Are the organisers experienced and reputable?

The Arctic Winter Trial is the latest event from HERO - the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation. If you take the Daily Telegraph, or any classic car or 4x4 magazine, you've probably read about us, even if you didn't realise it. Our other rallies include the Classic Malts Scottish Reliability Trial, the

London-Lisbon Classic Rally, Corse Retro in Corsica, and three major endurance events, the London-Cape Town of 1998, last year's Inca Trail around South America, and the Great Silk Road Rally to Australia planned for autumn 2004.

HERO was founded in 1996 by John Brown and around 100 enthusiasts who became the first members, to provide an organising club for events already run by John, in particular the legendary LE JOG - the Land's End to John o'Groats Reliability Trial. Today there are some 2,500 members, the vast majority of whom have competed on at least one major rally organised by the club.

Clerk of the Course John Brown is one of the world's most experienced rally organisers. His CV dates back to the 1960s, when he was in charge of the Targa Rusticana in its heyday, and includes the original Manx Rally, the Gulf London, the Lombard RAC and the 1970 London-Mexico World Cup. In his 20 years as a top rally navigator, he won numerous events and was twice British champion. He simultaneously pursued a successful administrative and business career in tourism, and is thus well qualified to mastermind the travel, accommodation and sightseeing aspects which are an important component of most HERO rallies.

John and his wife and business partner Joanna are backed up by a highly experienced team, many of whom are regular current competitors. Our permanent staff includes Mark Appleton and Cath Woodman, both noted current navigators and organisers.

Our Event Coordinator in Scandinavia is a rallying legend: Arne Hertz, former co-driver to such famous names as Stig Blomqvist and Hannu Mikkola, and winner of no less than 19 World Championship rallies.

Is the event officially sanctioned by an authoritative body?

HERO is affiliated to the MSA, Britain's motor sport governing body, and through them to the FIA, the world body, which runs Formula One racing among other things. HERO is also a member of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, and thus linked to the world Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA). All our events are run under the rules of one or other of these official bodies.

The Arctic Winter Trial is to be inscribed by the MSA on the calendar of the FIA as an International Historic Regularity Rally, and a Steward/Observer of the FIA will be present. It will be run with the permission and help of the national motor sport governing bodies of Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Why the Arctic? Isn't it cold, dark, snowbound and deserted in winter?

By March, there are around 11 hours of daylight each day. There's likely to be a clear blue sky and dazzling sunlight.

Yes, it's cold - for most of the event, the thermometer will remain resolutely below zero all day, and descend to minus 30C or more at night - but the cold is dry and invigorating, not damp and depressing.

Ordinary people live their lives here all year round. There are schools and supermarkets and filling stations. You may have to drive through drifting, swirling snow, and the wind at the North Cape is biting, but these conditions are no problem if you are properly dressed and prepared.

You will be privileged to see one of the world's most beautiful landscapes - and with luck some brilliant displays of the Northern Lights, too.

What happens on the event?

If you just want to experience visiting this fantastic part of the world in your own vehicle, in winter, opt for the 4x4 Adventure Drive - you're then free to travel between the overnight and lunch halts in your own time, and take in your own detours or halts for sightseeing or activities.

If you want to take part in a competitive classic car rally under full winter conditions, choose the Historic Reliability Trial. You have to start and finish each day, and visit intermediate controls, to a time schedule. Along the way, there are Medal and Regularity Sections, where there are penalties for failing to keep to the set average speed - which is never higher than 50km/h (about 30mph). There are also special tests, such as manoeuvrability tests on frozen lakes.

The main object of the Trial is to win a Gold Medal, for not booking in late at any control and staying within Gold Standard performance targets on tests and regularity sections. Silver and bronze medals are also awarded, as well as class, marque, nationality and team awards, and other special prizes. For the 4x4s, there are finishers' medals.

The route on most days is around 400km (250 miles), with the first car starting at about 8.00am and finishing around 4.00pm, although one or two days are a little longer or shorter. The total route distance is a little over 5,000km (3,200 miles).

What are the roads like?

For the first couple of days, the main roads (and the bulk of the distance) will probably be clear of snow and ice, although we will be trying to find some short regularity sections to give you practice.

After that, the roads get progressively snowier, and you will be driving on hard-packed snow for most of the time. At Arctic temperatures, this surface gives much more grip that you'd expect, as it's too cold for a film of water to form between tyre and road. The surface is mostly very smooth, whether it's asphalt or gravel underneath. Although you may encounter some deeper snow or drifting, the roads are in general kept well ploughed at all times.

In Sweden and Finland, even the secondary roads are mostly wide and easy. The route includes a number of historic rally sections from the legendary Swedish, Midnight Sun, Arctic and 1,000 Lakes rallies, with their swooping successions of curves and crests - some are even preserved from upgrading and designated as "museum roads"!

In Norway, the terrain is broken up by mountain and fjord, and many roads wind along the stunningly beautiful shore.

Is my vehicle eligible?

For the Historic Reliability Trial, cars must (a) be made before 31 December 1982; and (b) be of correct period specification. Modifications are allowed, so long as similarly modified cars existed in period. HERO produce a detailed set of guidelines on permitted modifications.

Cars will be divided into half a dozen Age Categories, from 1920s to 1970s, and each of these will be split into Classes.

You compete primarily against other cars in your Class or Age Category.

The most comfortable way to do the classic car rally is in a medium-to-large, robust, well heated and relatively modern saloon, such as a Volvo, Saab, big Citroën or Mercedes. The most challenging category will be that for pre-war cars, especially in an open model - but in the 1930s the Monte Carlo Rally started in January from north Sweden, and we hope some intrepid souls will want to try!

Any 4x4 vehicle can take part in the 4x4 Adventure Drive. Selected two-wheel drive vehicles may also be permitted.

How experienced do I need to be?

If you are a reasonably experienced and skilled driver on normal roads, you will quickly adjust to snow and ice conditions. The event does not require you to drive fast, and gives you time to find your feet. Be sensible, feel your way, and by the end of the rally you'll be an expert!

You do not need a competition licence. The Historic Reliability Trial, although a competition recognised by the FIA, is not a speed event, and you require only a permit issued by the organisers. The 4x4 Adventure Drive is a purely touring event.

Will I need special winter tyres?

Yes. The law requires local vehicles to have approved winter tyres in all three countries at this time of year. We advise that these should be lightly studded - say 120 short studs per tyre - and that each vehicle should carry two spares. We do not recommend the use of snow chains.

We are negotiating with suppliers to provide tyres for sale to visiting crews, which may either be purchased in advance and despatched to your home address or a depot in your country; or fitted in Gothenburg before the start. If the latter, we hope that the supplier will keep your normal tyres for you to collect and take home after the rally - take a roof rack to Gothenburg for this - or to refit before you leave (possibly repurchasing the used tyres). We have found a source of 155/80x15 and 165/80x14 studded covers, at about £60 per tyre. You should budget £350-600 for tyres, depending on your vehicle.

You can use these lightly studded tyres safely on dry asphalt roads - Swedes living in the south do so for much of the winter.

Will my car need special preparation?

If you are using a classic car, you will need to ensure that it is in top class condition. Pay special attention to the cooling system (a radiator blind may be helpful) and the electrics (the rules allow alternators). Old, hard rubber and plastic hoses and wiring should be replaced. Ensure that you have powerful antifreeze in the cooling and screenwash systems. Use thinner or synthetic oils in engine and transmission. Make sure you have a GOOD heater - perhaps a separate screen heater - and plug any holes that will let cold draughts into the cockpit. Take a spare battery and a set of jump leads, for cold starts.

What clothes will I need?

If you're in a modern 4x4 or a classic saloon with a good heater, you'll be able to drive along in the same kind of clothes you'd wear in Britain; and a warm rally jacket will get you from the car to the hotel. For the winter activities, such as snowmobiling, the operators provide clothing.

We advise you to have a good pair of waterproof winter boots, and for emergencies and longer spells outdoors, a well insulated and weatherproof set of thermal top clothing, including trousers, headgear, socks and gloves - you will be able to buy these from our own specialist supplier before the rally. A pair of goggles, in case of a broken windscreen, is a good idea.

Most evenings, smart casual dress is fine; although you will need a jacket and tie for some special functions.

How do I get to Gothenburg, and back from Helsinki?

For UK crews, the easiest route is probably by DFDS Seaways ferry from Newcastle, departing at 17:00 on Friday 28 February and arriving at 17:00 the next day. Crews using this route should budget £200 for the round trip for a car and a two-berth cabin with shower & WC.

Southern Sweden is now linked by motorway bridge and tunnel to the main continent of Europe, via Jutland. This opens up alternative ferry routes from Harwich to Esbjerg (610km to Gothenburg), Cuxhaven (895km) and Hook of Holland (1,306km). There is a nightly ferry from Kiel to Gothenburg.

The overnight Silja Line ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm, departing at 17:00 and arriving at 09:30 next day, will cost about £130 for a car and a two-berth cabin with shower & WC. The sailing on Tuesday 18 March allows an easy drive to Gothenburg on Wednesday (482km), to catch the Newcastle boat on Thursday at 10:00, arriving Newcastle at 10:00 on Friday 21 March.

Our ferry agents, Allsports Logistics, are negotiating special rates. An information sheet and booking form will be sent to all participants.

How much does it cost?

The entry fee of £7,950 includes the rally itself; 17 nights bed and breakfast for two people sharing a twin or double room in high quality hotels; pre-start and prizegiving dinners; 15 other evening meals; various other functions and receptions; rally number plates and door panels; a generous awards list, including a souvenir medallion for all finishers; event clothing; fully detailed tulip roadbook; and a selection of rest day activities, including sightseeing visits, snowmobile safari, dog sled ride, reindeer sleigh ride, ice fishing, ice driving, etc, etc.

The entry fee does not include ferry fares; winter tyres, equipment and clothing; maps (or optional rally mapbook); your own insurance; midday meals; some additional optional sightseeing and winter sport activities; and other personal items.

Hotel upgrades to single room accommodation are available at extra cost - roughly, double the rate for a twin room. No refunds are available to participants not taking up accommodation booked for them, for whatever reason.

What insurance cover will I need?

You must have third party car insurance cover valid for this event - show the Regulations to your insurer, pointing out that a Reliability Trial is NOT a speed or special stage rally. We also advise you to have comprehensive car cover if possible; travel insurance (check if your credit card provides this); personal accident and medical cover - we suggest for up to £1 million; and a vehicle recovery package (see below).

What emergency support do HERO provide?

At least two sweeper vehicles will follow the event. Each will be crewed by a skilled mechanic, with tools and other light equipment, and by a doctor or paramedic, with an emergency medical kit. They will each carry a satellite phone to ensure good communications wherever they are.

But the first people on the scene of a breakdown or accident are likely to be other participants. The tradition on events of this kind is above all for participants to help each other.

Local emergency services are good in all three countries, and are much better equipped to deal with serious medical emergencies than our teams are. Every crew on the event will receive instructions as to how to summon their help.

On this event, HERO will not normally be able to rescue participants' broken down vehicles. Rope-towing vehicles on snow is not recommended and may be illegal. In these instances, you are advised to use a proprietary vehicle recovery service - take out a subscription before the rally.

You are required to carry in your car a first aid kit, plus emergency survival rations and clothing, in case you become stranded. If this occurs, STAY IN THE CAR.

The event doctor will be present at each overnight halt to assist anyone taken ill.

At overnight halts, we will where possible arrange for local motor traders to stay open, to provide workshop facilities, tyre repairs and replacements, etc.

What training and briefing opportunities will there be?

There will be a general HERO beginners' training day on Saturday 1 September at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham (M42 Junction 6) - adjacent to Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International rail station. A specific Briefing Day for the Arctic Winter Trial will be held on Sunday 3 November at the Motor Heritage Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire (M40 Junction 12).

HERO will in addition provide detailed advice notes on car and personal preparation, navigation, etc. There will also be a compulsory class at the start on dealing with emergencies and with the cold (e.g. avoiding frostbite).