Royal Automobile Club &HERO EVENTS
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After the success of the 2014 Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial, today saw the launch of the 2015 event at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London. The reception from the public around the United Kingdom during this year’s event, for both the vehicles and the competitors alike, demonstrated the depth of affection these historic vehicles are received with. It is also a celebration of the courage and adventure of the pioneers in the inaugural running of the event in 1900, their endeavours shaped the motoring industry as we know it today. Such was the reception of the event, it has recently been shortlisted in the prestigious International Historic Motoring Awards 2014 ‘Best Rally’ category. Entries for the event have already been taken, with crews from the UK and Europe amongst the first to declare their interest, amongst them is a three strong team who will take part in the event in Alvis Short Chassis Tourers -a rare sight as only 13 were made- this will represent the first time in over 80 years that they have been seen together. There have also been strong enquiries from the Americas and Asia, proving the truly universal appeal of this fantastic motoring experience. As well as a test for the car and its crew, the 2015 Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial has a social side that is just superb. Along the route, crews dine in many of the best hostelries and overnight in top-rated hotels. Many stately homes and castles are also visited as well as famous motor sport venues with a history to match the vehicles competing. The route this year differs to last – the 2015 Trial ventures north away from the starting point of Woodcote Park, Epsom, the country home of the Royal Automobile Club and visiting, Newbury, Coventry, Chester, Droitwich Spa and Goodwood before returning to Woodcote Park. As the event progresses, we will stay at the following hotels; Tylney Hall Hotel in Hampshire, Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire, Carden Park in Cheshire, Chateau Impney in Worcestershire and the Goodwood Hotel in West Sussex. Designed to be appealing to a broad a range of competitors and vehicles alike, the navigation is very straight forward and takes in open, flowing lanes in daylight hours only. Many first time competitors took part in the event last year, with the majority reaching the finish line on the Captains Drive with a broad smile on their face. Once again, the Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial is a round of the 2015 HERO Cup for Drivers in association with EFG International, where competing HERO Premier Members can win a week’s sailing on board S/Y Orianda http://www.orianda1937.com. The event also forms part of the Golden Roamer Trophy for Navigators, sponsored by The Basic Roamer Company, where a paid entry to one of HERO’s top events is the prize. The first Partners of the event to be revealed are Bicester Heritage, Octane Magazine and Motors TV. In the coming weeks, we intend to announce more partnerships and collaborations. Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee said: “The 1900 1000 mile Trial was a seminal moment in the development and promotion of the motor car, demonstrating that the car was a serious form of transport. The Club is immensely proud of its heritage and the role that it continues to play in supporting the motor car and motorist. The 2014 edition of the 1000 mile trial was an important part of this, both celebrating the history and opening a new chapter of this famous event. The Club are delighted to work with HERO to continue to develop what can rightfully be described as the “Father of all 1000 mile rallies”. The 2015 trial will be one not to miss!” Patrick Burke, Co-Managing Director of HERO events added: “This is a special event as it demonstrates just how much of a struggle it must have been for the pioneers of the motoring industry to undertake that first historic motor sport event in 1900. It has an historic importance and appeal, with numerous international crews recognising that importance and wanting to be a part of it.” Clerk of the Course, Guy Woodcock also added: “This year’s event will see us visit some more of the treasures of England and Wales, with the event staying south of the M62, following the success of the 2014 event and comments from our competitors, we will reduce the amount of maps used on the event and look where ever possible to use flowing roads with some great scenery and idyllic venues for lunches, historic motor sport venues for tests and great driving roads on the regularities.” Bicester Heritage is the latest addition to the event’s partners. Daniel Geoghegan, Managing Director of Bicester Heritage said; “The site hosted two tests on the final leg of the inaugural event and will be a key destination for the 2015 Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial. For the past eighteen months we have swiftly created an international hub for the preservation, storage and use of historic vehicles and aircraft. Our aim – along with the full restoration of our unique, 348-acre, ex-RAF, Second World War bomber station – is to create a centre of excellence, dedicated to the support and development of skills needed to ensure all ages of motor car and aircraft are maintained for generations to come. With plenty of space for a series of challenging tests, Bicester Heritage provides the perfect backdrop for the Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial, with freshly rebuilt buildings and hangars dating from the same period as the entrants’ vintage motor cars. Bicester Heritage has been shortlisted for the International Historic Motoring Awards as Industry Supporter of the Year 2014, and we are delighted to be involved with HERO and the next event.” About Royal Automobile Club In 1999 the Club demerged from the motoring services recovery division and established an independent body, the Motor Sports Association (MSA), to govern motor sport in the UK. The Club then added contemporary facilities and refurbished both clubhouses for the benefit of its growing membership. About H.E.R.O For further details on any of the above, please contact: End of release |
