102nd MONTE CARLO RALLY RETURNS TO YE OLDE BELL HOTEL, BARNBY MOOR
Saturday 26 January 2013, 6:30 pm (18.30 hrs) onwards
Spectators and enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Ye Olde Bell Hotel at Barnby Moor, near Retford just off the A1, on Saturday, 26 January from 6:30pm. The hotel is delighted to once again be the OFFICIAL CHECKPOINT for the 102nd Monte Carlo Classic Rally, as the midway checkpoint for the cars en route from their ‘spiritual home’ of Glasgow down to Dover. They then cross the channel and drive to Valence for the start of the famous concentration runs in the Alps before emerging into the sunshine of the French Riviera and Monte Carlo after a 2,000km drive.
Glasgow joins Barcelona, Reims and Copenhagen as a host city for 2013.
Over 40 classic cars, such as Porsches and Lancias, from the 1920 to 1980 era plus a further 60 cars competing in the special support events will all cross the start ramp.
The centenary rally in 2011 saw over 9,000 spectators in Glasgow, organisers are this year expecting in excess of 12,000 and have therefore moved the start from Blythswood Square to the People’s Palace on Glasgow Green. Those behind it believe Glasgow could set a new record for the biggest send-off in the rally’s 102 year history.
The Monte Carlo Rally is one of the most famous motorsport events in the world and was created in 1911 by Prince Albert 1 to entice wealthy car owners to the famous casinos of the French Riviera. The annual pilgrimage from start points all over Europe is now synonymous with glamour, human adventure and beautiful cars.
Additional Information & Things You May Not Know:
- The 2013 start date of 26 January is actually ‘Australia Day’ and one of the most famous names in Australian sport, Craig Lowndes, multiple championship winner, will be amongst the drivers competing this year from Glasgow. Upon reaching Monte Carlo, the 38 year old will be immediately whisked off to Nice to test in the Formula One support event, the V8 Supercar championship. More accustomed to high speed modern cars, he faces a tight schedule to fit the classic event around preparations for the V8 series and the Bathurst 1000 race.
- Another driver departing from Glasgow is hedge fund manager Rick Pearson, who hopes to break the world land speed record later in 2013. Swiss-based Pearson is part of the Speed Scotland team attempting to reach 315mph at Utah in Autumn in its concept car, The Flower of Scotland.
“It is the all-time classic winter motoring adventure. Last year we slept 6 hours of the first 60 hours of the rally and the snow was so deep in the Alpine sections, it was coming over the bonnet of the car. In saying that, we can’t wait to be back and we are looking forward to a great Glasgow send-off.”
- The six starting points for the first Monte in 1911 were Geneva, Paris, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Vienna, Brussels and Berlin.
- In 1953, a total of 404 teams left for Monte Carlo from all start points.
- In 1957, a bus seating 10 people enrolled for the event. Unfortunately, the ’57 edition was cancelled as the Suez Crisis enforced the rationing of petrol.
- In 1961, the BBC entered a London taxi and a three man-crew. It reached Monaco successfully, sparking worldwide interest.
- In 1966, the disqualification of the top four cars (all British) for infringement of headlight regulations almost brought the event to its knees, with protests tabled to the French organisers. The race was won by Paris-based Finn, Pauli Toivonen, in a Citreon.
- In 1973, the Scotsman newspaper entered a Mini.
For Further information on this release please contact:
- Kenneth Stephen, PR and Communications Officer, Monte Carlo Classic Rally, Glasgow 2013, on 07823 770 651
- Sue Wilson, Sales & Marketing, Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Restaurant, Barnby Moor, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 8QS on 078 43 767 223
For more information about the event, see the official website http://www.seeglasgow.com/glasgow-monte-carlo-rally/