Renault course car to provide London to Brighton broadcast

Crowds on the route of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (LBVCR) will be more involved in the day’s proceedings than ever before, thanks to the inaugural appearance of a course opening car fitted with a public address system. Renault, a sponsor of the historic event, is providing an Espace to complete the route ahead of the Veterans. The course opening car will update waiting crowds on the progress of the competitors as they journey from Hyde Park to Brighton on Sunday, 5th November.

Based on a concept used at rallying events, the introduction of a course opening car to the London to Brighton run will ensure the thousands of spectators lining the route are prepared for the arrival of 506 Veteran cars, all of which are over 100 years old. On board will be Alan Hyde, a broadcaster and commentator at top motorsport events including the British Grand Prix, the UK round of the World Series by Renault and the British Touring Car Championship. Hyde’s commentary from the course opening car will also be broadcast on Globecast Radio, the digital online radio station.

Commenting on Renault’s introduction of this spectator-friendly innovation, Event Director Roger Etcell said: “A course opening car is an exciting new addition to the event and will be ideal for advising spectators exactly when the cars will be coming through. It’s an early warning system for the public that we’ve not been able to present before. To have Renault’s backing for such an important aspect of the day is fantastic and I’m sure it will enhance the enjoyment of the event for all spectators along the route.”

Alan Hyde added: “For me, the London to Brighton Run is one of the highlights of the year and it’s marvellous to be so heavily involved on the 110th anniversary. We often spend a lot of time singing the praises of modern road cars and race cars, but it’s important to remember that these old vehicles paved the way for the machines we have now. Renault has struck upon a great idea to get the crowds more involved and I’m looking forward to playing my part in that.”

As ever, Renault is at the forefront of activities on the LBVCR, starting with the donation of a limited edition pedal car based on the 1906 Grand Prix-winning Renault AK 90CV to the LBVCR auction. On Saturday, 4th November, 10 Renaults are among 137 cars specially invited to display and offer demonstration and passenger rides at the LBVCR International Concours in Regent Street, the prelude to the 60-mile journey to Brighton on Sunday.

In addition, two of the Espace fleet in attendance will operate under the banner of Renault Minute, Renault’s all-makes, fast-fit network, offering mechanical assistance to the pre-1905 cars on the route. Each entrant will be given the mobile phone number for a ‘Renault Minute’ Espace, which will mainly operate within two miles of the start of the route, where quite a few non-finishers grind to halt.