Putting the adventure back into driving
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Historic endurance rallying is one of the real growth areas of motor sport. The experience of driving classic cars on some of the world’s most challenging roads is unrivalled, and at the forefront of this type of event is HERO, the Historic Endurance Rally Organisation.
From challenging and competitive events in spectacular regions of the world to more social tours around some of Britain’s best roads, HERO organises events to suit all tastes. With more than 2800 members, HERO is clearly the market leader in events that will capture the imagination and offer unique driving experiences.
HERO was set up by John Brown, one of Britain’s foremost rally organisers. Having been an internationally successful rally co-driver in the 1960s, Brown recognised the need for rallies that reflected the classic events of earlier eras.
Typical of this is Le Jog, the three-day challenge from Land’s End to John o’Groats in early December. It is a real test of man and machine, with challenging navigational sections on some of Britain’s most remote roads. This year’s event will mark the tenth anniversary of Le Jog, and a maximum 120-car entry is almost assured. The cut-off date for this, and most events of this type, is 1974 and cars must remain true to period specification.
Although Le Jog is probably the toughest event on the HERO calendar, it is still accessible to novices and the organisation is able to offer lots of help and practical assistance to potential newcomers to this branch of the sport.
New in March 2003, and already in planning for a repeat in 2005, was the Arctic Winter Trial. This incredible adventure will again take crews on snow covered roads across Scandinavia, visiting the Northern Cape during a 12-day, 3500-mile route that finishes in Murmansk!
In September 2004 HERO will be running the hugely popular Scottish Malts Reliability Trial and Classic Car Tour for the seventh time. This event offers two options, depending on the level of competition preferred. Taking in some of Scotland’s quietest roads and best scenery, the event finishes in style at the Gleneagles Hotel. Last year, 115 crews representing 23 countries made the Scottish Malts another success.
Brand new for April 2004, and likely to appeal to those starting out in Classic Rallying, will be the HERO Irish Trial.This six-day, 1500-mile trip around Ireland’s magnificent coastline will take in many classic rally stages with regularity sections and special tests each day. The parallel Tour will offer a relaxed way to see the superb landscapes and enjoy the craic.
Other HERO events include the Great Tour of China, a four-week trek for modern 4x4s across the roof on the world in a 9000km route. Or how about the Great Silk Road Rally? This 20,000-mile overland journey from London to Sydney will be held in the autumn of 2004.
Eligible cars can date from as early as the 1920s right through to the mid-70s, provided that they remain true to period specification. HERO has a team of scrutineers and is always happy to offer advice and information about cars eligibility.
So, for classic cars, wonderful roads, competition, excellent social life and the chance to really get away from it all, HERO is the solution. For more details about HERO, visit the excellent website at www.hero.org.uk or call 01886 833505.