“As the years go by, The Rally of the Tests continues to go from strength to strength… It is no surprise then that this “must do” event regularly attracts a high quality entry list that reads like a “who’s who” of classic rallying. With its mix of classic rally roads, exciting special tests, period clothing and a great social atmosphere, there is nothing quite like it…
So where to next? Well, before they had chance to put the finishing touches to the 2014 event, Guy Woodcock and Anthony Preston were already busy making plans for 2015, which will see crews tackling a challenging new route from Newcastle to Blackpool.
They will continue to maintain the event’s traditional values – namely to seek out the classic test venues, to drive the most scenic routes and to tackle the more demanding roads from the 1950’s RAC rallies.
For 2015, the chosen starting point is the fabulous Slaley Hall Hotel – set in the picturesque Northumberland countryside, close to Newcastle. Keeping with tradition, the event begins on Thursday, with the evening Prologue comprising a couple of tests and regularities to allow crews to get into the swing of things. Next day, the rally starts in earnest as the route loops north through the Scottish Borders and the Galloway Hills to the first overnight halt in the historic market town of Dumfries.
Saturday then sees the event returning south back over the border into the Cumbrian and Pennine Fells to explore the scenic but challenging roads of these traditional rally heartlands. The day concludes with a super evening road rally section before a well-earned night’s rest at an elegant country house hotel, close to Darlington.
More classic sections follow on Sunday as the route heads south west through the charming Yorkshire Dales towards the Fylde Coast. A final brace of challenging tests and regularities precedes the finish in the “fresh air and fun” seaside town of Blackpool.
Will it be your turn for victory this year? Only one way to find out…!!”
Documentation: www.heroevents.eu/Events/rally_of_the_tests/2015