Special Motorsports Event - London Rally Starts At Brooklands

London, Jan. 9, 2013: Brooklands - the birthplace of British motorsport - will host the start of a brand new motorsport event, the London Rally 4 Heroes on 19 April. Bringing an asphalt stage rally to the London area for the first time in two decades, the London Rally will showcase Britain's best rally cars and drivers close to the capital.

The MoD has opened the gates of 60 miles of private military roads to create this rally. There will be spectator stages, where families can get close-up views of the cars in action. 100 entries are expected for this unique event, which will generate funds for the Help 4 Heroes charity, which aids rehabilitation of wounded soldiers. For every mile covered by every car on the London Rally, more money will be donated.

The London Rally is being organised by the experienced Southern Car Club, in association with other motor clubs in the region. The aim is to grow the event to National Championship status in three years and to double the stage mileage to 120 miles. Stages in Windsor Great Park and North Hampshire could be added in 2014.

"Our ambition is to establish the London Rally in 2013 and keep it growing to get top-class recognition. As a thank you to the MoD for making these new roads available for our rally competitors, we are proud to contribute to the charity that helps our military heroes. I want all of our crews to secure additional sponsorship from their friends and business colleagues so that we can make a valuable donation to Help 4 Heroes," says Rick Smith, Rally Director.

Says Allan Winn, Director of the popular Brooklands Museum: "Brooklands Museum is delighted to be the start venue for this brand new motorsport event. We gave birth to the sport in Britain and are delighted to nurture this new, young event, which will grow into a prestige event to add to our long history of sporting success.

"It will be exciting to have top-class rally teams here and this will bring a new group of spectators to the Museum, which will spread awareness of the magnificent displays on show here all year round."

Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond MP, says: "I am delighted that the MoD will be able to support the London Rally 4 Heroes in 2013. The MoD's estate accounts for one percent of the entire landmass of the UK, and provides a perfect environment for a dynamic and exhilarating event like rally driving.

"Brooklands, in my constituency, has been home to both British motorsport, and to some of the great names in aviation, including Hawker, Sopwith and Vickers. Its links to both motorsport and defence make it a perfect starting point for what promises to be a superb event in support of Help for Heroes."