The Historic Rally Car Register's fifth annual Open Day at the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon will take place on Saturday 10 January 2009, it was confirmed today.

A statement to the media read:

“In response to the tremendous interest in previous Open Day's, the 2009 event will be the biggest yet, with a 50 per cent increase in floor space for exhibitors. Event admission is free to all visitors.

“Full details of the wide range of HRCR activities will be available: the Dunlop/Gambia MSA British Historic Rally Championship, the Historic Stage Rally Challenge, the Northern Historic Stage Rally Championship, the Richard Egger Clubmans Rally Championship, the Road Rally Championship, the 100 Rally Series, Newcomers Rally Schools and UK Scenic Tours.

“Championship winning cars will be on display and 2009 registration will be available where appropriate.

“In addition, the Open Day will mark the formal launch of the new Mini 50 Cup, the stage rally series for all Minis up to 1981 that has been created to celebrate 50 years of the Mini. A substantial Mini gathering is being organised as part of the outdoor display and Paddy Hopkirk's Monte Carlo-winning works Mini Cooper will feature in the main exhibition hall.

“As the first significant date in the historic rallying calendar, the 2009 Open Day will include many specialist traders and event organisers. Representatives from UK stage and road rallies will be on hand, as well as a number of important international event organisers such as CRA and HERO.

“For the second time, the event will include a 'live action' element, with a demonstration arena for the type of tests regularly included on rounds of the HRCR Clubmans Rally Championship. Entry is restricted to HRCR members but for those who have not joined the ranks of the UK's largest independent motor club dedicated to historic rallying, concessions will be available on the day. The HRCR Club Shop will also be open for business.

“The Open Day will start at 9.30am and run until 4.30pm. Non-members are most welcome to take a closer look at the HRCR and its activities. It is the perfect chance for those considering any branch of historic rallying to find out more about one of the fastest growing areas of the sport in Britain.

“The Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon is just off junction 12 of the M40 near Warwick. The on-site café will be open and visitors to the Open Day will have the chance of a reduced rate admission to the Heritage Motor Museum.”