MEET THE HEROES OF BRITAIN ’ S MOST HISTORIC MOTORING EVENT
The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is such a venerable fixture on the motoring calendar that it ’ s easy to think it runs itself . But deep experience and broad talent are needed to ensure proceedings run smoothly . Giles Chapman meets six behind-the-scenes people who make it happen .
BARRY GUESS Clerk Of The Course If there ’ s a single individual who carries the most responsibility for today ’ s festivities then it ’ s probably Barry , although he shoulders this weighty burden with remarkable cheerfulness . As Clerk of the Course , he has to ensure the Run meets all legal and judicial stipulations set out by authorities .
“ Of course , this is not a race , but not many people realise you do need full authorisation to run an event like this on the public highway ,” he explains .
“ By law , you ’ re not allowed to organise an event for more than 12 cars with the same start and finishing point and a prescribed route without authorisation . If we were going from Hyde Park to Brighton without an exact route then this wouldn ’ t apply . But our route definitely is traditional , and we have to be above board !”
Barry ’ s experience comes from his 40 years in motor sport organisation and regulations . From being a keen driver in grassroots short oval racing , he ’ s worked across everything from top-tier rallying to drag-racing , and today is a full FIA member .
“ All motor sport operates to the same sort of principles and on the VCR , like every other type , safety is our number one priority , and enjoyment follows that ,” he says .
“ The hardest part is liaising with the police and local authorities to foretell what might happen , whether that ’ s major roadworks or traffic lights that need operators to change them in favour of the veterans . The cars are slow , they do tend to get in the way , and we have to keep them moving so the public don ’ t get too annoyed with us …”
GRACE SCHULP Event Manager Gripping the reins of this complex institution that the Royal Automobile Club has organised for almost 95 years , Grace has overseen some of the most significant behindthe-scenes changes to the VCR . But she ’ d be relieved to know that , from a participant or spectator viewpoint , the operational change has passed almost unnoticed .
“ Our priority is always the safety of our participants and the wider Run team ,” Grace explains . “ For example , this year , the number of anticipated marshals on the Run is nearly the same as the number of entrants – sitting at almost 400 !”
What Grace calls a “ totally fresh start ” came in 2022 , when the Club brought the entire organisation process back in-house after years of working with outside events agencies . “ The Run is a such an important asset to the Club , it was essential that it was managed within the organisation . We undertook a complete overhaul of the processes and operations , and developed a fresh in-house structure to run the event ”.
The benefit , Grace says , “ is a far greater involvement in the conversation with participants and our partners , as well as a greater understanding of the inner workings from start to finish , so we know where to focus our energy . The operational tweaks that we have made this year – such as the upscaling of catering at the halfway stop and the enhanced experience for our participants with a larger entertainment space and new activities from partners at the finish – will be welcome additions for the participants . The Club continues to invest in the Run , and while the event is far from profitable , the Club is committed to protecting
20 The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run