In 1990, the innovative step was taken to start the event with a 'spectator special' tarmac stage at Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre. Going one better in 1997 the event again started there somewhat innovatively, at night with a floodlit spectator stage, watched by a crowd of thousands - a feat which was repeated in 1998 and 99.
A change in the preference of competitors and a re-arrangement of National and Scottish championships meant that the rally was downsized in 2002. Re-formatted and run as cost effectively as possible, the compact, Fordoun-based event was well received and following observation by Championship Officials was re-instated to the then New Pig Scottish Rally Championship for 2003.
In 2004 a new sponsor was on board for the Championship in the form of County Saab. the Granite City Rally was also sporting a new sponsor in MultiWage an international company providing Payroll Management Services.
In 2008 a new sponsor stepped forward to support the event, Station
Garage Mitsubishi.The owner, Bob Shepherd, is a long term supporter
and
friend of the & Granite&; and we were pleased and proud to have
his enthusiastic support up to and including the 2010 event.
For 2011 we
have a new sponsor CARS Recovery Ltd, the owner, Harry Patterson, is a young and
enthusiastic local business man, and has a keen interest in motorsport. We look
forward to a fruitful relationship with him and his company.