They missed the point. The folks that were actually taking part were thoroughly enjoying the whole affair and its challenges. With regard to cost, it can’t be compared to a modern special stage rally, it’s more like an endurance Targa Rally. And yes, a four day event of this nature might well have an entry fee upwards of £5000, but what cost is a family holiday abroad these days, just to lie on a beach with a gallon of sun cream?
The entry fee at first sight might be worth a gulp or two but it is an all-inclusive figure. In the case of the ‘RAC Rally of The Tests’ that means four nights bed and board with regular meal stops and evening get-togethers. Compare that with the Entry Fee for a one day stage rally these days which is heading upwards of £1000 before you add in accommodation for one or maybe two nights for crew and service crew. And that’s before you add in the cost of tow vehicle, trailer, tyres and fuel.
And we haven’t even mentioned the cars yet. What price a stage prepped Mk2 Ford Escort these days let alone a Fiesta R5, and compare that with a ‘road rally’ spec Escort Mk1, Sunbeam, Corsa or Golf. The price differentials are huge here. Of course there is also a wide choice of sports cars from which to choose, from MGBs and Triumphs, to Sunbeams and Healeys, whilst the more affluent members of society may hanker after more exotic and expensive historic machinery, like Bentleys, Jaguars, Rovers, Alfas and Lancias, but again, most of what is available costs far less than a current spec World Rally 1 or 2 car.
Like any form of motor sport, the competitor’s budget will
determine the vehicle choice, for instance, there was a Morris 1000 and a Maestro
out there yesterday with their crews having a ball.
No race suits or crash hats, and no roll cages, but if Nomex panties are your thing, then go for it.
For added fun and challenges, some folk go for the weird and wonderful. Vehicles that would give some Scroots the heebie jeebies if you turned up for one of their sanctioned historic rallies as evidenced by some Buicks and Chevrolets yesterday. These were often favoured by the American moonshine smugglers 60, 70 and 80 years ago who raced across state lines in America to the beat of flat head V8s and straight sixes. And maybe that’s why some folk choose these – the noise!
Of course navigation skills are required and this is where the team effort comes in. In some events, all the navigation can be done prior to setting off, which helps those who may succumb to motion sickness when the head is down poring over maps, while others require a bit more concentration whilst on the move. Along the way there are Driving Tests and Regularities which exercise driving skill, and to ensure that the correct route is being followed ‘Code Boards’ may be set up to be recorded in passing.
Local car clubs are offering an increasing number of Targa Rallies these days and folks can dip their toes in the water using their regular family runabout before taking things a bit more seriously. The atmosphere around these events is also rather different to stage rallies where there is time to chat and compare notes, and the competition is less intense with folk willing to share tips and hints.
And whilst the bystanders stood around yesterday harumphing about the lack of spectacle, the participants were having a ball.
This was, and is, quite simply a sporting celebration of the
automobile with added camaraderie and endeavour.
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