The popular HERO Challenge series returns for 2026 with the first round being based in the South West using the Holiday Inn in Taunton as the starting point.
We will have a good selection of tests plus the South West roads on a weekend before it gets too busy in the season.
The event will follow the normal format for a HERO Challenge with scrutineering on the Friday afternoon and evening. Saturday morning will see competitors departing for a full day’s competition in and around the South West before heading back to the Holiday Inn for the finish and prize giving.
Event Schedule
Day 0 - Scrutineering & Documentation - 10th April 2026
Scrutineering and Documentation is scheduled as usual on Friday afternoon/early evening allowing crews plenty of time to travel.
Day 1 - Rally Day - 11th April 2026
The 150-mile route starting and finishing at the Holiday Inn Taunton, as well as lunch within the fabulous grounds of Bridwell Park, will follow the usual HERO Challenge format of around 7 Regularities and smooth tests around the Somerset/Devon border, taking in the Blackdown Hills and utilising the quality airfields built for WW2 as test venues along with the prestigious Wiscombe Park Hillclimb.
The majority of crews will be back to finish before 5:30pm affording the opportunity to head home in good time after the awards presentation.
Vehicle Information
- Entry is open to cars of a model type available pre-1991
- The cars will be split into classes, based on age and cc or other criteria established by the organisers
What is included in the Entry Fee?
- Event participation for one eligible car with a crew of two – Driver & Navigator
- Detailed Route Book & Time Cards
- Lunch and Prize Giving Buffet Dinner for each crew member along with refreshments at specific locations advised in the route book
- Awards presentation
- One souvenir rally plate
- Two side number panels
- Overall awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd
- Class Awards to third in class – if there are three or more crews per class
- Special awards at organisers discretion
- HERO-ERA mechanical assist/sweep team(s) on event, to help keep crews moving
- An experienced team of HERO-ERA officials & marshals to keep the event moving and on track
- Results team and Media team keeping your family and friends, following the event, up to date
- Post event, detailed results book
Entry List
| Driver | Navigator | Year | Vehicle | CC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Davis (MY) | Stewart Raynor (GB) | 1968 | MG B | 1800 |
| Alan Selwood (GB) | Mike Jones (GB) | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Graeme Bolt (GB) | Graeme Bolt (GB) | 1974 | Fiat 124 Spider | 1800 |
| Mark Shipman (GB) | TBC | 1980 | Triumph Dolomite Sprint | 1998 |
| Paul Sanders (GB) | Michael Davies (GB) | 1971 | MG Midget | 1275 |
| Sue Ray (GB) | TBC | 1965 | Volvo Amazon 122S | 1780 |