The 2025 Generations Rally roared into life with sunshine, scenic roads, and a celebration of family heritage on wheels. Now in its fourth edition, Rally the Globe’s season opener once again combined classic cars, cross-generational crews, and the unmissable camaraderie that defines historic endurance rallying.
Hosted from the elegant Majestic Hotel & Spa in Harrogate, this year’s event explored some of Yorkshire’s most glorious backroads, hills, and hidden gems. With 89 entries representing everything from 1920s Bentleys to ‘70s Porsche 911s, the three-day rally had a bit of everything: speed, regularity sections, and stories that will be retold for years to come.
What makes the Generations Rally truly unique is its concept: crews must feature members from two different generations, often from the same family. It’s as much about passing down the rallying torch as it is about competition. And in 2025, it was clear the spirit is alive and well.
Crews came from across the UK, but also from Ireland, the US, Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Their cars – vintage, characterful, and meticulously maintained – were as much the stars of the show as the teams themselves. Among them were standout rarities like a 1935 Fiat Balilla, a 1950 Allard J2, and a 1971 Rolls Royce Corniche, adding colour to a field brimming with automotive icons.
“The car was superb!” – Feedback we love to hear!
Last weekend Rally The Globe hosted The Generations Rally 2025; An event aimed at getting younger generations into rallying
Our clients Simon and Jack Brien celebrated a win for the second year in a row, in a Tuthill prepared 911! pic.twitter.com/iVrIlXCpvm— Tuthill (@Tuthill_UK) April 1, 2025
Three Speed Tests at Harewood Hillclimb
The action kicked off on Friday with checks at the local Army Foundation College before diving straight into three speed tests at the spectacular Harewood Hillclimb. From there, crews wound through the Yorkshire Dales, stopping for a scenic Regularity section framed by dry stone walls and ancient moors.
Leading the way at the end of day one were Graham Goodwin and Tommy Stevenson in the Pre-War category with a 1925 Bentley Supersports, while David and Ed Liddell topped the Classic group in their Triumph TR4.
Fast-paced Regularity Stages
Saturday raised the stakes. A 170-mile loop through the Wolds and Moors brought with it challenging tests and fast-paced Regularity stages. Highlights included circuits around Dishforth Airfield and a memorable lunch at Duncombe Park House, before the day concluded with a six-mile gravel blast through Bramham Park. By then, the leaderboard had shuffled: Dermot and Rachel Johnson were now leading the Pre-War Category in their Alfa Romeo 1750 GS, while Jack and Simon Brien’s black Porsche 911 edged ahead in the Classic class—by just two seconds.
Sunday’s route was shorter but no less exciting. Covering 100 miles, it included more Speed Tests—two at Catterick military area—and finished in style as participants wound back through the sun-soaked Dales for a celebratory lunch and prize-giving.
When the dust finally settled, both top categories were won by family pairings. The Johnsons’ Alfa held on for Pre-War glory, marking the first time a father-daughter duo claimed a category win. Meanwhile, the Brien team made it two Classic Category wins in a row.
A Great Family Occasion
“It’s been a great family occasion,” said Dermot Johnson, beaming beside daughter Rachel, who navigated her first-ever rally. “This was my first rally, and it’s been amazing,” she added. “I loved the tests, the scenery—and spending so much time with my father.”
The Spirit of the Rally award went to Stephen and Jordan Willis, who not only overcame mechanical issues in their Austin Mini Cooper S but also towed another broken-down crew to safety.
Looking ahead, the next Generations Rally is already confirmed for March 2026 in the Wye Valley, while this year’s globe-trotting calendar continues with events in Ireland, Spain, and Japan.
For anyone tempted by the idea of a vintage adventure on wheels, Rally the Globe offers unforgettable roads, excellent company, and a very special way to spend time with family. Better still—entries are now open.
Full Results of the 2025 Generations Rally
G E N E R A T I O N S • R A L L Y • 2 0 2 5
• D A Y • T H R E E •
• N O R T H • Y O R K S H I R E •Full results & photos from the final day now live on the website https://t.co/jYTdPCIEKQ
Gerard Brown
Sponsored by Kingfisher Private Client pic.twitter.com/7N3aITARe6
— RallytheG (@RallytheG) March 31, 2025