Taking place between 29 January and 7 February RMCH represents the largest gathering of historic rally cars (288 including Classique), anywhere in world. With justification. It is the best organised and most authentic of all motorsport recreations, perhaps the exception being Britain's Goodwood Revival, which of course is not free to view, is purely a race meeting, and only lasts for three days.

In honour of its inclusion as a start point one hundred years ago, John O'Groats although being farthest from the finish line (1565 miles) has attracted some forty cars, mostly those crews taking on the non-competitive Classique category. Other start points include, Bad Homburg, Barcelona, Reims, Turin, and Monte Carlo itself. All crews have to cover a concentration run converging on Valence, before the event begins in earnest, four days of mountain regularity stages that lead the cars southwards towards Monte Carlo. However, this is not the finish. As a fitting finale the survivors leave that same evening to cover the traditional 'night loop' which includes Col de Braus and Col de Turini, arriving back harbour side as from 00.25 on Saturday 7 February.

The organisers have upped the anti for 2026 with increased average speeds, closed roads, and the compulsory wearing of crash helmets. This unfortunately has split the entry, the older cars, 1930-1958 for example, no longer able to keep pace, especially if the route becomes heavy going due to snow and ice. Luckily, those electing to do the Classique (over subscribed) will have an easier time, only having to clock in at various time controls on their way to collecting a finisher's medal at a special dinner, arranged in their honour by the ACM.

 

UK Spectator Information 

29 January: Cars begin leaving John O'Groats as from 08.30.

Inverness Columba Hotel: 11.00.

Glencoe Kingshouse Hotel: 14.30.

Stirling Castle: 16.30.

30 January.

Jedburgh Abbey Car Park 10.00

Pierce Bridge George Hotel: 12.00 midday.

York Castle: 14.30.

Cars then travel overnight Hull-Rotterdam, en route to Reims, arriving in Monte Carlo 3 February. Their event concludes Wednesday 4 February with a drive to Sospel via Col du Turini and Col du Braus. 

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