WITH FRED GALLAGHER, SPORTING DIRECTOR
What inspired you and Alec to create Tour Britannia?
“I have always been fascinated by the cross-over between racing and rallying. During the 2003 East African Safari Rally, where I was Clerk of the Course, the topic came up in a conversation with Ray Bellm, the BRDC Chairman and a very successful racing driver who has recently taken to historic rallying with equal aplomb. Before long, the idea of an event in Britain encompassing both disciplines had taken shape.”
Why is Tour Britannia different to any other event on the British motorsport calendar?
“With four days of competition, Tour Britannia will be the longest sporting event in the country. This, combined with the fact that any car, irrespective of age or engine size, is in with a chance of outright victory, and that one moment we will be competing on the Historic Grand Prix Circuit at Silverstone, the next in the grounds of a magnificent English stately home. It will give us an event that is in the true sense of the word, unique.”
What type of cars are you hoping to attract?
“All road legal pre-1976 cars are eligible to enter Tour Britannia, although priority will be given to cars of a type which competed in the British Empire Trophy from 1951 to 1958 or the Tourist Trophy from 1905 to 1965, and cars which have played a significant part in British motor sporting history.
“Particularly welcome will be 1920s and 1930s sports cars of the type raced in the Tourist Trophies at Ards and Donington. Smaller engined cars in the Competition category have the added incentive that the overall award will be determined on Index of performance. And the Touring-Regularity competitors are equally important. They will drive all the circuits and stages with the extra challenge of sticking to an exact time schedule without the use of any modern electronic instruments.”
Can you give a brief overview of the route?
“Contracts with circuits have just been finalised. We already know we are going to Cadwell Park, Snetterton and, of course, Silverstone. Another race venue will be confirmed very soon. We have already come to agreements with a number of stately home owners and other asphalt special stage venues. The full itinerary will be revealed early in the New Year.”
Why did you decide to establish a central base in Stratford-upon-Avon?
“Initially we looked at touring the country with a different hotel each night. However, it quickly became apparent from conversations with prospective entrants that a single base was much more attractive. Early starts are always a lot easier when you don’t have to pack and there’s always the joy of coming back to fresh laundry! Families can come and join the fun too; a day at the races followed by shopping and exploring the sights of Shakespeare’s birthplace.”
The format of the event is similar to others, especially those run in some European countries. Are you trying to replicate these or does Tour Britannia have something unique to offer?
“We wouldn’t be professional if we hadn’t looked at events such as the Tour Auto, Tour de España and Cento Ore. However, we are not out to copy. We believe that Britain’s motor sporting reputation, built up over the last hundred or more years, is such that competitors from around the world will want to join us in this great event.”
What is the overall atmosphere you are trying to establish?
“A top-quality British event that shows off the best in British motorsport, accommodation, cuisine and, most importantly, hospitality. All of the organisational team are past, and in some cases present competitors, and we guarantee a superbly run professional event with the only stress being trying to beat ones competitors!”
What are your hopes and aspirations for the event?
“A full entry and 180 happy crews at the BRDC Clubhouse at Silverstone on the afternoon of Thursday 8th September. Longer term, we plan to run Tour Britannia annually and establish it as one of the most professional and highly-regarded fixtures on the British motorsport calendar.”
