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A special treat awaits visitors to this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, as classic rallying specialists, HERO Events, brings the 2019 RAC Rally of the Tests to the NEC for the very first time.

On Saturday 9 November, cars and crews competing in the RAC Rally of the Tests, arguably one of the UK’s toughest events, will take on an indoor course in one of the seven show halls. With a wonderful selection of classic and vintage vehicles competing, the crews will be battling it out to set the fastest time to lift the winner’s trophy at the finish line.

Show Director Lee Masters said: “This is an opportunity to get up close to the action and admire these rally cars once the test is over. It’s a fantastic addition that is guaranteed to make this year’s show even more of an attraction.”

The action, which will last for around two hours, takes place in Hall 6 and will see competitors tackling a thrilling speed and agility test. This will mark the half-way point of the Rally, and crews will be waved away from the NEC to continue with the event. On hand to provide commentary and interviews will be motorsport expert, former rally driver and HERO Communications Director, Tony Jardine.

HERO Operations Director, Brian Whyte, explains: “It has taken two years of negotiations and planning to pull off this first – bringing an iconic event, the RAC Rally of the Tests, right into the heart of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery. A perfect fit I’d say. Visitors will also be able to learn how to get involved in this area of motorsport, be it marshalling or taking part. HERO personnel will be on hand to offer advice.”

This year’s RAC Rally of the Tests takes place from 7-10 November and sees more than 60 crews set out from the start in Torquay. Over the course of 750 miles, they will head to Bristol and into Wales, tackling a challenging mix of tests and regularities before reaching the finish line in Chester. Competing for prestigious awards, there is also a superb mix of entries from a 1936 Derby Bentley to MGs, Porsches, Minis, and plenty more.

“We are incredibly excited about this special addition to the show” added Lee Masters. “The HERO Events rallies always present a real challenge to competitors, so to have part of the Rally of the Tests take place within the NEC will be a real spectacle for everyone coming to this year’s show.”

Visitors should also head to the HERO Events stand to find out more, and they can even try driving a classic for themselves with cars from the ‘Arrive and Drive’ fleet on hand.  It’s also a great opportunity to check out the Rally of the Tests clothing and regalia produced specially to commemorate this special appearance at the NEC season finale on its 35th anniversary.

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery. For more information including ticket options and booking details, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.

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Notes to Editors:

About the Classic Motor Show

The Classic Motor Show, organised by Clarion Events Ltd, is the world’s biggest classic vehicle club event featuring 3,000 vehicles and 300 clubs. The show brings together the full supply chain for the classic car market. As well as incorporating a myriad of car club marques and models, it features restoration companies, dealers, services providers, suppliers, auctions, the UK’s biggest Autojumble, celebrities and live features.

About Clarion Events Ltd

Clarion Events Ltd organises more than 200 events each year across the globe, ranging from exhibitions, conferences and seated events. Well-known for identifying high-value, niche audiences in difficult-to-reach markets and building them into market-leading products.

Over 12,000 companies trust them with their custom each year, with more than 750,000 people attending the events annually. Clarion was recently named Most Influential Company over the Past 25 Years in the Association of Event Organisers Excellence Awards (2018).

Lancaster Insurance Services is the headline sponsor of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show in November. The company celebrated its 30th year in 2014 and insures all types of classic cars and vehicles. In April 2015, Lancaster Insurance entered the Guinness World Records for the ‘largest parade of MGs at Rockingham Circuit with the help of MG owners’ nationwide. It was acquired from Capita Insurance Services by Markerstudy Group in November 2013. Further information can be found at www.lancasterinsurance.co.uk/

For further media information, images and press accreditation, please contact:

Andrea Seed, PR Director, Poppyseed Media Ltd

Mobile: +44 (0) 7812 010 765

Email: [email protected]

Photos by Blue Passion Photo