Events
A team of six British Bentleys will feature in the Mille Miglia rally on May 18/20, headed by Prince Michael of Kent, who shares Victor Gauntlett’s 4½. Three other fours and two Speed Sixes complete the Crewe-supported entry, all of whom will drive out to Brescia and back.
A new Historic rally, around the North Yorkshire Moors on July 1, offers 100 miles of mixed navigational and driving tests which should appeal to novice or expert. Stockton & DMC’s Hambledon Classic Cup is regularity-based, so any type of car should be competitive. Entry costs £35; contact Ned Brook on 01642 722791.
After the success of last year, there will be another British Sportscar day at Brooklands on June 18, organised by the Gordon-Keeble and TVR Clubs. Cars of 27 different British marques attended last year, including the Warwick and Peerless connection. Speak to Roy Dowding on 01708 767 778.
Exchange the snows of British winter for — well, the snows of Arctic summer. The North Cape Challenge will lead a covey of pre-’74 sportscars from Oslo upwards to North Cape, a 1630-mile adventure through Norway’s striking coastlands. The FIVA-permit event includes light-hearted diversions like quizzes, as well as timed stages and driving tests, pausing at fine hotels, while the recommended return trip is by the scenic Coastal Express sea voyage. This will be the third North Cape (the previous two were for Jaguars only) and it runs through June 8-16, but don’t panic — that’s 1996. Fax Arctic Challenge AS in Norway on (47) 67 12 34 59.
Wigton MC hosts the Cumbria Classic Weekend on June 24/25. It’s a two-part deal, Saturday involving the Cumbria Classic Caper, a 100-mile tour of the Lake District including special tests, while Sunday brings the Cumbria Classic Car Show at Carlisle Racecourse (admission £3, open 11-4.30pm). The Caper is part of the Rickerby Historic Challenge, a commendable idea which offers eight good value events, mixing rallies, hill-climbs, a sprint and a PCT for four age-groups of vehicle. It was very popular last year, and could usefully be copied by others. For details of any element, call Graeme Forrester on 016973 42058.
Donington Park’s International Historic meeting offers some of just about every bracket of old-car racing over May 20-21. Races (many split over the two days) include Vintage, HSCC Sports, F2, Grand Prix cars including the 20-lap FIA Cup, pre-’60 Le Mans and SuperSports. Racing starts at 2pm Saturday and 1pm on Sunday.
You can assemble the 1994 Grand Prix grid with the Paul’s Model Art Minichamps prebuilt and painted range of 1:43-scale F1 cars; prices are £12.99 or £13.99 from Model Aerodrome (Tel: 0483 578682). They also offer a detailed 1:18-scale die-cast metal McLaren MP4/8, the car in which Ayrton Senna scored his last GP win, at £34.99 plus £5 P&P.