British special stages in the final round of the World Rally Championship.
The fantastic coverage takes viewers to the spectator-lined special stages at
airfields, racetracks and even safari parks! The DVD is also packed with
fascinating interviews with the stars, including Hannu Mikkola, Stig Blomqvist,
Michelle Mouton, Jimmy McRae, Russell Brookes and more.
The five-day ‘83 RAC featured challenging forest stages, and the freezing
temperatures in the woodlands of Yorkshire saw many leading drivers caught out
before the final confrontation in Wales. There were no team orders to follow, so
Mikkola would not only have to deal with the Opel Mantas if he was to claim a
hat trick of RAC wins, he would also have to deal with fellow Audi Quattro
drivers Blomqvist and Mouton.
Blomqvist’s staggering pace allowed him to dominate from the start, but
Mikkola was close behind until he dramatically lost a wheel mid-stage. This DVD
captures the innovative way the crew managed to overcome the problem and limp
out of the stage to stay in the event.
The DVD also shows how ‘flying Finn’ Mikkola battled back from
26th to an incredible second place. Plus, there’s plenty of footage of
the always stylish and devastatingly fast Henri Toivonen taking his Opel Manta
400 to breaking point, and beyond!
British honour is upheld by Brookes – until a dramatic off-road
excursion put him out of the running – and McRae, whose determination
earned him a well-deserved podium place. This is a classic look back at a
classic event, and should not be missed.
The 1983 Lombard RAC Rally DVD review is released 14th March, priced at
£10.99 on DVD, from leading video outlets or direct from Duke Video: Tel
01624 640000, fax 01624 640001 or email mail@dukevideo.com. Visit
www.dukevideo.com online.