Who told that we shouldn't exploit old automobiles? That we should take care of them and just enjoy their existence and clean shiny appearance? It's unfair! I think that while a car has wheels it must go through the world, pass turns, rev its engine, burn its tire and gas giving unforgettable emotions to its driverowner! I think that most of you won't agree with me, but there are some like-minded persons. They are the veterans of Monte-Carlo Rally, who conduct historical races each year.
Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique has the aim of bringing back those feelings that have had racer since the first Monte-Carlo Rally in 1911. The main requirement of Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique is the same car models that were used in the original race.
RMCH takes its origin from the late 90-s of past century. During the exhibition of vintage cars, before the start of usual modern rally, the owners of vintage rally automobiles offered to arrange a special rally for them. Why not? But if it's a historic race, the cars and tracks must be the same as in the original one.
The first race took place in 1998 with 60 car members. Next year the number of cars doubled! Nowadays the number of participants goes up to 320 cars and it's not a limit! Organizer of the rally is AUTOMOBILE CLUB DE MONACO (www.acm.mc), they also organize the modern Rallye Monte-Carlo Challange, Monaco Grand Prix in Formula 1.
In 2012 the rally was carried out from 28-th january up to 4-th february. Before each rally-race members start from 6 different cities and make their way to Monako, where the rally starts. Turin (Italy), Reims (France), Barcelona (Spain), Warsaw(Poland), Glasgow (Scotland) and Oslo (Norway). If you look on a map you'll see that the rout from each city forms a star, so that's why this start-stage is called "Star-shaped". Each ray of the star has different length, so it may be 952 kilometres from Turin or 2355 from Warsaw. Of course for this routs and special stages racers get additional points.
In the afternoon of 31 january all "rays" meet in the Embankment of Prince Albert which is nominally The Center of the Rally. Here all tracks take their starts and almost each race finishes here. After long, tough and difficult way participants park their automobiles in the Closed Park and have a free evening to discuss their way from home to Monako or the following race.
Next morning in 6 a.m. the first race takes its place from the Embankment to the french city of Valance. The next race is Valance-Valance with special stages which conducts in the 2-nd of February. Next morning the participants come back in Monako, where the legendary race «Col de Turine» is waiting for them.
According to the rules of RMCH more than 100 brands from different manufacturers may go in race and even much more models! This year 306 cars were registered for the race and 296 came to the start.
Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique uses the same standing orders as each modern rally does - it tackles the routs, time, GPS navigation and so on, but there is one exception - during the race all used roads are opened for a civil traffic.
All automobiles were specially tuned and prepared for the rally. First of all it touches up safety systems - frames, racing seats with special five-point seat belts. In addition the standing order permits tuning of performance, however an engine, exhaust and chassis must correspond to a technical passport!
Categories and classes.
Categories:
1. constructed before 31.12.1961
2. constructed between 01/01/1962 and 31/12/1965
3. constructed between 01/01/1966 and 12/31/1971
4. constructed between 01/01/1972 and 31/12/1979
In each category cars are subdivided into classes according to the engine capacity:
1. Up to 1300 cc
2. 1301-2000 cc
3. More than 2,000 cc
Rally Monte-Carlo Historique is the most prestigious and tough amateur competition that has ever been held. Taking a part in this event is quite prestigious and incredibly difficult! However, despite this fact each person that has a willing may become a competitor in this rally. The only thing - your car must fulfill the standing order. The most popular makes among rally drivers are - Lancia, Alfa-Romeo, Porsche, Renault (Alpine) and Mini.
Accidents, disqualification
As in each race there are many dangerous moments that cause damage to the participants of the event and their cars. Broken headlight or dent in front bumper was a usual scene this year.
At the very begining there was a big accident during night preliminary stage after which many participants couldn't continue the race because of the taken damage. Some rally drivers couldn't cope with snowbound tracks and were taken out of the track where they stucked and couldn't come back to the race without outside help.
However there were some cases, when drivers expressed their discourtesy. For example one of automobiles was pushed by another car and got into ravine. Physical contact is forbidden by the rules and violator may be disqualified, so noone confessed. Rude driver wasn't found, but this event could cost a live.
Finish!
There is no such team, which can say that it was easy to overcome all difficulties of the race. This year was reach for accidents. Only 225 out of 295automobiles were able to cross the finish line.
This year the first place belongs to belgian pilot Jose Lyarepp and his Opel Cadette GTE '1978. But who will take the first place next year? Maybe it will be you? We'll see, and here are some videos for you to learn from experienced rally driver - from veterans. =)
