Lanarkshire to host part of RAC Rally of the Tests

Lanarkshire will play host to a portion of the prestigious RAC Rally of the Tests, a challenging 750-mile rally that will test the skills of crews and vintage vehicles from around the globe. The four-day event will feature two speed trials at both the Forrestburn hillclimb track and the West of Scotland kart club track, as well as a road section through South Lanarkshire. With 80 crews participating, including competitors from as far as the USA and Hong Kong, the rally will showcase a variety of vintage cars ranging in age from three to nine decades old.

Among the racers are Lanark couple George and Rosalind Topp, who will be driving their 1966 Volvo Amazon 132S in the rally. The event, which starts in Darlington and will pass through Edinburgh and Lanarkshire before finishing in Windermere, aims to recreate the iconic RAC Rallies of the 1960s. Drivers will face 30 speed tests across private estates, hill climb tracks, forests, and military land, including locations such as Monklands sporting car club and the West of Scotland track in Larkhall.

During the Lanarkshire leg of the race, crews will take a rest break at the Strathaven Hotel before continuing through South Lanarkshire towards a speed trial at Kames racetrack in Ayrshire. The rally, known as one of Europe’s toughest historic regularity rallies, will also feature challenging navigational sections and night drives. Scottish duo George and Rosalind Topp, alongside other teams with Scottish members, are geared up for this testing competition that celebrates the heritage of classic rallying.

The RAC Rally of the Tests has attracted a diverse field of 80 crews, bringing together vintage cars from different eras and locations. This event not only showcases the passion for classic rallying but also highlights the scenic routes and challenging terrains that Lanarkshire has to offer. Audience and enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing a display of automotive history and competitive spirit in this thrilling rally event.