If you have always wanted to do the Monte Carlo Rally, but can’t afford it or spare the time, Scotland now offers its own 3-day version of this classic winter event. The Great North Winter Challenge, now in its second year, will have 3 starting points this year: Inverness, Aberdeen and Glasgow.

The Great North Winter Challenge is a co-operative venture between CCHMSC and members of the Highland Car Club. The aim is to provide a classic winter rally which is enjoyable, yet challenging for both seasoned competitor and beginner alike.

The Great North Winter Challenge is an attempt to capture the atmosphere and flavour of the Monte Carlo rallies of the 50’s and 60’s by following the basic format of these early events where the goal was to reach the finish in spite of the difficult roads and bad weather. The format consisted of a Concentration Run; a Classification Test; simple Driving Tests and a Circuit Test at the finish. The Great North Winter
Challenge will include all of these elements. In addition, there will be a separate award for the winner of a Concours d’Elegance which was traditionally part of the Monte Carlo Rally but did not count towards the overall winner.

The Concentration Run, in the original Monte, consisted of a challenging drive over difficult roads in the middle of winter. It tested the endurance of the crew and the reliability of their car. The objective was to reach Monte Carlo within the time allowance with a clean sheet (no penalties). Our version of the Concentration Run will have the same elements. There will be a start time and a finish time, however there will also be special tests on private roads or venues to spice up the challenge. In order to get a clean sheet crews must visit all the time and passage controls en route within the time allowed.

The Classification Test. This test is sometimes referred to as the mountain circuit as it consisted of a very difficult mountain route with strict timing in order to determine the pecking order in terms of the crew’s driving and navigation skills. Our classification test will have the same objectives, testing the crew’s driving and navigational skills
in inclement weather and against the clock. It will take the form of a 50-mile night regularity test taking in mountain roads above Inverness. This part of the event is optional.

The Driving Tests will be like those in the old Monte. They will be very simple but will test the driver’s ability and should be great fun. All the tests will be on smooth non-damaging surfaces and take place in the winter resort of Aviemore.

Finally there will be a Circuit Test, also in Aviemore.

In order to qualify for overall awards of the Great North Winter Challenge all elements must be attempted ie Concentration Run, Classification Tests, Driving and Circuit Tests.

The Great North Winter Tour. Those who don’t want to do the full Monte,  can opt to do the road sections only ( ie without the competitive elements).

Further details:  phone Douglas on 01382 731755
 

Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Glasgow Start of the Monte Carlo Rally. 23 January 2009 All types of cars from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s are invited to take part in the 60th anniversary celebration of the Glasgow start of the Monte Carlo Rally. To mark the occasion, the Caledonian Classic and Historic Motor Sport Club Ltd is attempting to re-create the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the traditional Glasgow start of this world famous rally, which first started from Glasgow in 1949. Programme Cars will gather at the Kelvingrove art gallery, Glasgow for a 7pm start. It is hoped that the cars will be flagged off by the Provost, at one minute intervals. They will then proceed under the floodlit start banner and make their way to the former RSAC headquarters in Blytheswood Square, which was the original start venue for the rally. The cars will then start a short road run to the Loch Lomond area where we will all meet up for a hot supper and some period motoring films. Each car will be supplied with a semi-rigid Monte Carlo Rally style rally plate and rally pack. It is hoped that this event will generate a lot of publicity for the classic car movement and perhaps bring this Monte Carlo Rally start back to Glasgow. The Caledonian Classic and Historic Motor Sport Club Ltd are working on this. It would be good if crews could dress in period ‘winter wear’ to add to the atmosphere of the event. A prize will be awarded to the best dressed crew. This should be a great event and is guaranteed to brighten up a cold Scottish Friday evening. A £5 charge will be made to cover the cost of the Rally Plate etc Further details and to reserve your place :  phone Douglas on 01382 731755