SYDNEY-LONDON CLASSIC MARATHON RALLY 2014

The Sydney-London is tooted as a reverse direction re-run of the famous London-Sydney rallies from the 1968 and 1971 which were the pinnacles of long distance competition. Unfortunately, the present day interpretation is far from the  classic races. The 1968 original raced through Turkey to Iran stopping in Tehran, through Afghanistan stopping in Kabul, and through Pakistan to Delhi. The route then traveled through India to Bombay (now Mumbai), where the cars boarded a boat to Perth.

The content below is from the site's archived pages as well as other sources.

 

SYDNEY-LONDON CLASSIC MARATHON RALLY

12 APRIL - 11 MAY 2014
* * * * * *

Counting finished!

REGULATIONS AND ENTRY FORM

Foreword

The last London to Sydney Marathon organised by Nick Brittan’s Trans World Events was in 2004 and I was lucky enough to have been a competitor on that event.
Now to celebrate the 10th anniversary of that Event we are running it again in 2014 but with one major difference, we are going in the opposite direction – from Sydney to London. There are several reasons for adopting this direction not least of which is the difficulty of bringing into Australia dirty rally cars which need cleaning to pass importation rules whilst needing to maintain the strict timetable required by the rally.

We are also running two single Leg Events so there will be three Events in total: one for the Full Route, one for the Australian Leg and one for the European Leg. We think the Leg events will appeal to those with less spare time and for those unable to get an entry in the full event.

Route planning is progressing well with Regional Organisers appointed in most countries. We will keep you posted on developments via our website and newsletters will be sent to all competitors. Needless to say we will do our very best to bring you an Event that you shall remember for a long time to come and be very happy to have been part of.

As always when an airlift is required, it is important to fully fill the transporter planes and so we will be accepting the first plane full of entries and subsequent entries will go on a reserve list until the second one is declared full, we will then confirm acceptance of these entries. 

Any entries beyond this will be placed on another reserve list but they will only have their entry accepted should one of the accepted entries withdraw. The number of cars that two  Transporters can carry is dependent on the sizes of the cars but this is expected to be in the region of 95 cars. We have already received 130 expressions of interest, so you are advised to submit your entry without delay. 60 days will be given from the opening date of entries for competitors who expressed an interest to submit their application, after this 60 day period new applications will be accepted.

One other item to mention is the fact that we will be running a control tyre on the event, details of which can be found in Article 12. of the Regulations and further information will be given via bulletins in due course.

Enough said, this is the Big One, get your entry in. You know you want to.

Mark Solloway
Transworld Historic Rallying

 

 

ROUTE

The exact route and details of each night stop will be confirmed after the route survey that Mike Summerfield will be completing in April and May of 2013, ( The Australian route survey will now be undertaken by our newly appointed route coordinator teams, heading up the Eastern section is Phil Bernadou and the Western  section is being overseen by Ivar Stanelis, Mike Summerfield will produce the road book once all the stages are in place later this year) with the route having been revised from the original plan and now including just one airlift it has had the effect of actually increasing the stage mileage of the event with us expecting to have approx 2500 Kms of special stage mileage in total which will make it one of the longest special stage events in recent history.

Legs 1 & 2 (Australia) 7750 kms in total including stage mileage off approx 1133kms (33 stages).

12 days in total from Sydney to Perth, then Airlift out of Perth.

Legs 3 & 4 (Europe) 6000kms plus stage mileage of approx 100kms per day.

16 days in total with a half rest day in Rijeka (Croatia) then leg 4 to the finish in the UK.

 

DRIVER AND CO-DRIVER MATCHING

If you are a Driver looking for a Co-Driver or vise versa, please send us your details and we can add your details here:

Brian Canny  is looking for a Co-Driver to come along to share the trials and costs of the event, Brian has a choice of either using his Porsche 944 or his Peugeot and is undecided at the moment of which car to use, if you think you can partner up with Brian please make contact by email:  bcanny@vic.chariot.net.au

• Brian James Hardie  is a Co-Driver available for this event.
• Aggie Foster  is a Co-Driver available for this event.
• Paddy Robinson is a Co-Driver available for this event..
• Eloi Alsina is a Co-Driver available for this event.

Massimiliano Bosi is a Co-Driver available for this event

 

 

THE RED SHIRTS

The Redshirts are the legendary team of Officials who used to keep Nick Brittan’s TWE events ticking like a Swiss watch.    The most experienced, knowledgeable and user-friendly team in International Motorsport. They combine a firm hand administering the FIA regulations with friendly advice and encouragement to competitors.

Mark Solloway

There are also a few new faces in the group. One of those is the visionary Mark Solloway. Mark has been rallying for more than 20 years, from early beginnings in a Ford Escort on road events in West Wales, through competing on UK stage events, and the 2000 and 2004 London to Sydney Marathons and other long-distance events. From that background, Mark and his team are now recognised and respected, in both the Historic Rally scene in the UK and Europe, and the WRC, as the finest builders of Historic Group 4 Escorts in the sport. (GB) 

Bill Danbury

Another new face is a veteran of Classic Plus, where Bill handled the development of the organization's complex custom software, which helped them become the leaders in the promotion and sale of vintage vehicles especially lorries and vans from pre 1930. The generic software solutions currently available are not able to address the specifics that collectors search for when researching vintage autos. The problem was solved by working with scores of collectors, getting data points from a questionnaire, and then creating a unique custom software development solution tailored to the searches. He's an expert collector of Bugattis and often speaks at collector clubs and auctions. He also writes a column in Vintage Run Magazine where he also handles some editorial duties.

 

Ron Jackson

TWE's Rally Manager and on the events runs the HQ office and the results service which provides a daily record of who did what, when and where to the second. A previous International Clerk of the Course and a regional organiser, assistant Clerk of the Course and Chief Results Officer on Britain's round of the FIA World Rally Championship. (GB) ron@transworldhistoricrallying.com

 

 

 

 

---

---

 

More Background on TransWorldHistoricRallying.com

TransWorld Historic Rallying, a prominent name in the world of historic motorsport events, is a company deeply involved in organizing classic car rallies, particularly those that re-enact and celebrate historic marathon rallies. Known for its meticulous attention to detail and dedication to preserving the spirit of historic rallying, the company has garnered respect and admiration among motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.

History and Background

Founded in 2011 and based in Newport, Gwent, United Kingdom, TransWorld Historic Rallying emerged as a key player in the cultural and informational centers sector, particularly within the niche of historic motorsport events. The company was established with the aim of organizing and promoting long-distance car rallies that pay homage to the legendary marathon rallies of the past, such as the iconic London-Sydney Marathon Rally of 1968 and 1971. The company operates on a relatively small scale, employing between one to four people, and generates an estimated annual revenue of approximately $425,000.

Signature Events

One of the hallmark events organized by TransWorld Historic Rallying is the Sydney-London Classic Marathon Rally. This event, which reversed the direction of the original London-Sydney Marathon, was designed to evoke the excitement and challenges of the original rallies while adapting to modern logistical requirements. Participants in these events navigate through challenging terrains and varied landscapes, from the Australian Outback to the European countryside, offering a unique blend of adventure and nostalgia.

The company’s events are meticulously planned, with extensive route surveys and local collaborations ensuring that each rally not only provides a competitive challenge but also highlights the cultural and scenic richness of the regions it traverses. These rallies are more than just motorsport events; they are cultural expeditions that bring together a global community of historic car enthusiasts.

Press & Media Coverage

TransWorld Historic Rallying has received considerable media attention over the years, particularly within niche publications dedicated to historic motorsport. The events organized by the company are often covered in specialized magazines, online forums, and enthusiast blogs. These platforms highlight the company’s commitment to authenticity, the camaraderie among participants, and the sheer scale of the rallies, which often span multiple countries and continents.

The media has often praised the company for its ability to recreate the spirit of the original marathon rallies while accommodating the needs of modern participants. This balancing act between nostalgia and practicality has made TransWorld Historic Rallying a respected name in the industry.

Audience and Cultural Significance

The audience for TransWorld Historic Rallying’s events is a dedicated and passionate group of historic motorsport enthusiasts. These individuals are often collectors, restorers, and drivers of classic cars, with a deep appreciation for the history and legacy of marathon rallies. The company’s events serve as a meeting point for this global community, where participants can share their passion, exchange stories, and compete in a spirit of friendly rivalry.

Culturally, TransWorld Historic Rallying plays an important role in preserving the history of long-distance car rallies. By organizing these events, the company ensures that the stories, skills, and traditions of historic rallying are passed on to new generations of enthusiasts. The rallies also serve as a living museum, where participants and spectators alike can witness the cars, techniques, and routes that defined an era of motorsport.

Known For and Unique Aspects

TransWorld Historic Rallying is particularly known for its attention to detail and commitment to authenticity. The company goes to great lengths to ensure that every aspect of its rallies, from the cars to the routes, is in keeping with the spirit of the original events. This dedication has earned the company a loyal following and a reputation as one of the premier organizers of historic car rallies.

One of the unique aspects of TransWorld Historic Rallying’s events is the inclusion of a variety of vehicle classes, allowing a wide range of classic cars to participate. This inclusivity not only broadens the appeal of the events but also creates a diverse and dynamic competitive environment.

Insights and Specifics

TransWorld Historic Rallying’s events are not just about competition; they are about exploration and discovery. The rallies often include stages that pass through remote and culturally significant regions, offering participants a chance to experience the world in a way that few other events can. This element of adventure, combined with the challenge of navigating complex routes, makes the rallies a deeply rewarding experience for those who take part.

The company’s approach to organizing these events is both innovative and respectful of tradition. By combining modern technology with historic routes and vehicles, TransWorld Historic Rallying creates events that are both challenging and historically significant.

 

TransWorld Historic Rallying stands as a beacon for historic motorsport enthusiasts, offering meticulously organized events that celebrate the rich legacy of marathon rallies. With its commitment to authenticity, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the history of the sport, the company has carved out a unique and respected place in the world of classic car rallies. Whether you are a participant or a spectator, the events organized by TransWorld Historic Rallying offer a rare glimpse into the golden age of motorsport, brought to life through the dedication and passion of those who keep the spirit of historic rallying alive.