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 2014

2 April to 11 May 2014

With 14 months to go, the organisers of The Sydney to London Classic Marathon Rally have announced that the first cargo plane - which will transport competitors' cars to Turkey from the end of the Australian leg - is now full.

With several people, who had previously expressed interest, recently confirming their intention to enter the event, together with several new enquiries, the organisers expect the second plane to become full before long.

In other breaking news, Hannu Mikkola and his son, Vesa, have joined the entry. Hannu competed on the 2000 London to Sydney Marathon with his other son, Juha, and returns to tackle the event in the opposite direction driving a Ford Escort RS1800.

Buy Back Deal: The organisers have put in place a buy-back deal for the Challenge Regularity Event, enabling entrants to fly into Sydney and pick up a BRAND NEW 4x4 vehicle, ready-prepared for the event. The vehicle can be purchased for AUS $36,000, and it would then be bought back for AUS $22,000 at the end of the event in London.

The Challenge Event is for any suitable passenger car, including 4x4 recreational vehicles, licensed for use on the public highway, with a crew of up to four people. Entrants will normally follow the same route as the Competition Event and will have regularity sections most days.

Entrants in both the Challenge and Competition Events can choose to do the whole route, or opt for either the Australian or European legs only.

Service vehicles are now permitted for the Classic Car Rally with "basic" and "premium" options available. "Basic" includes identification plates, service book, road books, daily bulletins and access to official car parks, but with no air or sea transport or hotels provided.

"Premium" Service includes all of Basic Service, plus hotels, and air and sea transport for a crew of two.

 

 

When I was first brought on to work on the back end of TransWorldHistoricRallying.com, I assumed I’d be modernizing some outdated scripts or patching up old PHP—but nothing prepared me for what I actually found. They were still managing core event data in Microsoft Access, ignoring the risks. In 2014. For an international rally spanning continents.

To say I was astounded is an understatement. Here was a globally respected motorsport organization, orchestrating a marathon rally from Sydney to London, with route logistics, entry management, and vehicle tracking all entangled in a legacy database format that hadn’t been officially supported in years. It was a ticking time bomb for data loss and integration failures.

But honestly, that challenge became one of the most rewarding parts of the job. I was able to create a set of work-arounds and bridge systems that allowed Access to feed critical data to modern applications without the usual corruption, sync, or compatibility issues that plagued earlier versions. Once the new systems were in place, stability improved dramatically and everyone—from the rally manager to the registration team—could finally focus on the rally, not the tech headaches behind it.

Looking back, I’m proud to have helped preserve the functionality of a legacy system while future-proofing the digital backbone of an event steeped in history. The TransWorld team’s dedication to honoring the spirit of classic rallies was contagious, and I’m honored to have played a small but meaningful role in keeping their vision on track—literally. Marky Judson

 

 

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

 

TransWorldHistoricRallying.com served as the official website for TransWorld Historic Rallying, a niche motorsport organization dedicated to recreating and celebrating some of the most legendary endurance rallies in automotive history. Through detailed event announcements, competitor information, route descriptions, and regulatory materials, the website functioned as both a communications hub for participants and a historical archive for enthusiasts of classic rallying.

The organization focused on historic marathon rallies—extremely long motorsport events that trace the routes of famous international competitions from the twentieth century. These events often span thousands of kilometers and multiple countries, testing not only driver skill but also navigation ability, mechanical reliability, and endurance. TransWorldHistoricRallying.com was designed to showcase these ambitious rallies, promote upcoming events, and provide logistical details for drivers, co-drivers, and support teams.

Although the organization itself operated on a relatively small scale compared to modern motorsport promoters, its influence within the historic rally community was significant. By reviving long-distance rally traditions, TransWorld Historic Rallying contributed to preserving a unique aspect of motorsport heritage.

The Historical Context of Marathon Rallying

To understand the purpose of TransWorldHistoricRallying.com, it is important to understand the tradition of marathon rallying. In the 1960s and early 1970s, international rally competitions were among the most adventurous events in motorsport. Unlike modern rally championships that focus on shorter, controlled stages, marathon rallies involved immense distances across entire continents.

One of the most famous examples was the London-Sydney Marathon Rally of 1968. Organized to celebrate the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the growing international reach of motorsport, the rally sent competitors on a journey of roughly 16,000 kilometers from the United Kingdom to Australia.

The route crossed Europe, the Middle East, and Asia before competitors shipped their vehicles to Australia to complete the final leg of the rally. Drivers navigated deserts, mountains, poorly maintained roads, and unpredictable weather conditions. The event captured global attention and became one of the defining competitions of the era.

A second London-Sydney rally followed in 1971, reinforcing the reputation of marathon rallying as one of the most demanding forms of motorsport. However, by the late twentieth century such events became increasingly difficult to organize due to logistical challenges, international regulations, and the changing structure of professional rally racing.

Historic rally organizations like TransWorld Historic Rallying emerged decades later to revive the spirit of these legendary competitions.

Founding of TransWorld Historic Rallying

TransWorld Historic Rallying was established in the United Kingdom in the early 2010s. Corporate records indicate the company operated from Newport in Wales, placing it within a region that has long been associated with British rallying culture.

The company was founded by motorsport enthusiasts who recognized that historic rally events had an enduring appeal among collectors and drivers of classic vehicles. While major rally championships had shifted toward modern vehicles and shorter stages, there remained a strong demand for events that celebrated the traditions of endurance rallying.

The founders envisioned rallies that would combine competitive driving with historical authenticity. By recreating routes inspired by famous rallies and encouraging participation by vintage vehicles, the organization sought to immerse participants in the experience of classic motorsport.

Despite its ambitious events, TransWorld Historic Rallying operated with a relatively small organizational structure. Estimates suggest the company employed only a handful of people, relying heavily on partnerships with local rally clubs, volunteers, and motorsport officials in each country involved.

The Role of the Website

TransWorldHistoricRallying.com served as the primary digital platform for the organization. In the era before social media dominated motorsport communication, dedicated websites played a crucial role in coordinating international events.

The site performed several important functions:

  • Event Promotion
    The website introduced upcoming rallies, providing summaries of routes, dates, and competition formats.

  • Regulations and Entry Information
    Competitors could access official regulations, vehicle eligibility rules, and entry forms through the site.

  • Participant Coordination
    Drivers and co-drivers could connect with one another through postings and listings.

  • News and Updates
    The website published announcements regarding route planning, vehicle transport logistics, and registration deadlines.

  • Historical Context
    The site also provided background information about the original rallies that inspired the modern recreations.

This combination of promotional content and practical logistics made the website an essential tool for organizing events involving participants from multiple countries.

The Sydney-London Classic Marathon Rally

The most significant event associated with the website was the Sydney-London Classic Marathon Rally, scheduled for April and May 2014. This ambitious rally was designed as a reverse-direction tribute to the historic London-Sydney rallies of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Rather than starting in London, the rally began in Sydney and concluded in the United Kingdom. Organizers explained that reversing the route simplified several logistical challenges, particularly those related to importing vehicles into Australia under strict biosecurity regulations.

The rally was planned as a multi-leg journey spanning thousands of kilometers across two continents.

Australian Leg

The first portion of the rally took place entirely in Australia. Competitors began in Sydney and traveled westward across the country toward Perth. The Australian leg included numerous competitive stages interspersed with long transit sections.

Participants encountered a wide range of landscapes, including coastal roads, inland highways, and remote outback regions. The Australian portion alone covered more than 7,000 kilometers and lasted nearly two weeks.

Vehicle Airlift

Upon reaching Perth, competitors faced one of the most unusual logistical aspects of the rally: the airlift of rally vehicles from Australia to Europe.

Cargo aircraft were chartered to transport dozens of rally cars across continents. Organizers noted that the aircraft capacity determined the maximum number of participants accepted into the event.

Once the vehicles arrived in Europe, the rally resumed for the final stages.

European Leg

The European portion of the rally included routes across several countries before finishing in the United Kingdom. Drivers navigated mountainous terrain, historic roads, and competitive rally stages along the way.

The European leg added approximately 6,000 kilometers to the journey, bringing the total distance of the rally to well over 13,000 kilometers.

Participation and Entry Options

TransWorld Historic Rallying designed the event to accommodate a variety of participants. While some competitors committed to the entire international rally, others entered only specific portions of the route.

Entry options included:

  • Full rally participation from Sydney to London

  • Participation in only the Australian leg

  • Participation in only the European leg

This flexible structure allowed drivers with limited time or resources to experience part of the event while still contributing to the rally’s competitive field.

The rally also included a “Challenge” category designed for participants using more modern passenger vehicles. This category allowed enthusiasts to experience the rally adventure without necessarily owning a historic competition car.

Vehicles and Technical Requirements

Historic rally events typically feature classic cars that reflect the vehicles used in the original competitions. The Sydney-London Classic Marathon Rally encouraged entries from historic rally models popular during the 1960s and 1970s.

Examples of vehicles commonly seen in historic rallies include:

  • Ford Escort rally cars

  • Porsche sports cars

  • Peugeot rally vehicles

  • Various classic European sedans

Many participants spend years restoring these vehicles to rally specifications, making such events a showcase for automotive heritage.

The rally regulations also included technical requirements designed to maintain safety and competitive fairness. These rules addressed issues such as tire types, navigation equipment, and vehicle eligibility.

Organization and Leadership

The website highlighted several key figures involved in organizing the rally and supporting the historic rally community.

Mark Solloway

Mark Solloway played a central role in TransWorld Historic Rallying. A longtime rally driver with more than two decades of experience, he had competed in numerous historic rally events and was deeply involved in the preparation of classic rally cars.

His background included participation in earlier London-Sydney marathon rallies as well as involvement in historic rally vehicle construction.

Ron Jackson

Another key organizer was Ron Jackson, who served as rally manager. His responsibilities included coordinating event headquarters operations and managing rally results services.

Jackson had previously worked as an official in international motorsport, including involvement in the FIA World Rally Championship.

The “Red Shirts”

The rally also relied on a team of experienced motorsport officials known informally as the “Red Shirts.” These officials were known within the historic rally community for their ability to administer complex regulations while maintaining a supportive environment for competitors.

Such teams were essential for managing the numerous stages, checkpoints, and logistical elements involved in long-distance rallies.

Community and Audience

The audience for TransWorldHistoricRallying.com consisted primarily of enthusiasts within the historic motorsport community.

Typical participants and followers included:

  • Classic car collectors

  • Rally drivers and navigators

  • Automotive historians

  • Motorsport journalists

  • Vintage vehicle restoration specialists

Many of these individuals view historic rallies not simply as competitions but as cultural experiences that celebrate automotive engineering and exploration.

Participants often travel internationally to compete in such events, forming a close-knit community that shares a passion for classic vehicles and adventurous driving.

Cultural Significance of Historic Rally Events

Historic rally events occupy a unique place within the broader world of motorsport. While modern racing emphasizes advanced technology and corporate sponsorships, historic rallies focus on heritage and authenticity.

Events like those promoted on TransWorldHistoricRallying.com serve several cultural functions.

First, they preserve the history of automotive competition. Many classic rally cars are rare artifacts that represent important milestones in automotive design.

Second, these rallies recreate the spirit of exploration that characterized early motorsport. Long-distance events encourage participants to experience diverse landscapes and cultures.

Third, historic rallies foster international cooperation. Organizing routes across multiple countries requires collaboration between motorsport organizations, governments, and local communities.

Media Coverage and Public Interest

While historic rally events may not receive the same mainstream coverage as modern championships, they are widely reported in specialized automotive publications.

Magazines focused on classic cars, vintage motorsport, and rally history frequently cover these events. Online forums and enthusiast websites also document the progress of rallies, sharing photographs and stories from participants.

This niche media ecosystem helps maintain interest in historic rallying and attracts new participants to the community.

Technical Infrastructure and Website Management

Behind the scenes, maintaining the website involved significant technical work. Event data, registration details, and logistical planning information had to be coordinated digitally.

In some cases, older database systems were used to manage this information. Integrating these systems with modern web tools required technical expertise and creative solutions.

Such behind-the-scenes work ensured that rally organizers could coordinate participants, track entries, and publish updates effectively.

Legacy of TransWorldHistoricRallying.com

Although the website is no longer regularly updated, archived versions preserve an important record of historic rally organization in the early twenty-first century.

The site illustrates how small but passionate organizations can sustain traditions that might otherwise fade from public memory. By recreating legendary rally routes and encouraging participation by classic vehicles, TransWorld Historic Rallying helped keep alive a form of motorsport defined by endurance, adventure, and international cooperation.

For enthusiasts exploring the history of marathon rally events, TransWorldHistoricRallying.com remains a valuable snapshot of how the historic rally community operates.

 

TransWorldHistoricRallying.com represented far more than a simple event website. It was a portal into a specialized world where automotive history, endurance driving, and international exploration intersect.

Through its promotion of the Sydney-London Classic Marathon Rally and similar events, the site showcased the dedication of individuals committed to preserving the legacy of historic motorsport. Participants in these rallies are not merely drivers; they are caretakers of automotive heritage who bring vintage machines back to life on some of the world’s most demanding roads.

By organizing rallies that span continents and celebrate classic vehicles, TransWorld Historic Rallying contributed to keeping the spirit of marathon rallying alive for new generations of enthusiasts.

Even years later, the archived pages of the site continue to tell the story of a community driven by passion, history, and the thrill of the open road.

 

TransWorldHistoricRallying.com