London, 19th November RAC Club.  Last week the RAC announced its return to one of the most famous and iconic rallies in the world, The RAC Rally of the tests.

First staged in 1932, the event enjoyed huge success up until 1939, returning in 1951 after the war and finishing in 1960. The event was famed for attracting the great and good of the rally world to endure one of the toughest and challenging events, heydays saw over 200 entries with many ‘Works’ teams and attracting huge spectator interest. More recently HERO have revived the event and run it as part of their annual calendar of historic endurance events, but with the revived interest in Classic motoring, the RAC will support and promote the event leaving the HERO team to organise and run the event for 2016.

RAC Chief Marketing Officer John Orriss commented “The RAC brand carries with it a rich heritage, we are delighted to officially return to the world of rallying. We are looking forward to being able to share our passion for motoring to a new generation and we are keen that our members can get close to the action.”

Royal Automobile Club Chairman Tom Purves commented “The Royal Automobile Club is delighted that one of the greatest, most loved names in the history of motorsport has been restored to its place on the international calendar. The RAC Rally of the Tests was always a challenge for man and machine, and a great spectacle which delighted spectators up and down the country. We look forward to supporting both the RAC and HERO in this exciting venture.

Hero Chairman Tomas de Vargas Machuca added “The RAC Rally was the most important motoring event in the UK and possibly Europe. Reviving this event after so many years is an important milestone in classic rallying and we are committed to ensuring that the RAC ROTT will regain its international status in the European Calendar and continue the great tradition it has.

The date for the first RAC Rally of the Tests is set for November 3-6th 2016 and is set to start in Bournemouth, with a prologue evening night stage around Bournemouth. Day 2 will be Bournemouth to Bristol, with an overnight in Bristol. Day 3 is likely to be Bristol to Stoke taking in the MOD centre of Swinnerton and Day 4 Stoke to Chester.

Entries are open to Pre-62 Classic Rally prepared cars which are encouraged, but entry will be eligible for all pre ’81 models although the latter wont be eligible for overall awards. Just 100 cars will be accepted for entry.

Peter Read Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee stated “This joint venture is a long term commitment with an aim to engage new audiences, all our members and pull in the crowds”

Ben Cussons – former chairman of the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee said “The aim is this event is to be up there with the Monte Carlo Rally”

For details of how to enter visit: RAC Rally of the Tests