hjr
06-02-2004, 12:51 PM
The Heat Is On
http://www.wrc.com/ULImages/Rallies/acropolis-overview-1.gif http://www.wrc.com/ULImages/Rallies/acropolis-overview-2.gif
Ready for the rough stuff?
If you thought Rally Cyprus was a car-breaker, then just wait until you see the Acropolis Rally. The mix of rough, twisty mountain stages, blistering heat and choking dust makes the event the toughest on the calendar. Cars have to be built extra-tough to cope with the surprisingly fast, but rock-strewn stages, while drivers and co-drivers have to be at peak physical fitness to cope with the pounding terrain and temperatures in the cockpit that top 50C. Just ask Richard Burns’ co-driver, Robert Reid, how tough it is – he fainted mid-stage a couple of years ago.
A little bit of history
The Acropolis Rally – at 51 years of age – is one of the longest-standing events in world rallying. A list of Its previous winners reads like a roll-call of rallying legends – Walter Rohl, Bjorn Waldegaard, Ari Vatenen, Stig Blomqvist, Juha Kankkunen and Carlos Sainz (to name but a few) have won this event. Although the Acropolis Rally no longer visits its spiritual home of Athens and the overlooking, 2500-year-old Parthenon temple, it still retains a historic air – you should be sure to check out some of the culture around rally headquarters in Lamia.
Mediterranean medley
A thousand years ago, pilgrims to the ancient oracle of Apollo came to Delphi, a few miles from Lamia, seeking divine knowledge and wisdom. You’re unlikely to get a blessed dose of brain-power today, but you’ll certainly get a more positive outlook on life, such is the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. Greece is a major holiday spot thanks to the great weather and calm blue seas, so it’s a mecca for rally fans, who appreciate the hotels, bars, restaurants and scenic venue. Make sure you slap on the suncream and drink plenty of water, though – it’s hot.
A punishing test
The Acropolis Rally is tough stuff. The twisty, boulder-filled stages place huge demands on engine and cockpit cooling, as natural airflow is limited by the slow cornering speeds. The suspension and underside of the car take a huge pounding from the rocks hurled up by the car, but the big issue is tyre wear. Choose too soft a compound, and you'll suffer excess tyre wear. Too hard, and grip reduces, prompting wheelspin and… you’ve guessed it… excess tyre wear. As such, additional tyre stops are included on the schedule for the drivers.
Speed Channel:
Acropolis - Magazine 04/06/2004 23:00 EST
Acropolis - Review 06/06/2004 21:30 EST
Official Site: http://www.acropolisrally.gr/en/
http://www.wrc.com/ULImages/Rallies/acropolis-overview-1.gif http://www.wrc.com/ULImages/Rallies/acropolis-overview-2.gif
Ready for the rough stuff?
If you thought Rally Cyprus was a car-breaker, then just wait until you see the Acropolis Rally. The mix of rough, twisty mountain stages, blistering heat and choking dust makes the event the toughest on the calendar. Cars have to be built extra-tough to cope with the surprisingly fast, but rock-strewn stages, while drivers and co-drivers have to be at peak physical fitness to cope with the pounding terrain and temperatures in the cockpit that top 50C. Just ask Richard Burns’ co-driver, Robert Reid, how tough it is – he fainted mid-stage a couple of years ago.
A little bit of history
The Acropolis Rally – at 51 years of age – is one of the longest-standing events in world rallying. A list of Its previous winners reads like a roll-call of rallying legends – Walter Rohl, Bjorn Waldegaard, Ari Vatenen, Stig Blomqvist, Juha Kankkunen and Carlos Sainz (to name but a few) have won this event. Although the Acropolis Rally no longer visits its spiritual home of Athens and the overlooking, 2500-year-old Parthenon temple, it still retains a historic air – you should be sure to check out some of the culture around rally headquarters in Lamia.
Mediterranean medley
A thousand years ago, pilgrims to the ancient oracle of Apollo came to Delphi, a few miles from Lamia, seeking divine knowledge and wisdom. You’re unlikely to get a blessed dose of brain-power today, but you’ll certainly get a more positive outlook on life, such is the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. Greece is a major holiday spot thanks to the great weather and calm blue seas, so it’s a mecca for rally fans, who appreciate the hotels, bars, restaurants and scenic venue. Make sure you slap on the suncream and drink plenty of water, though – it’s hot.
A punishing test
The Acropolis Rally is tough stuff. The twisty, boulder-filled stages place huge demands on engine and cockpit cooling, as natural airflow is limited by the slow cornering speeds. The suspension and underside of the car take a huge pounding from the rocks hurled up by the car, but the big issue is tyre wear. Choose too soft a compound, and you'll suffer excess tyre wear. Too hard, and grip reduces, prompting wheelspin and… you’ve guessed it… excess tyre wear. As such, additional tyre stops are included on the schedule for the drivers.
Speed Channel:
Acropolis - Magazine 04/06/2004 23:00 EST
Acropolis - Review 06/06/2004 21:30 EST
Official Site: http://www.acropolisrally.gr/en/