After the successful launch in 2008 at the Moulin Rouge in Paris, the official launch of the 2009 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (LBVCR), the world's longest running motoring event, will once again take place in two parts. This year's theme is the celebration of early Belgian motoring and manufacturers of the pre 1905 period and on Wednesday 9 September the official launch of the 2009 LBVCR will take place in Brussels, followed a day later by the traditional London launch at The Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. 

The first part of the launch will take place at the world famous Autoworld Museum, Parc du Cinquantenaire on Wednesday 9 September at 11am, with vehicles of Belgian manufacture on display.   These vehicles will include a 1900 Vivinus from the Collection Mahy, a 1904 Minerva owned by Jacques Vander Stappen and a 1900 Nagant-Gobron Brillie owned by Philippe Vercruysse, the car that is featured on the 2009 LBVCR marketing material and posters.  After a presentation at the Autoworld Museum the cars will depart on the short journey to the Atomium for another photo opportunity and coffee at the top of the famous structure.

The second part of the 2009 official launch will take place in London at The Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall on Thursday 10 September at 12 Noon.  After a short presentation to announce the features of the 2009 event, members of the media and guests will be able to take a short passenger ride along The Mall and around Trafalgar Square in one of the six veteran cars that will be on display outside The Royal Automobile Club. The Vivinus will be making the trip to London and will remain on display inside the Club until the event in November. Also attending the London launch will be stunt riding legend Eddie Kidd, who will taking part in his first LBVCR in November when he will be a passenger on a 1904 Pope Tribune two seater owned and driven by Mr. Lloyd Bailey of London.  The Pope Tribune will be one of the six cars on display and will be available to give passenger rides to guests.

“We are pleased to hold the first part of the official launch of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in Belgium, the country we have chosen to celebrate in 2009,” said LBVCR Event Director Roger Etcell.  “Belgium was a very important contributor to the pioneering days of early motoring.  Belgian engineer Jean Joseph Etienne Lenior, is credited as the first person to demonstrate the roadworthiness of a spark-ignition, petroleum fuelled, motorised vehicle and in 1900 Pieper produced the first ‘hybrid' car which had an electric motor providing additional power for the small petrol engine when the car was going uphill.  The second part of the 2009 LBVCR official launch will be held in the traditional surroundings of The Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall where we will announce some of the features of the 2009 Run and the plans for 2010 and beyond.”

If members of the media wish to attend either, or both, of the LBVCR official launches in Brussels and London please contact Jeff Carter, Press and PR Manager, at jeff@motion-works.co.uk