Controversial rally begins - what you need to know
· Yahoo Sports
A two-day car rally event gets under way in Shropshire on Saturday following months of organisation - and backlash.
Organisers of the Hills Ford Stages Rally have said the event will bring top-level closed-road rallying to the county, while attracting thousands of spectators and boosting the local economy.
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But a number of residents, businesses and parish councils have raised concerns about disruption, and have called for it to be cancelled or rerouted.
It is the first time such an event has been held in Shropshire in recent years.
What's happening?
The festival begins in Shrewsbury town centre on Saturday with about 150 rally cars gathering around Claremont Street.
Spectators will be given the chance to see the cars and drivers up close before rally action begins on the Weston Park estate on the Staffordshire border later in the afternoon.
The town centre gathering will be free to attend, whereas fans heading to Weston Park will be charged £10 for advanced tickets or £15 on the gate. Under 16s go free.
On Sunday, five closed-road stages will take place twice across south Shropshire, with both morning and afternoon sessions.
The stages are happening around Cressage, Clee Hill, The Lawley, Dorrington and Linley.
Competing cars will take part in time trials, with routes ranging from five to 12 miles in length.
Temporary road closures will be in force to allow racing to happen, and spectators are being encouraged to use designated viewing areas to watch.
Spectator car parks will be operated by local charities and community groups, so costs will vary.
Timings and locations can be found on the Hills Ford Stages website.
What's the controversy?
Some residents that live near the stages are unhappy about the intrusion of fast cars in rural villages.
Access to local roads and properties will be affected on the day causing some disruption.
Farmer Simon Scott in Harnage Grange has said the Cressage stage will pass through the middle of his farm.
"This is a busy time of year for arable farmers and Sunday will be a write-off," he said.
"If cars veer off the road, then we could also see damage to some of the verges."
Farmer Simon Scott said tractors would need to be moved into fields up to three days early to avoid disruption [BBC]Earlier this year, the rally proved so controversial that Shropshire Council's leader, Liberal Democrat Heather Kidd, gave councillors a free vote before the authority would grant permission for roads to be closed.
Cheltenham Motor Club, which has organised the race, said it would comply with all legal and environmental requirements.
"We have sought to meet all obligations, and we have gone the extra mile with all residents and people concerned to provide them with the information they need well in advance of the event," a spokesperson said.
It has estimated the economic benefit to Shropshire to be between £300,000 and £500,000 in tourism revenue.
Is it safe to watch?
According to Motorsport UK, which is the national governing body for four-wheeled racing, all motorsport carries an inherent risk.
It said event organisers strived to keep spectators safe, but responsibly also lay with those attending.
Organisers' advice includes staying behind tape and barriers, never walking on the stages, listening to marshals' instructions and obey all event signs.
Attendees are encouraged to read further advice on the Motorsport UK website.
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