FOR THE YOUNG AND FOR FREE

In an effort to attract new blood into regularity rallying, HERO-ERA invited young drivers to an all-new event. Team C&SC was among nearly 100 cars to take part

- AARON MCKAY

Some were armed only with highlighters, marking-up their freshly acquired route books, others were pressing buttons on trick timing gear, but most were either flicking through pages trying to get a handle on the tulip symbols, deciphering rally apps on their phones, or locked in invaluable conversations with those who had done this sort of thing before. It was an equally bustling mix of cars assembled in the gravel car park at Bicester Heritage: a Bugatti Type 35 joined the likes of a Land-Rover 88in, Ferrari 308GT4, Saab 900 and even a Porsche 911 (997) turbo.

Conceived to bring the next generation of enthusiasts into the world of regularities,  Rally for the Ages on 3 June attracted a huge turnout with its free entry, the only stipulation being a maximum combined age of 70 years for each crew. The 96-mile route included four regularities and was bookended by two pairs of tests on the Bicester Heritage airfield, altogether taking around four hours. It was an appropriately gauged event by HERO-ERA, which has organised some of the most famous classic challenges around the UK and abroad.

Proceedings began with a forgiving round of checks that recommended, but exempted entrants from, most of the equipment normally required at full-scale events, such as a spill kit, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit. Cars were still checked for roadworthiness, including headlights, horn and secure battery location.

I doubt that the arrival of my White Gold Opel Monza raised the very first eyebrows of the morning, but co-driver Harry Martin and I still felt a little anxious about how the car would be judged. Those who have followed its progress in Our classics may empathise, but it turned out to be perfectly acceptable, setting a low noise level of 78dB and I even ticked off most of the equipment list.