Following the success of A Novice Trial held at the Hellidon Lakes Hotel last year, we will once again return to this fantastic location in rural Northamptonshire, an ideal venue for both the training elements as well as direct access to some great roads for the practical elements of Historic Road Rallying.
The popular format of A Novice Trial is designed to explain and demonstrate the skills required for classic car rallying in a fun and informative way. The event is aimed at those new to rallying, or as an introduction to the sport for friends and family.
The event begins on the Friday evening with a seminar covering the basics of rallying, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the practical sessions. Saturday will alternate practical and theory lessons to help you build on your newfound skills before culminating on Sunday with a mini rally to put those new skills to the test and show you exactly what to expect on your next adventure with HERO-ERA.
The action concludes early on Sunday afternoon with an awards ceremony and a buffet lunch, so you’ll have time to return home at a reasonable hour in readiness for the rigours of a Monday morning.
You will leave with all the tools necessary to tackle a HERO-ERA Green or Blue Event, such as the Summer Trial or the HERO Challenge series, ensuring that you not only enjoy the event but also give you a chance to work up the leaderboard.
Event Schedule
Day One
17:00 – 17:30 Registration - Hellidon Lakes Hotel
17:30 – 19:00 Classroom Session - Hellidon Lakes Hotel
Day Two
08:00 – 10:00 Vehicle Checks & Documentation – Hellidon Lakes Hotel
10:00 – 11:00: Coffee & Classroom Session
11:15 – 12:30: Road & Test Session
13:00 – 13:45: Lunch Break
13:45 – 14:45: Classroom Session
15:00 – 16:30: Road Session
17:45 – 18:15: De-Brief & Q&A Session
Collect Rally Plates & Sunday Route Book
Day Three
08:30 First car starts Competitive Event
13:30 First car finishes Competitive Event
14:00 Lunch
15:00 Results Published & Awards
15:30 Finish
All times are approximate
Mini Rally
The rally component of the Novice Trial will take participants on a scenic route starting straight from Hellidon Lakes, featuring a mix of Tests and Regularities in the surrounding area. The route includes a mid-point coffee break and continues with a slightly more challenging return leg designed to build on the skills taught on Saturday. With expert guidance from the HERO-ERA team, these Regularities will feel manageable and rewarding, providing a real taste of classic car rallying.
Vehicle Information
For the Mini Rally on the Sunday
- All cars will be eligible for overall awards
- Entry is open to any vehicle of a specification valid before the 1st January 1991
- HERO-ERA continue to generally favour older cars and the route chosen has been planned accordingly but newer cars will feel equally at home
What is included in the Entry Fee?
- Entry to the event for a crew of two people
- Expert tuition from the HERO-ERA Team, one of the most experienced team in historic rallying
- Detailed “Tulip” style Route Book with overview maps
- Comprehensive training sessions on the use of the Route Book and Regularity rallying
- Buffet Lunch on Saturday and Sunday
- Coffee & tea at designated stops
- Event regalia
- Overall & finishers awards
- Mechanical assistance available if required during the event