Tulpenrallye 2026

The Netherlands’ oldest rally for classic cars and an icon in Europe: the Tulpenrallye. Since 1949, it has been synonymous with adventure, endurance, and camaraderie. In May 2026, the rally will start in France and finish in the Netherlands. The 72nd edition offers six unforgettable days, alongside two 4-day Tulpenrallye Specials: Pre-1960 and Pre-2000.
More information about the 72nd Tulpenrallye can be found on the 72nd Tulpenrallye page.

• Pre-1960 – 4-day rally – cars built before 1960

• Pre-2000 – 4-day rally – original, sporty two-door cars (coupé or convertible) built before 2000

The new Tulpenrallye Pre-1960 & Pre-2000 – 5 to 9 May 2026

On 5 May 2026, participants of the new Tulpenrallye Pre-1960 and Pre-2000 will gather in Beaune for a welcome reception and opening dinner, followed by their first rally day. The crews will drive a specially designed route that follows the course and locations of the 72nd Tulpenrallye. The stages are challenging yet shorter, with fewer unpaved roads and tight corners. Driving takes place from about 08:30 to 17:00 each day and includes a circuit or closed-road test and a regularity stage. In the evenings, participants of the Specials join the 72nd Tulpenrallye teams for dinner. The Pre-1960 and Pre-2000 will both finish on Saturday 9 May 2026 in Eindhoven.

Pre-1960

This 4-day rally focuses on very early classic cars. Although the age limit is set at 1960, the aim is to prioritise the style and atmosphere of pre-war cars. Teams with very modern-looking cars built before 1960 may be asked to join the Pre-2000 instead.

The stages are designed to avoid as many tight corners and unpaved roads as possible. Because the daily distances are shorter than in the 72nd Tulpenrallye, the schedule is more relaxed. The goal is to start each day at around 08:30 and finish around 17:00, ensuring that all driving takes place in daylight.

Pre-2000

Allowing cars built up to the year 2000 is a historic new step for the Tulpenrallye. It marks the start of a new chapter in the event’s long history. In this first year, the Pre-2000 will be run as a single class. The organisation reserves the right to invite highly experienced teams to participate instead in the 72nd Tulpenrallye.

This 4-day rally is open to all cars built before 2000, including cars that are also eligible for the 72nd Tulpenrallye. However, for cars built between 1976 and 2000, only original sporty two-door cars*—coupés or convertibles—are allowed, in keeping with the rally’s sporting character.

The stages will be similar in difficulty to the Touring class of the 72nd Tulpenrallye. Like the Pre-1960, the Pre-2000 route is slightly shorter and includes fewer sharp corners and unpaved roads, making it more accessible while preserving the rally experience.

*subject to approval by the organisation

Registration for the Tulpenrallye 2026 opens on Saturday, 20 September 2025.