This years Pirelli International Rally will be based at Carlisle Racecourse and the event is attracting considerable interest in the vicinity, nowhere more than at the local Stoneraise School where the Headmaster, Andrew Mason has joined forces with the rallies Events Manager, Sharon Chandler, to organise a poster painting competition. All 120 pupils at the school are enthusiastically scribbling away with paints and crayons and their efforts will be judged by a leading local rally driver with the lucky winner not only getting a suitable prize from Pirelli but also being invited along to flag some of the cars away at the start of the event. Additionally, the rally organisers have been invited along to the school to meet the pupils and show them some rally films.

Commenting on the competition, the Pirelli International Rallies Media Manager, Ed Graham, said, “ This is a really great way of getting the local community involved with the rally and I am delighted at how enthusiastic and helpful the school staff have been. The kids will get a real buzz out of being involved and I hope that a good number of them, and their Mums and Dads, will come and see the cars start the event at the racecourse.

The Pirelli International Rally takes place over the weekend of 17^th/ 18^th. April and is the second round of the MSA British Rally Championship.