Historic Tour of Britain Returns as New Multi-Discipline Race in 2027
The historic Tour of Britain returns in 2027 as a new multi-discipline event, blending circuit racing and rallying across the UK in a unique endurance challenge.
The historic Tour of Britain motorsport event is set for a remarkable return in 2027 with a 'genuinely different' contemporary format. Dubbed 'Rewind Tour Britain,' the new three-day endurance competition will uniquely blend circuit racing and rallying, challenging drivers across a 460-mile course that includes famous tracks and closed public roads. Organizers stress this is not a nostalgic revival but a new sporting test inspired by the original 1970s event, famously won by 1976 F1 champion James Hunt.
Why it matters:
The event's unique format, which pits circuit racers against rally specialists, offers a rare and compelling challenge that bridges two distinct motorsport disciplines. For drivers, it’s a chance to prove their all-around versatility against rivals from different backgrounds. For fans, it promises a diverse spectacle, combining the speed of track racing with the drama of rally stages, all while celebrating a rich chapter of British motorsport history.
The details:
- The Course: The 460-mile route will feature four racing circuits, including Thruxton and Castle Combe, 12 closed-road rally stages, and significant public road sections.
- Royal Venue: A special competitive stage will be held at the historic Blenheim Palace.
- The Cars: The event is open to up to 80 road-legal, production-based historic race and rally cars.
- The Crews: Teams of two will tackle rally stages and road sections, while a single driver will compete in the circuit races.
- Historical Winners: The original event, which ran from 1973-1975 and briefly in 1989, was won by legends like James Hunt, Roger Clark, Ari Vatanen, and Jimmy McRae.
Looking Ahead:
Scheduled for May 27-30, 2027, the Rewind Tour Britain aims to carve out a new place in the modern motorsport calendar. By blending the spirit of the past with contemporary safety and operational standards, the event seeks to create a new legacy, offering a unique platform for both historic machinery and modern driving talent to shine.