Monte Carlo Historique 2017


With the 85th Monte Carlo rally not even a week past, the 20th Monte Carlo Historique Rally for historic cars gets underway today and among this year's entry of over 300 quality historic cars and crews; including 2016 winners Perfetti and Kessel in a Renault Alpine, are 22 crews entered under the Team IRDC banner. The IRDC contingent is led by club secretary Tony Graham, again co-driving for brother Steve in their trademark red Lancia Fulvia HF.

All UK teams starting from Bad Homburg are now checked in and ready to leave from 14.30 today, Friday 27th January. They will follow those crews that began from Copenhagen and have to pass through Germany as the rally heads south east into France for a check point in Langres, here the cars that started from Glasgow and Reims join the concentration route that then continues through the night bringing competitors closer and closer to Monte Carlo, where tired crews eventually arrive late afternoon Saturday after also completing the first competitive stage.

First thing Sunday and competitors drive back into the mountains where a series of timed sections over three days will conclude back in Monte Carlo where the winner is declared at the rather grand Gala Dinner.

In the latest news we hear is that the Austin Healey navigated by seasoned co-driver Peter Scott has run into problems with a broken down service vehicle and delayed flights from New York. We are receiving up to date news from IRDC club member Peter Baker who is servicing for Sunbeam Ti #226 driven by Clive Berry with Rupert Barker on the maps. At the Reims starting point networking with crews before heading south is IRDC club chairman Shaun Martin. who with Paul Parkinson who will lend their support and follow the rally into the montains.

The club wishes competitors and all those associated with the rally a safe and enjoyable event.

27th January, 2017