We have been invited to the International Historic Festival at the Portimao Circuit over the weekend of 16th & 17th October. This will include two races and our own social events.

Chairman's Introduction

The race does require us to be at least 20 cars strong, ideally 25, in order for it to proceed for us. This is a valuable opportunity for us as a Club, and is a stepping stone towards the dream possibility of a Classic Monaco 2012 event. If we can do this one, we can make Monaco happen with confidence. So, we need all the hands which went up at the AGM to follow through to participating drivers. I know that you will all respond as well as you can, and that I will be able to confirm my earlier positive discussions, which I had with Francisco Santos, the Portuguese promoter of the event, regarding our ability to have sufficient entries. We have valuable support from our colleagues in France and Belgium, and I have extended invites to 500 owners in Germany. The majority of you have already given me the confidence to proceed with my time and effort so far.

I must stress that you can enter a 500 of any age, an 1100, a DB 850 or anything that the Committee can approve by prior consultation. This promises to be a fantastic event and do not forget the previous and continued offer of accommodation of 4 room nights, and the offer of reduced price extended hotel accommodation. For reminders sake, the race entry fee for practice, qualifying, 2 races is £220 plus circuit insurance and timekeeping of £60, making this a very economical event heavily subsidised by the Portuguese Government to attract tourism. We do need to now begin the compilation of a Drivers list, which we need to finalise by the end of April. Can you therefore let Nigel Ashman have your response, copied to me, if you wish to join in, he will prepare the list and co-ordinate with Francisco. He can be contacted at Nigel.Ashman@shoelogic.com and 0845 4684488 - Nigel Challis, Chairman

Click here for circuit information

I have looked at three options and to me it is clear which one to take, but it depends wholly on what your other plans might be, when you book of course and the time you have available for the trip.

Option 1 - Travel By Ferry with Car and Trailer.

Based upon two people travelling by car with trailer, the cost is likely to be

Dover Dunkirk ferry – cheapest route           £110

Fuel 2,900 miles                                           £460

Accommodation en route 5 nights in total      £250

Tolls                                                             £75 

Total                                                            £895

Time taken - 10 days in total, travel out, race, return.

Option 2 – Travel By Ferry with Motor home and Trailer

As above

Ferry                                                            £120

Fuel 29,00 miles                                            £650

Accommodation en route 5 nights                  £60

Tolls                                                              £100

Total                                                             £930

Time taken - 10 days in total, travel out, race, return.

Option 3 – Car Transported and Fly Out

Car Transport by fully insured                      £650

transport, with fuel and tools etc.

Based upon 8 cars per truck, enclosed and protected, taken from central collection point in south east.

NB   Time taken - 5 days in total, travel out, race, return.

It is important to note the time difference taken for travel between 1,2 and 3 and also important to note that a central collection and loading of the truck is part of the price I have obtained, they cannot travel the country picking up cars so this will demand a half day each end of the trip in picking up cars etc.

Flights

Most of the well known names fly to Faro, including BA, Easyjet and Ryanair and from a wide range of airports at home. Prices are around £30-£50 each way subject, of course, to the usual "additions". Faro Airport is around thirty to forty minutes drive from Portimao, nearly all of which is Motorway; simply follow the N125, much of which is dual carriageway,  for 5 minutes until you pick up the IP1, which conveniently becomes the IC4 and takes you directly to Portimao. The circuit is a few miles inland but there is a brand new dual carriageway from the Motorway to the front entrance of the circuit. The major car hire companies all have pick up points right outside the terminal building and there are a number of local firms who operate out of the car park and are often rather cheaper. Prices can be quite expensive in peak season but should be more reasonable by October.

Almancil Karting is about half an hour away and was opened by the late Ayrton Senna in 1992. Karts for all ages. www.kartingalgarve.com

Beaches. There are plenty of praia locally, most are fairly small, hidden in rocky inlets but the Praia Grande on the Eastern side of the river at Ferragudo is the largest. Many have restaurants. 

Sightseeing: Portimao is a little uninspiring from a distance but the old town is rather nice, with plenty of restaurants and open air seafood barbeque vendors along the front. There is quite a nice Caste at Silves, just a few minutes from the circuit or, if you fancy a longer trip, you could go to the Fort at Sagres where Henry the Navigator was based or up into the hills at Monchique

Water Parks. There are two, Aqualand at Alcantarilla, about 10 minutes away and Slide & Splash at Lagoa, about 20 minutes. Zoo Marine is has a small water park but is better known for its dolphins, seals and sea lion shows. All fine for the kids. Boat trips. Day trips along the coast available from the quay at Portimao.

Eating out: There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from, seafood is common but you can find everything including Chinese or a Ruby

More coming soon