Page "Rallying" Paragraph 9

In Britain, the legal maximum speed of precluded road racing, but in April and May 1900, the Automobile Club of Great Britain ( the forerunner of the Royal Automobile Club ) organised the Thousand Mile Trial, a 15-day event linking Britain's major cities, in order to promote this novel form of transport.

Seventy vehicles took part, the majority of them trade entries.

They had to complete thirteen stages of route varying in length from at average speeds of up to the legal limit of, and tackle six hillclimb or speed tests.

On rest days and at lunch halts, the cars were shown to the public in exhibition halls.