HERO, the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation, and the CRA, the Classic Rally Association, have joined forces to become one of the leading rallying organizations in the UK and Europe. The joint venture will focus on improving the two groups’ existing events to enhance the classic car enthusiasts’ experience, and will integrate the annual calendar of rallies and events into a simplified structure.
“Joining forces with the CRA will benefit classic car enthusiasts, as sharing resources will improve our combined portfolio of rallies and trials. It will also allow the development of joint initiatives such as training days for novices and tailor made events,” said Tomas de Vargas Machuca, Managing Director of HERO.
The CRA is internationally renowned for European events such as the Classic Marathon, the Winter Challenge, the Poppy Rally and the UK based Rally of the Tests and Three Legs of Mann, while HERO is known for events such as LEJOG, Scottish Malts, Summer Trial, Throckmorton Challenge and the London—Lisboa Reliability Trial and Tour.
“HERO and the CRA both run very well known events. The consolidated joint organization will focus on achieving operational efficiency and exploiting marketing synergies,” said Patrick Burke, Managing Director of HERO. “It does not mean that the CRA will become part of HERO or vice versa. The different styles of the events are an important factor for competitors, and we have no intention of changing that,” he added. The two teams will continue to operate as they have done until now, under their own brand and maintaining the different styles of their respective events. Peter Nedin, Event Director at HERO, said: “HERO and the CRA joining forces can only benefit the classic rally movement. It will provide HERO and CRA members with increased benefits and greater events. Classic Rallying has never looked better”
