The 2008 inaugural Summer Trial based in Malvern in Worcestershire was voted a resounding success by all those who took part. The standard HERO format of regularity sections, link sections and driving tests presented in an easy to follow �tulip� Roadbook gave experienced and novice crews three enjoyable days of competition.
The event was originally conceived to satisfy specific requests from competitors. Those new to the sport of endurance rallying asked for an event which provided all the elements of the longer and tougher events but made allowances for the fact that five or six days of competition can be a daunting concept to a novice.
Seasoned competitors asked for an event which would have less impact on the working week. The HERO Summer Classic Reliability Trial and Tour was introduced to satisfy both requirements. Judging from the comments made at the prize-giving dinner, the format worked and will be repeated in 2009.
The event will take place between 16th and 18th July 2009, and will once again be based at the Abbey Hotel in Great Malvern. Loops into Wales, the Heart of England and Welsh Marches will present crews with a challenging and demanding route but allow competitors to return each night to relax without the need to constantly pack and unpack luggage.
Scrutineering and documentation will take place on Wednesday the 15th with a limited number of places being available for evening scrutineering for crews unable to attend during the day.
Popular with many crews in 2008 was the Wednesday tour of the Morgan factory located only ten minutes from the start. Competitors were surprised and delighted how close to the cars they were allowed to get and how happy the Morgan personnel were to stop work to answer questions. Once again we are delighted to be able to offer this tour, subject to any restrictions imposed by the factory.
The historic hill climb at Shelsley Walsh was the location of a driving test in 2008; delight clearly showing on the faces of all the competitors as they were brought down the hill in convoy. Individual performance was only a part of this pleasure � driving the hill meaning so much to so many of the crews. Arrangements have once again been made for Shelsley Walsh to feature as part of the 2009 event. To ensure that they do not miss out on this experience, Tour entrants will again be allowed to drive at a reduced speed up the hill.
The entry for the 2009 HERO Summer Reliability Trial and Tour is open to cars made before 31st December 1983, and the fee includes accommodation for two crew members sharing a room for the nights of 15th to 18th July, welcome and prize giving dinners on 15th and 18th July, lunch on the three days of competition, a full tulip road book, rally plates, event souvenirs, and finishers� awards. The evenings of 16th and 17th July are free for you to explore the area and to visit some of the numerous local restaurants and bars.
Vehicles entered in the Reliability Trial will be classed according to age, engine size and vehicle type (i.e. saloon or sport/GT), and as with all HERO events, crews will be competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.
The Classic Car Tour is intended for those looking for a less demanding motoring experience and finisher awards will be presented to all entrants in the Tour who visit the specified controls whilst they are open.
For information on this and other HERO events contact the HERO office:
