One of the most iconic and evocative rallies, The RAC Rally of the Tests, is set to make a highly-anticipated return to the international sporting calendar next year thanks to collaboration between the Historic Endurance Rally Organisation, the RAC, and the Royal Automobile Club.
The event was first staged in 1932 and proved hugely popular in the years preceding WW2, before returning in 1951 and becoming the keystone of modern stage rallying. Throughout the years, hundreds of world-class drivers cut their teeth on the event's challenging routes, enjoying massive popularity with the public and helping to bring rallying to the mainstream media.
Rally planning specialist HERO Events will be charged with organising the event, supported by the RAC, which provides breakdown coverage to more than eight million British motorists. The event will build on the successful partnership between the Royal Automobile Club and HERO, which has already produced an award-winning event in the shape of the Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial.
Next year's rally will form part of the HERO Cup for Drivers, a highly competitive and well-regarded series that draws some of the finest drivers and cars from across the globe. As well as adding their names to the long list of previous RAC Rally winners, a number of fantastic prizes are also up for grabs, including a Zenith El Primero Open Chronomaster timepiece for the winners, as well as a week's sailing in an 85-foot luxury yacht.
"The RAC Rally was the most important motoring event in the UK and possibly Europe," said HERO chairman Tomas de Vargas. "Reviving this event after so many years is an important milestone in classic rallying and we are committed to ensuring that the RAC ROTT will regain its international status in the European calendar and continue the great tradition the event has."
His sentiments were echoed by Royal Automobile Club chairman Tom Purves: "The Royal Automobile Club is delighted that one of the greatest, most loved names in the history of motorsport has been restored to its place on the international calendar. The RAC Rally of the Tests was always a challenge for man and machine, but also a great spectacle which delighted viewers up and down the country. We look forward to supporting the RAC and HERO in this exciting venture."
