Testing times ahead for rally classics

Rally of the Tests I Nov 4-7

The fourth annual Rally of the Tests will take its competitors into the South-West for the first time as the RAC Rallies of the 1950s are commemorated in a four-day event. Starting from Torquay, the route will incorporate a series of special tests and road regularity sections before finishing in Chester.

The Torquay start recalls the 1932 RAC by using the Imperial Hotel for scrutineering before a couple of tests during the evening of Thursday November 4.

Friday’s route utilises the famous Porlock Toll Road before an overnight halt in Newport.

Saturday heads north into the Midlands, including Long Marston Airfield, before another test at the Chateau Impney hotel, Droitwich, host to the RAC Rally in the 1950s.

The final day takes in the Peak District before the Chester finish.

Heading-up the big field will be the winners in 2003 Frank Fennell/Kevin Savage in a Mercedes-Benz 300SE, but they will once again face a determined challenge from the two crews who chased them so hard last year: Neil Wilson/Alan Smith (Porsche 356) and Geoff Breakell/Nigel Raeburn aboard a Jaguar Mk2. Another Jaguar that should feature well is the Mk1 of 2002 winners John Rondeau/Dennis Greenslade.

Other strong contenders include Paul Wignall/Peter Rushforth (Alfa Romeo Giulietta) and Robin Eyre-Maunsell/Peter Scott in a Sunbeam Rapier. Up to 100 cars are expected to start, including the 1935 MG PB of Ian Williamson/John Bayliss.