Historic and Classic Rallying
Historic Rallying
Historic Rallying is increasingly popular, and provides an
opportunity to compete in a variety of styles of Rallying at an affordable
cost.
But what in the 21st century is Historic
Rallying?
For many the halcyon days of rallying would include the 60’s
and 70’s with the evocative sounds of Escorts, Avengers, Saab’s and many more.
Not to mention the once heard never forgotten sounds of the group B cars such
as the Audi Quattro and the imperious throttle of the Lancia Stratos.
The Motor Sports Association, as with all UK based
motorsport is the governing body and the details of the regulations for
Historic Rallying can be found in the Competitors and Officials Year Book. See http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentviewarticle.asp?article=876 In particular section R.
Historic Rallying can perhaps be best described in three
areas which define the style of Rallying.
But first the Categories of cars;
Category 1 – Must have been first registered before 1st
January 1968
Category 2 – Must have been first registered between 1st
January 1968 and 31st December 1974
Category 3 – Must have been first registered between 1st
January 1975 and 31st December 1981
Historic Stage Rallying
This is just as it says, traditional stage rallying with the
competition specifically between Historic Cars. The Historic cars will run as a
group within a larger event. In some cases the Historic Cars will run through
the stages first so they may benefit from slightly less rough conditions.
As with mainstream Rallying the full spectrum of safety
requirements are compulsory. Entry fees vary but £400 would be typical.
Historic Road Rallying
This is a little more complex, however all or some of three
main disciplines may be found in Historic Road Rallies.
- Road
Sections – may be by predefined route or with ‘Plot & Bash’ Navigation.
The route will be timed at a maximum average speed of 30mph…………… but that
does not make it easy.
- Regularity
Sections – A route defined in either of the methods noted above and with
the additional challenge of following the route at a specific average
speed which may vary from part of the route to another. Controls will be
in place to check the accuracy of the competitor’s effort. Results are
calculated on the basis of the crew who most accurately comply with the
time schedule.
- Special
Tests – these are speed tests timed to the second over a predetermined
route which is provided to the competitor in advance. The style of tests
varies from one organising club to the other.
These three disciplines are challenging when all together.
However many of the one or two day events will have an Entry fee of under £100
which may also include food.
Classic Runs
These provide an opportunity for the less competitive and
those who perhaps have a greater regard for the “shine” of their car to enjoy
there Historic and Classic car without risk, and with like minded people.
Focussing on utilising surfaced roads these events are very popular and
typically and entry fee may be as low as £30.
Insurance
It should be noted that where public roads are used there
may be a requirement for a special Road Risk Insurance Policy to be taken out.
This is often managed by the organisers of the events in the case of Stage and
Road Rallies. Costs vary but typically would be in the order of £16 - £30.
Promoters of Historic
Rallying
There are numerous clubs which offer Historic Rallying and
indeed some which specialise in it.
The Three main promoters are
North of England and Scottish Classic Rally Organisers
(NESCRO) – www.nescro.co.uk
Historic Rally Car Register (HRCR) – www.hrcr.co.uk
And for those with the larger budget;
Classic Rally Association (CRA) - www.classicrally.org.uk
Colin Wallace
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