I'm sure you'll fully understand that for a lot of us the RAC Rally finally ended in 1985, with the move to "office hours" for 86. It had to happen some time but we had a few years left - until Timo Salonen joined the previously discredited Walter (who never liked it) in ranting about the 85 format and demanding change. Please think on that as you watch the grinning Finn in 86.
For many the true spirit was lost in 1981 with the arrival of 4wd, although that didn't greatly impact we of the lower orders until the format changed for 86. I now actually find it difficult to watch the event entering its death throes with the GpB abortions (the 4wd GpB cars, which were only part of GpB - my last RAC was in a conventional GpB car).
Its successor, the ludicrously-named Wales Rally GB, starts tomorrow doesn't it? Despite living relatively nearby for its northern stages now, I won't be leaving home...
As this is such a widespread view and Jean Todt is now in charge at the FIA, I wonder if we might at least hope for change.
Having watched a great deal of rally footage from 30 - 40 years ago recently, undoubtedly the best spectacle comes from 2 wheel drive , preferably rear wheel drive rally cars on soft loose surfaces in very poor weather conditions.
The 4 day round Britain rally was an adventure for both the competitors and crucially for the spectators on the ground and the TV viewers and radio listeners at home, live instant on the hour coverage right across the news media from Saturday to Wednesday was gripping.
All the wrong things have been cut in an effort to cut costs and none of the right things have been done. I am certain if there was a will, a vastly better UK rally round could be devised than at present. Taking the best from the past with the good things we have in the present.
Gary, i watched it with my son, we both enjoyed it. Especially the Metro`s, great fun. How bout that 64 T.T. ? 
