As we go forward, Classic.Events will provide information to suppport the growing interest in classic and vintage motorsports events. For starters, here’s some general guidance on what you can expect when booking your rally. Of course, every operator has their unique way of doing things and conditions for each event vary too. Below we’ll try to outline some of the general conditions you should expect from the best providers.
Generally, rally operators will limit the number of places they allocate, and this is typically offered on a first come first serve basis. Many operators plan well in advance, with some events fully booked 12 to 18 months before the event.
This varies widely, but typically comfort character and service are the top priority for the providers that you’ll encounter on Classic.Events. Of course the ‘standard’ for this will vary all over the world, and this certainly won’t diminish the experience. Participants of the Great Amazon Adventure in 2017, for instance, get the once in a lifetime chance to sleep in hammocks for two nights on board the ferry transporting local travelers, merchandise and even livestock up the Amazon river.
Yes, most operators are keen to involve newcomers as well seasoned crews. The best events have been planned carefully in advance with tour operators traveling the roads and visiting the hotels in advance. They will seek out roads that get the mix of driving experience with the type of cars they aim to cater for. Classic.Events provides some basic information about each event, so you will need to get more details as appropriate. Typically though, modern classic car rallies aim to drive on good smooth tarmac. There may be the odd testing drive on gravel sections, which is unavoidable.
The rally tradition has evolved over the years to include different styles of navigation depending on the type of roads or whether there is a competitive element to the event. Often, a simple and easy to follow Roadbook with distances marked in kilometres and miles is supplied, even useful fuel stops are indicated. Typically, rally event organisers will give novice entrants additional information with hints and tips on navigation and every driver, car preparation guidance, with full instructions on how to prepare the car specifically for their route. GPS satellite systems are sometimes required, or in many cases, you be able to bring a GPS if you wish.
With most leisure or adventure style rallies, any competitive element that is planned will be optional, and don’t normally happen every day, but only where the route and road conditions permit, you can drive these as often or as little as you like, make your mind up on the day, and if you choose to miss out a section then you simply head off to the hotel. Trophies (usually a simple affair) are presented to the winners at evening meals or at the end of the rally.
Naturally, the requirements will vary from event to event. As an example, for a fast-paced endurance rally with sports style vehicles the requirements might read like this: A suitable car fitted with a tripmeter such as a Monit, a Halda or a twinmaster, a 1.75 litre fire extinguisher, first aid kit, 2 x warning triangles, tow rope and an under car mat to catch leaks. The drivers will also need an International Driving License available from the RAC for £5.50 each. Your chosen provider will provide you with a precise list.
All rally operators will expect you to be able to change a wheel, the points, plugs and air filter yourself. If your rally is close to home or a short one in a developed country, you may expect to rely on national breakdown services. For longer adventures, operators will typically take their own mobile mechanical support vehicle complete with two highly skilled mechanics for anything more complicated. Often this crew will have vast experience of keeping a variety of classic vehicles on the road, even if it means working all night. You would be expected to bring the recommended spares and they will do the rest!
The rally coordinator will usually send you the relevant forms to complete for the carnet. They then gather them together and apply for a group carnet, which is the most cost-effective solution. You will be asked to pay a set price for the Carnet book and then a separate fee relating to the risk associated with your particular vehicle. This fee is based on the value of your car which you specify, the lower the vehicle value the lower the fee.
Classic car rallies usually include drivers from all over the world, and so you may find yourself needing to ship your vehicle by train, plane or ship at your own cost. You can use any shipping agent, and there are many experienced organisations that specialise in classic and prestige cars.
Some rally operators will arrange annual travel insurance for all staff, volunteers, and participants who are not traveling against doctor’s advice. Entrants over 75 years or with pre-existing medical conditions may be subject to additional terms. Policies are then specifically tailored to the event scope and location. Other tour organisers will require that you arrange your own travel and medical insurance, but can usually give advice or direct you towards a specialist vendor.
Vehicle and Transit insurance is typically NOT included and you will need to make your own arrangements. Again, most rally organisers have good relations with specialist providers and can give you advice on how to approach this.
Further information about suitable clothing, currency, fuel availability, satellite phones, accommodation, etc. will be sent out to all entrants in regular newsletters. Anything we think you need to know, any forms to fill in are all supplied by us and sent to you. With 12 events in Africa under our belt, we know what is needed.
Fuel, some lunches, carnet de passage costs, visa costs, flights and shipping.
Payment terms vary from operator to operator, but you can typically expect that they will request a deposit upfront, plus further installments with a deadline for full payment around one month or more prior to the event. These terms usually align with costs relating to commitments made with hotels and destination service providers. We strongly advise that you read the terms and conditions carefully.