The Winter Trial: A classic car adventure
Looking back at the 2023 edition of The Winter Trial, it’s clear that this event was one to remember! Despite the challenges of the past two years, the organizers of The Winter Trial made the necessary adjustments to ensure that the event could go ahead. The route was made even more Covid-proof to prevent further cancellations due to possible Covid measures in several countries, and all overnight stays took place in one country, Slovenia, after starting in Berchtesgaden.
The Winter Trial is a six-day rally for classic cars that takes place in winter. It offers a unique experience of driving on snowy roads through rugged landscapes, while finding your way and trying to stay as close to the set times as possible. The teams rode about 350 km per day, and the experienced teams also completed two night runs of another 150 km per night. The competition included regularity tests and driving tests.
For those new to The Winter Trial, the organizers offered an afternoon in December 2022 to learn tips and tricks. As long as you have a valid driver’s license, common sense, good humor and an interest in having fun with a classic car, you can participate. There were two categories: Vintage cars of a type produced before the end of 1948 and Classic cars of a type produced before the end of 1985.
Participants could choose to register for the Challenge Class or the Trial Class. The Challenge Class runs the full day route, but does not run the evening runs, and spends more time in the bar and having a lot of fun. The Trial Class is much more competitive and requires a more experienced navigator and a willingness to drive two night runs of approximately three hours each. A competition license was required, but if participants did not have one, the organizers offered a KNAF rally pass upon registration.
The Winter Trial included six days of beautiful riding, accommodation and all meals from the welcome dinner the night before to the prize gala at the end. Each team that completed the rally received finishers awards, and overall and class wins.
