South Africa’s Lormarins 1200 to Rival Italy’s Mille Miglia

A new racing event was launched yesterday in London, set to rival the Italian Mille Miglia: the Lormarins 200 road rally, which will take place in South Africa in October 2010. The event was officially launched by South African motor racing legend and former F1 World Champion Jody Schecter.

The event was promoted by £10 million worth of historic cars, including a 1932 Alfa 8c Monza, a 1957 Ferrari Tour de France one of only seven made and a 1952 Jaguar C-type.

“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,” event organizer Chris Routledge said in a release.

{img2]There are going to be about 40-50 cars taking part at this year’s Lormarins 200, centered around the Franschhoek Motor Museum in the Western Cape wine region.

The five day event includes highlights such as opportunities for whale watching off the coast, driving through the world famous Franschhoek Pass, as well as a variety of routes taking in Betty’s Bay, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Cape Town, Chapman’s Peak and Du Toitskloof.

According to the organizers, there will also be demonstrations runs including Tyrell, Maserati and Bugatti vehicles. 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 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,” the organizers say.