Rally The Globe’s well established Carrera series has just concluded its fifth edition, Carrera Bavaria, with Simon and Juanita Brien taking top honours in the fiercely contested Classic category in their 1963 Jaguar E-type – following on from Simon’s victory of the Carrera Riveria last year. The Pre-War category was dominated by first-timers Martin and Olivia Hunt in their 1937 Frazer Nash-BMW 328.
After spectacular successes on the Iberian Peninsula and through the wonderful landscapes of both France and Italy, this time the Carrera Bavaria treated participants – all driving iconic, pre-1977 cars – to ten unforgettable days exploring the smooth asphalt roads and National Parks of southern Germany. The 1355-mile (2,170km) route took crews through the lakes and valleys of the Black Forest and on, via the shores of Lake Constance, to the dramatic mountains spanning the Austrian border.
Spicing up the journey, nine Speed Tests at private venues such as the Porsche Experience Facility at the old Hockenheim Grand Prix circuit and 25 road-based Regularities added the competitive excitement, together with numerous Time Controls to keep the convoy in order.
With the pre-event paperwork and technical checks completed, 28 intrepid crews headed out from the Schlosshotel in Kronberg im Taunus towards a mid-rally rest day in the spa town of Bad Wörishofen. With crews and cars revitalised it was onto the finish and mountain panorama of the Kempinski Berchtesgaden.
Right from the outset, the competition in the Classic category was intense. Clint and Dawn Smith set the early pace in their 1961 Jaguar XK150 but, by the end of day three, the Brien’s black E-type led by the slenderest of margins with the white 1965 Porsche 911 of Steve and Jenny Verrall now hot on the heels of the two jostling Jaguars. As the brewing battle reached the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the pacey Porsche had edged ahead and, after a slow start, the 1973 Ford Escort Mexico of Ean and Alison Lewin was also right in the mix and adding further to the excitement.
We came here with no expectations but today has been a great day – Simon Brien
With just eight seconds of time penalties separating the fast four at the front, the final day’s quartet of crucial Speed Tests staged at the Saalfelden Experience Centre and Brandlhof Driving Centre high up in the Alps would prove decisive. Pushing a little too hard, the Porsche spun across a stop line costing the Verralls vital seconds and ensuring victory for the E-type crew.
‘We came here with no expectations but today has been a great day,’ admitted a delighted Simon Brien. ‘My son Jack and I have done a few events together, and we won the Carrera Riviera last year and the Generations Rally this year, but it’s my first Carrera event with Juanita, and she did unbelievably well. It’s been another superb Rally the Globe event with a great route, brilliant organisation and fantastic hotels.’
With little serious opposition among the Pre-War entry and eventually only two finishers, the Hunts led throughout and, instead, focused their attentions on trying to beat the Classics – a feat they almost pulled off.
‘This time round, there wasn’t a lot of vintage competition but I wasn’t content to sit on my laurels,” explained Martin after clocking up his third Carrera win on the bounce. “Spurring us on we set our sights on beating Simon and Juanita, but they pipped us by one second in the end.’
As well as the overall winners, two discretionary awards were presented at the prize-giving dinner. The Spirit of the Rally going to Tomasz Dzitko and Bea Siwek who faced huge problems just finding a car to get them to the start line but still completed the adventure… albeit in an unclassified Nissan GTR!
The Against All Odds trophy was handed to Brian and Catherine Scowcroft, who also had a difficult road to the start line, after their scarlet 1972 Ferrari Daytona broke down on the ferry leaving the UK. Resolutely they got the problem fixed and joined the rally, albeit two days after the start.
Next up for the Rally the Globe team Austria to Athens Challenge in September.
2024 CARRERA BAVARIA: TOP RESULTS
Pre-War Category
1. Martin & Olivia Hunt (GB/GB) 1937 Frazer Nash-BMW 328 1m:00s* (time penalties)
2. Francis & Marie Rhatigan (IRE/IRE) 1939 Frazer Nash-BMW 328 1h 07m:20s
Classic Category
1. Simon & Juanita Brien (GB/GB) 1963 Jaguar E-type 0m:59s*
2. Clint & Dawn Smith (GB/GB) 1961 Jaguar XK150 Roadster 1m:03s*
3. Steve & Jenny Verrall (GB/GB) 1969 Porsche 911 1m:17s
4. Ean & Alison Lewin (GB/GB) 1973 Ford Escort Mexico 1m:18s*
5. Gavin & Diana Henderson (GB/GB) 1959 AC Ace Bristol 1m:51s
* Class winners
