Last week South African motor racing legend and former F1 World Champion Jody Schecter took his Excellency Dr Zola Skweyiya, the South African High Commissioner, on a high speed run to launch a major new motoring event.
The even is called ‘Lormarins 1200’, and will be staged in South Africa in October this year. During the launch through London’s Mayfair over £10 million worth of historic cars were present to promote the new non-competitive road rally which is to take place in South Africa’s Western Cape.
The cars, including a 1932 Alfa 8c Monza, a 1957 Ferrari Tour de France one of only seven made and a 1952 Jaguar -C type took members of the press and television on a series high speed runs.
Event organiser Chris Routledge said: “We want this new event to rival the Mille Miglia and the Tour Auto. Initial plans are for five years and already we have received prospective entries from all over the World.”
Between 40 and 50 cars are due to take part in this years ‘Lormarins 1200’ which has been born of the passion for both historic motor cars and the Western Cape wine region, long fostered by Mr Johann Rupert.
The event is designed to showcase the rich variety of South Africa’s world-renowned wine region, the breathtaking beauty of the Western Cape flora and fauna and the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Highlights will include opportunities for whale watching off the spectacular coast; driving through the world famous Franschhoek Pass; a variety of routes taking in Betty’s Bay, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Cape Town, Chapman’s Peak and Du Toitskloof – the very best of the peninsula’s scenery and most challenging of its roads.
This year’s event is restricted to a maximum of 50 entrants and rally entrants are restricted to motor vehicles built between 1940 and 1970.
