subject: Classic Cars And A Holiday Together [print this page] Author: Mark Bartley
Formula One may receive all the motorsport headlines and its ace drivers be paid millions of pounds, but for others a more modest sport involving cars is what takes their interest. Many fantasise about driving a Formula One car and for almost all of them it will always remain a fantasy, but taking part in an inspirational motor sport event is not beyond the reach of everyone and some memorable experiences can had in the world of vintage and classic motoring and for a fraction of the cost. Combine that with a visit to a perfect holiday destination and the experience of a lifetime can be had for a fraction of the cost you would have imagined.
Historic motoring is a branch of motorsport that caters for older vehicles. Of course, some of these cars might as well be as valuable as a top F1 car, but we're not suggesting buying a classic Ferrari to compete in the Mille Miglia. No these historic motoring events are much lower key and rather than a cherished Bugatti, you could be tackling the stages in a vintage Porsche or a classic Datsun 260Z from the seventies. Unlike the current day Mille Miglia which is now more of a showcase procession rather than a real competition (the original race was banned in 1957 after an unfortunate accident killed two competitors and thirteen spectators).
Vintage car events that take place in favoured holiday spots include races in Tenerife, Madeira, Mallorca, France and on the Algarve in Portugal.
Mallorca has seen two historic motoring events in recent years. The first was in 2007 when the vintage car clubs of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza decided to host an annual get together and drive their vehicles around a route of one of the islands. In 2007 the Trobado Balear Vehiculos saw the inaugural rally of 87 vehicles drive around a 90km route on Ibiza. In October 2008 Mallorca was the second host and on the second day two a 128km journey saw the cars passing through Palma, S'Esglaieta, Santa Maria, Binisalem, Lloseta, Biniamar, Selva and Inca. In 2009 the same event took place in Menorca on the 10th and 11th October. Starting from the Plaza d`es Born in Ciutadella, the route passed through Es Migjorn, Mercadal, Monte Toro and Martorellet. A more gentle cruise to Mahon made up the next day's challenge.
Mallorca's more famous historic car event gained its status . The event can be seen during March and attracts all kinds of drivers from retired motoring racing aces to celebrities. The 2010 event runs between 25th and 27th March and already has almost 100 cars on its start list including several Porsches, a Lancia Stratos, Jaguars, Fords, MGs and BMWs. The oldest vehicle is a 1952 Aston Martin with a 1981 Mitsubishi Lancer being the youngest.
On Madeira in the Atlantic the 22nd Classic Car Rally took place on 24th, 25th and 36th June and attracts all kinds of cars. This annual event for vintage and classic cars has a route that covers the whole island over three days.
Tenerife also organises a vintage motorsport event that attract cars from both the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. In November the Rallye Isla Tenerife Historico sees various cars starting from the race headquarters at Parque Maritimo in the capital to tackle the 250 mile route.
The Algarve Historic Motor Festival takes place during October at the modern Autodromo Internacional do Algarve motor racing circuit near Portimao. Its event sticks to the track rather than the road, with cars [racing in various categories} defined by age and vehicle class. Sterling Moss raced his own car there last year. The 4km circuit provided a perfect venue for racers and spectators alike who particularly enjoyed the two hour endurance race for two driver teams that finished late in the evening when headlights were required. Fans and drivers were able to enjoy the warm southern Portuguese weather both during the event and afterwards if the had decided to spend more time in the Algarve on the beach.
So if motor racing is your sport and you're looking to go away this year, the holiday destinations of Madeira, Mallorca or Portugal could be the answer to your need.About the Author:
With a cheap flight to Madeirayou could be perfectly placed to to enjoy a classic historic motoring event while at the same time enjoying a welcome break in the sun on this attractive Portuguese island.
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