Cross-country motor rally revs up to boost Red Cross

Car and motorbike enthusiasts are invited to take part in a cross-country rally in the Pays de Montbéliard, Doubs, on Sunday September 22 to raise money for the local Red Cross branch.

La Traversée du Pays de Montbéliard is an annual event organised by the Auto/Moto Passion Mobile car association – automoto-lapassionmobile.fr.

The event is open to anyone who has an unusual car or motorcycle, and owners do not have to be part of any car club.

This year the minimum €10 sign-up fee will go to the Red Cross. Last year 340 participants raised more than €5,000 for the SPA animal charity at Belfort.

There are four categories: Historic pre-1970; Beautiful Americans; Young Timers post-1970; and Sport and Prestige. Each category will travel on a different route through countryside from Montbéliard to the Aventure Peugeot Museum at Sochaux, where entry fees have been reduced to €5 for the day, with 50 centimes from each ticket going to the charity.

A mechanics-themed art exhibition and a trade fair will showcase a variety of motor-related themes, from the restoration of classic cars, to the future of hydrogen cars.

Parts and accessories will also be on sale.

Auto/Moto Passion Mobile president Jean-Pierre Monsnergue said: “You need to sign up as early as possible because places are limited.

“We had a great variety of cars last year, including British classics such as Rolls-Royce and Bentleys. We even had a Tesla driving with us.

“More than 2,000 people turned out to see the cars. We choose a local charity and their volunteers help with the organisation for the day.

“There is something for everyone, young and old: lovers of classic cars and a chance for the young to discover a job in the car world.”