Rally for the Ages – Kids Go Free
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As the only historic rally to offer a ‘For the Young for Free’ concept, HERO-ERA has officially launched the fourth edition of Rally for the Ages, set to take place on 11 July 2026 in Hardwick, near Bicester. The event, focussed on young people, continues to attract a strong youth following, with over 30% of last year’s entry made up of teenagers – including three 12-year-old navigators. The one-day rally provides an accessible introduction to historic motoring, combining regularities and driving tests across an 80-mile route in a supportive and family- friendly environment.
The simple format of scrutineering and signing on before some helpful pre-event briefing helps to ease any beginner’s nerves before they set out onto the winding country roads around Bicester. Crews will tackle four regularities and four tests, with a midday break, before travelling back to the finish to enjoy the social side of rallying with fellow beginners whilst hoping for an award at the prize giving.
There has been an eclectic mix of machinery entered over the last three editions, in 2025 the 103-year-old Vauxhall 30-98 of James Portway and his son Lorcan was the passport to their first ever rally, James saying afterwards, “We wanted to give it a try andwelovedit.” OrthebrotherandsistercrewofTamzinandRolandThomas,who persuaded their father to lend them his bright green Mini 1275 GT to consecutive podium in 2024.
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