Michael Satterfield
TGR Staff
Part of London’s Mayfair came to a standstill today as South African motor racing legend and former F1 World Champion Jody Schecter took his Excellency Dr Zola Skweyiya, the South African High Commissioner, on a high speed run to launch a major new motoring event.
The ‘Lormarins 1200’ is to be staged in South Africa in October this year and is ultimately set to rival the Italian Mille Miglia.
Celebrities from the world of cars and sport gathered at the Home of Alfred Dunhill in Mayfair to witness in excess of £10 million worth of historic cars promoting the new non-competitive road rally which is to take place in South Africa’s Western Cape.
The cars, including a 1932 Alfa 8c Monza, a 1957 Ferrari Tour de France one of only seven made and a 1952 Jaguar -C type took members of the press and television on a series high speed runs.
Event organizer Chris Routledge said: “We want this new event to rival the Mille Miglia and the Tour Auto. Initial plans are for five years and already we have received prospective entries from all over the World.”
Between 40 and 50 cars are due to take part in this years ‘Lormarins 1200’ which has been born of the passion for both historic motor cars and the Western Cape wine region, long fostered by Mr. Johann Rupert.
His many business interests have allowed him the basic framework from which to mount the ‘Lormarins 1200’, which is unique in terms of the country of South Africa. It will afford enthusiasts of historic motoring the opportunity of taking part in the very first running of a meticulously planned, and sumptuously executed week of top-notch experiences which will remain with them eternally.
The event is designed to showcase the rich variety of South Africa’s world-renowned wine region, the breathtaking beauty of the Western Cape flora and fauna and the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Centered around the Franschhoek Motor Museum the event will be a 5-day “experience” for all those taking part and the organizer’s avowed intention is that everyone leaves South Africa with an unforgettable experience, lasting memories, and newly formed friendships.
Highlights will include opportunities for whale watching off the spectacular coast; driving through the world-famous Franschhoek Pass; a variety of routes taking in Betty’s Bay, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Cape Town, Chapman’s Peak and Du Toitskloof – the very best of the peninsula’s scenery and most challenging of its roads.
The participants will also be treated to an exclusive “race day” at the historic Killarney race circuit with an exclusive hospitality area dedicated to ‘Lormarins 1200’ participants and invited VIP Guests. Interspersed with this unparalleled access to the track will be demonstration runs by cars from the Franschhoek Motor Museum including such iconic marques as Tyrell, Maserati, and Bugatti.
The ‘Lormarins 1200’ rally entrants are restricted to motor vehicles built between 1940 and 1970. The event this year is restricted to a maximum of 50 entrants. The ‘Lormarins 1200’ will be Uniquely South African, with an African flare!
Source: Lormarins 1200
