Said to be the longest running worldwide motor event, The
Veteran car run from our country's capital kicked off yesterday at Hyde Park and finished on the wonderful Brighton seafront. Although the weather left much to be desired, participants remained enthusiastic towards their largely anticipated journey. Organisers stated that the extremely heavy downfall, soaking much of the south East, put none of the challengers off as they ploughed on to complete their task.
Vintage run from London begins
The race involved over 400 pre-1905 vehicles and among the celebrity motor enthusiasts taking part was Nick Mason from 60's/70's psychedelic rock band Pink Floyd and Tony Hirst from Leading Soap Coronation Street. Our very own racing driver
Sir Stirling Moss, although not his preferred motor also took part, all in the name of fun. The task even included a runner taking on the veteran cars as Duncan Phillips enjoyed a private wager with American Dan Suskin to see if he could beat him and his ancient vehicle to the coast, with the light-hearted incentive that the loser buys the ice cream.
Charity gains from the rally
The
Royal Automotive Club who organises the event explained that it celebrates the Emancipation run of 1896, commemorating the locomotives on the Highway Act. Where the automobile allowed speed levels was raised from a staggering 4mph to a rocketing 14mph (Bearing in mind this is over 100 years ago). During this race 33 participants set off in their cars with only 14 completing the journey to the seafront (maybe the ice cream wasn't as tasty). Every Year a different country is honoured during the awesome automobile affair, this year being our “Great” Britain, to tie in with other fantastic events we have hosted, such as the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and of course this year's Paralympic and Olympic games. All of the money raised this year will be going to our much loved and much celebrated charity The British Legion. The charity provide support to those who have served or are still serving in the Armed Forces and the people who depend on them!
