For those who don't know, the annual Rallye Sunseeker is held around Bournemouth and Ringwood every year and attracts a large crowd of spectators who come and watch the action live opening rounds of the MSA Gravel Rally Championship.

The Friday evening takes place on Bournemouth seafront in open public access and allows you to get very close to the cars as they're going around the city centre and along the coast between events and along the stage.

Saturday moves the rallying through the Ringwood woodland and there are a number of stage points where spectators can pay an entry fee to go and watch from.

For the last few years I have organised for us to have some space at their MotorFair at Sommerley Park in Ringwood, where a few commercial displays exist in a field outside the main house, alongside a number of enthusiast groups, only meters away from the on-going stream of cars passing by over the course of the day. 2008 saw the joint Brit-Cars.com and South Coast New Mini (SCNM) stand feature within the official brochure from our 2007 presence.

The star of 2008 was definitely the might 'Group B' rally star of the 1980s, the MG Metro 6R4! The organisers were able to organise what must be the largest gathering of 6R4s in years, with around 25 making an appearance over the course of the weekend, 4 of which were actually entered into the rally itself, while the rest came along to display at the motorfair and the chance to get stretch their legs on the actual stage between rounds.

Pirelli Pro Rally also had a rally experience ride in full action, with the opportunity to pay for some hot laps at very high speed, and if you want to, take home some cracking pictures of the grin on your face home with you in print and on CD-Rom.

Among the other attractions, there is the unique chance to see cars of all ages and designs taking part, from the classic Mk1 Ford Escorts to the current day WRC cars from Subaru, Mitsubushi and Hyundai. The motorfair also offers the opportunity for many clubs and associations make a small display for the public to come and admire.

There is a dedicated section in our gallery for the event HERE and also some extra images in the 6R4 gallery HERE. For now however, enjoy a few short, low resolution movie clips!