Summer Trial 2009

The 2008 inaugural Summer Trial based in Malvern in Worcestershire was voted a resounding success by all those who took part. The standard HERO format of regularity sections, link sections and driving tests presented in an easy to follow “tulip” Roadbook gave experienced and novice crews three enjoyable days of competition.

The event was originally conceived to satisfy specific requests from competitors. Those new to the sport of endurance rallying asked for an event which provided all the elements of the longer and tougher events but made allowances for the fact that five or six days of competition can be a daunting concept to a novice.

Seasoned competitors asked for an event which would have less impact on the working week. The HERO Summer Classic Reliability Trial and Tour was introduced to satisfy both requirements. Judging from the comments made at the prize-giving dinner, the format worked and will be repeated in 2009.

The event took place between 16^th and 18^th July 2009, and once again was based at the Abbey Hotel in Great Malvern. Loops into Wales, the Heart of England and Welsh Marches presented crews with a challenging and demanding route but allowed competitors to return each night to relax without the need to constantly pack and unpack luggage.

Scrutineering and documentation took place on Wednesday the 15^th with a limited number of places being available for evening scrutineering for crews unable to attend during the day.

Popular with many crews in 2008 was the Wednesday tour of the Morgan factory located only ten minutes from the start. Competitors were surprised and delighted how close to the cars they were allowed to get and how happy the Morgan personnel were to stop work to answer questions. Once again we were delighted to be able to offer this tour.

The historic hill climb at Shelsley Walsh was the location of a driving test in 2008; delight clearly showing on the faces of all the competitors as they were brought down the hill in convoy. Individual performance was only a part of this pleasure – driving the hill meaning so much to so many of the crews. Arrangements were once again, made for Shelsley Walsh to feature as part of the 2009 event. To ensure that they do not miss out on this experience, Tour entrants were again  allowed to drive at a reduced speed up the hill.

The entry for the 2009 HERO Summer Reliability Trial and Tour were open to cars made before 31^st December 1983, and the fee included accommodation for two crew members sharing a room for the nights of 15^th to 18^th July, welcome and prize giving dinners on 15^th and 18^th July, lunch on the three days of competition, a full tulip road book, rally plates, event souvenirs, and finishers’ awards. Vehicles entered in the Reliability Trial were classed according to age, engine size and vehicle type (i.e. saloon or sport/GT), and as with all HERO events, crews were competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.