Rally the Globe, a new club which plans to organize vintage and classic car rallies in the four corners of the globe, has confirmed that its debut event in Spain and Portugal taking place this fall has within weeks of being announced attracted a capacity entry. And, duly encouraged by this, the club has outlined its rallies planned for the next four years… Rally the Globe was launched last November and will organize competitive and challenging ‘endurance’ category rallies which will include significant off-road sections, as well as more relaxed ‘adventure’ category rallies.
Its debut event is the ‘Carrera Iberia’ this October and a capacity 30 teams are signed up already, though if you’re ruing missing out you can register to the waiting list and hope for drop-outs. The route goes from Santander to the Algarve, is 1850 miles (3000km) long and is made up of what the organizers promise will be “some of the finest driving possible in Spain and Portugal. Deserted country roads, race circuits and historic hotels are all on the menu. The carefully-planned route features deserted asphalt roads far away from the beaten track taking participants through vineyards such as Rioja and the Douro Valley, quaint towns, rolling hills, dramatic canyons, twisting hillclimbs and atmospheric medieval citadels interspersed with overnight stops at historic hotels and paradors.”
Each day’s itinerary includes two competitive elements and the rally will also visit top race circuits Navarra, Braga and Estoril as well as speed venues. There also will be a rest day as well as a prize-giving dinner at the end. The entry for the Iberian rally encompasses early vintage Bentleys from the the 1920s right through to more modern classics such as Ford Mustangs and Porsche 911s from the ‘60s and ‘70s. “It’s wonderful that so many really experienced historic rally competitors have shown their faith in our new Rally the Globe organization,” said Carrera Iberia director and Rally the Globe founder Fred Gallagher. “That said, I know they will all relish the rally adventure on which they are embarking. The deserted roads chosen are just perfect for classic cars and, while the more competitive crews will have plenty of opportunities to test their skills, there will be ample time to savor the spectacular and ever-changing scenery as well as to enjoy tasty tapas and to sample the region’s excellent wines and best port.”
When it was launched last year Rally the Globe outlined its three initial events–Carrera Iberia will be followed by an East African-based ‘Southern Cross Safari’ in early 2020 and then the ultimate ‘Round the World’ split into three individual sections between mid-2020 and mid-2021. However the positive response to its opening rally encouraged Rally the Globe to reveal its planned schedule of worldwide events for the next four years, which includes visits to the Americas, Japan, Vietnam, Italy, Scandinavia and the Scottish Highlands.
Images courtesy of Rally the Globe
