The 1976 rally was another 100 stage mile event out of Aberystwyth. With 8 special stages, the last two of which were the short Nant-y-Moch tarmac blast done twice, the first six were mighty. The age of the superstars, although they did not always win. Here Ari Vatanen and Peter Bryant
The full 180 entries had been received and there were over 20 reserves looking for places.
An entry that contained Mikkola, Vatanen, Brookes, Arikkala, Dawson, Coleman and Pond was special. The competition was predictably fierce with Russell Brookes beating Pentti Arikkala at the end by 42 seconds.
Right date - right route
The organising team had struck gold with the event format and were determined to make the most of it. The October date, the seaside town base, the quality stages and an enthusiastic sponsor all made for a great rally which was in safe hands with WSSCC. The competitors loved it and the Castrol was the one they all wanted to do - and win.
