Another year has passed and for all those that love the roar of real engines and not the whine of the EV’s, that for me and I am not alone nothing can beat the engines of not only rally cars but the unique sound of the classic cars. Motoring fans across the island and beyond do not have long to wait as on Thursday 6th March at Puerto Portals Marina and for 3 days those engines, those cars and World class drivers, everyday drivers and those that want to take part in what in my opinion is Mallorca’s prestigious event will be at Portals to savour cars of yesterday and the camera’s will certainly be clicking.
This year celebrates the 21st running of the Rally Classico Isla de Mallorca and this year will welcome over 100 teams from 14 different countries. A warm sunny welcome we hope for the challenging stages, on closed sections of roads and this year the famous challenge of the Sa Calobra section will be open and the long 21 kilometres takes the teams to Lluc.
This fun but adrenalin rush rally brings together teams from the UK, Germany, Spain Switzerland, Austria and as far afield with teams from the USA and Australia. A truly international event televised and covered by the media each day with the base for the teams at the glamorous and vibrant Portal Portals Marina. With 26 brands of cars taking part there is much excitement and all is free to walk the pits, take photos and see the start late afternoon on Thursday 6th March. Arrive mid afternoon as cars come throughout getting ready, drivers chatting and engineers preparing the cars. So much to see and enjoy and with great restaurants, bars and yachts moored to pull together an amazing atmosphere. Well done to Toni Dezcallar, his team and all the organisers, Sponsors and volunteers in bringing Mallorca to the eyes of Europe and beyond. “ The Pearl of the Rallies” as Toni calls it is here and do not miss the chance of walking in the pits, seeing the drivers and the start. Other sections are open to the public over the 3 days. All is in the free programme you can collect on Thursday which is a one to keep in your collection.
So different categories of cars and time sections, open roads, night driving and Sunday will see the winners receive their well deserved trophies. We must not forget the cars, as if. The oldest ids a BMW 328 roadster from 1939. Still going strong. Also TVR’s, Ford Escorts, Austin Healeys, Jaguars, Ferrari, Lancia and Opel. Just some of the brands and if you love Porsche you will not be disappointed as so many racing Porsches in full race trim will prove hard to beat. Met some of the best drivers in the field of Rallying with Rally champion Nadal Galiana, Seb Perez, Kris Rosenberger and an all female team of Edelhoff and binder in their Ford Escort RS 2000. Some beast!!!
So enjoy, the Rally, come along Thursday to see all the cars, and all return each day to Puerto Portals preparing for early starts the next day. Have fun, hear the noise and have a memorable time. Celebrity Magazine will be there and report on the rally, the winners and do please visit us at www.celebritymallorca.es for more articles, forthcoming events and we welcome your advertising so do contact our office. Celebrity Magazine, the island’s fastest growing magazine.
David Whitney