PETROL heads turning out to watch a trailblazing motor rally in Tendring will be able to get up close and personal to the action.

Organisers behind the Corbeau Seats race, which is being held on Sunday, April 22, have revealed three spectator areas where crowds can watch the rally from a safe distance.

Fans can watch the first-of-its-kind race from designated areas in Ship Hill, in Bradfield, Wick Road, in Great Bentley, and Marine Parade West, in Clacton.

Ship Hill will give spectators panoramic views of the race with a backdrop of the Stour Estuary as the vehicles go past.

There will be signposting from the A120 and full facilities, including catering and toilets.

Parking will be accessed from Mill Lane, Bradfield, and will cost £10 per car.

The second area in Wick Road, Great Bentley, will give spectators the chance to watch competitors show their handbrake skills going through a tight hairpin bend.

Parking for Great Bentley will be signposted from the B1027 and is also £10 per car.

The rally headquarters and service area in Marine Parade West, in Clacton, will be open for viewing all day on Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors will be able to get up close to the cars and watch the technical checks on Saturday between noon and 6pm or see the vehicles being looked after by their experienced mechanics after every loop of stages on Sunday, April 22.

Parking is at the car park, which will be operated by the Rotary Club of Clacton, next to Clacton Airfield in West Road at £6 for the day, with proceeds going to charity.

Event director said Tony Clements said: “We look forward to welcoming lots of well-seasoned rally spectators together with many first-timers to the sport. All are encouraged to come and have an enjoyable day’s spectating in Tendring on April 22. Remember to heed marshal and steward instructions.”

The event, organised by Chelmsford Motor Club, will allow road-legal cars to compete at five special stages across the district.

Drivers will start one at a time at about 30-second intervals and will be timed over the course.

The race will consist of three loops of five different stages totalling about 45 stage miles and 100 road link miles.

Spectating will only be allowed at the designated areas. All other areas are out of bounds to spectators.

Visit corbeauseatsrally.co.uk for more details.