Caminos del Inca Rally Peru – South America
Incas Rally World Rallying Event – History, Stages, Competitors
Oct 1, 2009
The Caminos del Inca Rally, also known as the Incas Rally, has been staged since 1966. It has attracted some big-name international rally stars over the years, testing their skills over some demanding and high-altitude stages.
History of the Caminos del Inca Rally, Peru
In 1962, Peruvian rally legend Henry Bradley returned to Peru after having competed in a large, well organized rallying event in Argentina. On his return, he asked Roman Alzamora, then Director of the Automóvil Club Peruano (Peruvian Automobile Club), why such an event was not held in Peru.
Together, Bradley and Alzamora began to map out possible routes for what was to be known as the Incas Rally, or the Caminos del Inca (“Roads” or “Ways of the Inca”). They finally settled upon the route Lima-Huancayo-Ayacucho-Cusco-Arequipa-Lima, the same route which is used today.
Despite the idea initially being rejected by the President of the Automóvil Club Peruano, a few months later the decision was overturned. A committee was formed to plan out the project in greater detail. Once the route and the logistics of the Incas Rally had been firmly established, the Caminos del Inca Rally in Peru was given the green light for 1966.
The First Incas Rally and Problems along the Route
Fittingly, Henry Bradley won the first ever Caminos del Inca Rally in 1966. Between 1966 and 1988 Bradley would win the event a total of seven times. Both Bradley and the Incas Rally were to prove a great success. However, there were to be a few bumps along the Inca rallying trail.
Fuel shortages in Peru under the Presidency of Juan Velasco Alvarado led to the cancelation of the Incas Rally in 1974 and 1975. The rally got going again after the overthrow of Velasco and proceeded without major problems until 1982. Shining Path terrorist activity in the Ayacucho region led to the rally being staged along a different route from 1982-84. These events were not held under the Caminos del Inca name.
Caminos del Inca Rally Route
The Lima-Huancayo-Ayacucho-Cusco-Arequipa-Lima circuit includes both gravel and tarmac surfaces. The total distance for the event is approximately 2700kms, with the majority of this being competitively raced. The Incas Rally is split into 5 distinct stages passing through some of Peru’s most historic settlements.
The Andean legs, where the route rises up through the Andes mountain range, offer some literally breathtaking scenery. Steve Perez, a former British national rally champion, took part in the 2008 Incas Rally. Before the race he stated that “The roads and stages look amazing with altitudes of up to 15,000 feet (5,000m) where we will actually carry oxygen on board!” (www.rallysportmag.com).
Competitors in the Caminos del Inca Rally in Peru
While the bulk of the drivers in the Incas Rally are from South America, some big-name racers from the World Rally Championship have tested their skills against the Peruvian circuit. As one of the few long distance events left in the world, the Caminos del Inca Rally can still draw some major competitors.
Over the years some of the best rally drivers in the world have entered the event, including John Buffum, Hannu Mikkola, Tony Fall and Jorge Recalde. In 2007, four-time World Rally Champion and former Dakar Rally winner Juha Kankkunen was amongst the international rally drivers to take on the Peruvian Incas Rally.
The Caminos del Inca Rally is still going strong. The 39th Incas Rally began in September 2009, and nothing looks set to get in the way of one of the great long distance South American rallies.
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