The LE JOG Reliability Trial has become a legend amongst the rallying fraternity and no wonder! The aim is to drive from one end of Great Britain to the other on minor roads, some quite remote, in just three and a half days, a journey of some 1,500 miles. The challenge comes from several elements: the weather in early December, which may be anything from bright sun to bitter freezing fog; the task of plotting and driving the navigation and regularity sections without losing time; the skill of negotiating the manoeuvrability tests along the way. The Reliability Trial is for cars built before the end of 1974.

You may choose to join the LE JOG Touring Trial instead, which is open to cars made before the end of 1979. This is a non-competitive run of about 1,200 miles, travelling on good quality roads and through some wonderful parts of the country, calling at many of the same controls as the Reliability Trial, but with no time penalties or tests. It is a gentler event, but still quite demanding, guaranteed to test the stamina and reliability of both car and crew.

Why do crews keep returning for this extraordinary challenge? Many reasons are given, but probably the most important is the wonderful camaraderie – you only have to listen to some of the stories as competitors come in to the time controls, many of which are sited in characterful inns and pubs in picturesque villages and towns: a way of life that many people think has been lost.

The goal for many crews is not just to reach John O'Groats, but to capture one of the elusive LE JOG Gold Medals. Only 24 crews have achieved this ultimate award since the event started so you can perhaps understand why the German Motor Klassik magazine has called LE JOG "The hardest rally in the world".

Our route this year has overnight halts in Chester and Middlesborough, enabling us once again to introduce new sections along the way. You can expect the usual tough night route through Wales and plenty of mileage in the north and Scotland before finally sighting the grey seas breaking on the rocks below John O'Groats. The event is run according to the HERO Standard Regulations (HSRs).

The 2005 full entry fee for a car and a crew of two on the Reliability Trial is £1,995. This includes accommodation at two mid-event rest halts in Chester and Middlesborough. If you book early there are generous discounts: up to 31 May the entry fee (if paid in full) will be just £1,745. From 1 June to 31 July the entry fee will be £1,845; from 1 August the full fee is payable - so get your entry in early!

The Marque Team Trophy is the main award on LE JOG, so if you and a couple of colleagues can put together a team of three cars of the same make and model, we will only charge you for two full entry fees which is £3,990. However, all three entry forms must be submitted and the full fees paid by 31 July. For rarer cars, three of the same make will be allowed.

For the Touring Trial the entry fee, which includes the mid-event accommodation (as above), will be £825 if paid before 31 May, from 1 June to 31 July, £875, and after 1 August the full fee of £945 is payable.