21 JUNE 2012.- ONCE IN A WHILE AN ICONIC EVENT IS BORN AND ON 24 MAY 2013 JUST SUCH AN OCCASION WILL TAKE PLACE AS THE FIRST CARS ARE FLAGGED AWAY FROM VERSAILLES TO COMMEMORATE THE INCREDIBLE 1903 PARIS-MADRID RACE.
The original race was flagged off with excitement and expectation but was prematurely halted in Bordeaux, marking the end of road racing and the birth of motorsport as we know it today. From then on races were for circuits and rallying on roads was governed by strict rules. It is the great unfinished symphony of the motoring world and we will add the final notes to complete the work.
We are marking the 110th anniversary with a classic reliability trial to test the skills of the driver and navigator along with the capabilities of the car. We have also created the Charles Jarrott Trophy to commemorate the first recognised British motoring hero who was also seeded Car No 1 for the great race of 1903.
Following the original route wherever practicable the three day 1300km (815 mile) event aims to reflect the society of the period with drivers and passengers dressing up in appropriate clothing for the pre-war period. A sort of Revival on the move with awards for originality, sartorial elegance and style as well as vehicle performance.
As with the original schedule we will run the event in three legs but our first stop will be at Angouleme (instead of Bordeaux) which delights in welcoming classic motoring events, having its own events around the ramparts.
From Angouleme we will head south via Saint Emilion and the Pyrenees Mountains to our overnight stop at Pamplona (Vitoria on the original event), famous for its bull run. Here we will be greeted by local classic car enthusiasts and there will be a cocktail party and celebrations.
The third leg will take the roads less travelled to Navarra and Rioja to a hero’s welcome and the chequered flag await in Madrid – And finally the great Paris-Madrid opus will be complete.
The efforts and style of the crews will be rewarded with a gala dinner and prize giving, where family and friends will also be welcome.
To reflect the by-gone days we will have classes for four, three and two wheeled motor, steam or electric driven vehicles in the following classes:
- Veteran in two classes: Up to 1905 and 1906 to 1919.
- Vintage from 1920 to 1929.
- Pre-war from 1930 to 1940.
The entry fee includes: Accommodation in a Twin/Double room including breakfast for the nights of May 23, 24, 25, and 26 inclusive; group dinners and a gala prize giving dinner on May 26; three lunches at designated halts, secure parking, emergency breakdown support, rally plates, road books and decals and finishers medals. There will be individual and team prizes including an all-ladies crew prize.
More information: http://www.hhclassicrallies.com/
Text by: Redacción.
Photograph by: H&H Classic Rallies.
