VERO BEACH — The 3rd Annual Vero Road Rally Magnifique (VRRM), Vero’s only European-style road rally, takes place Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This year’s 40-mile, 1.25-hour rally celebrates the scenic beauty and local history of the Treasure Coast and is full of surprises and may even include rare “Pink Flamingo” sightings,” said VRRM chair Karl Steene, vice president of Grand Bank.
“Vehicles will Line up for starting position, first in-first out, between 11 a.m. and 12 Noon at the Sun Up Center in Vero. Following the noon Drivers and Navigators meeting, rally entrants will be handed sealed rally instructions as they start, one car at a time, just prior to 1 p.m.
No matter what car is entered, the car itself does not hold the competitive edge. In fact the 2010 and 2011 winners were a 2005 Ford Expedition and a Lamborghini Gallardo.
This year’s rally is limited to 100 cars and registration fee is $250 for each driver and navigator team, plus $125 per person for each additional passenger.
2012 rally participants include Brian Redman, Honorary VRRM Chair and 4-time World Sports Car champion, 3-time Daytona 24 Hour winner, and the 2-time Sebring 12 Hour winner. Other Celebrities include Dawn and James Redman, Honorary VRRM Rally Masters, David Hobbs, Formula One commentator, and Corkey Fornof, stunt pilot for numerous 007James Bond movies amongst numerous other high-flying, action-packed films.
The VRRM Finish Line Party and Champagne Awards Ceremony, sponsored by David Lopresti at Lopresti Aviation at the Sebastian Airport, will include displays of rare cars, airplanes and automotive memorabilia. The reception also includes a live auction, 60’s car music, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. As the Grande Finale, stunt pilot Corkey Fornof will put on a mini air show kicked-off by members of Sky Dive Sebastian who plan “drop in” for this special event.
According to Dennis Bartholomew, Sun Up’s Executive Director, rally proceeds benefit Sun Up’s programs, services and residential opportunities for developmentally disabled individuals with special needs. Board president Mary Beth Vallar added that with recent funding cutbacks, Florida ranks 47th in the nation in financial support services for persons with mental disabilities
For information about Rally registration, contact Elaine Jones at elainej@sunupofir.org , visit Sun Up’s website at www.sunupofir.org or call 772-770-6626.
