Lots of people associate retro rallies with activities for adults and established people, but only few people think about how their hobby has began. Happy Few Racing is one of the companies that turned the passion for retro cars into family entertainment. Founder and CEO Laurent Blomet spoke about the secret of success, uniting generations and preserving traditions in an interview for AutoClassicNews.
-HappyFewRacing was founded in 2011. Tell us about the history of its creation.
-HappyFewRacing was born from the observation that there were no events dedicated primarily to the human experience of being together—be it a father with his son or a father with his daughter. We created these gatherings with genuine sincerity and a desire to surprise and delight. This led to the development of variations like Padre-Figlio, which brings together Ferrari enthusiasts (still focusing on fathers and sons), and UnHommeUneFemme, allowing fathers to share the experience with their
wives.
HappyFewRacing organizes intergenerational automotive rallies designed for everyone, regardless of the car you drive or your favourite brand. Our diverse offerings include the well-known Rallye Père-Fils (open to all brands), Rallye Père-Fille (open to all brands), as well as Padre-Figlio and Padre-Figlia (exclusive to Ferrari enthusiasts), and UnHommeUneFemme (open to all brands).
Each event goes beyond a more passion for cars, racing, and speed. The HappyFewRacing family invites you on a unique gastronomic and cultural journey, where surprises and meaningful connections take center stage.
-How did you come up with the idea of creation of a family rally for fathers and children?
-The Rallye Père-Fils was founded in 2012 by Laurent Blomet with a simple yet profound idea: to create experiences that he wished he could have shared with his own father. These rallies serve as a heartfelt way to say «I love you» to a son or daughter, demonstrating their significance and the joy of spending three days together, away from the rest of the family.
The rallies stem from a genuine belief in the importance of the moments shared between a father and child. Many families often realize they haven’t spent enough quality time together, and the value of shared experiences can sometimes go unappreciated. Sons, for instance, might struggle to connect with their fathers, even while living under the same roof. A special weekend adventure with just Dad can be a transformative experience. Similarly, as adults, family commitments can limit the time spent together, despite regular contact.
These rallies highlight the importance of these moments, focusing on a shared passion for automobiles and the concept of passing down hobbies from one generation to the next. They create lasting memories that participants cherish. This approach has proven successful, drawing many notable attendees, and ultimately allowing everyone to enjoy unforgettable experiences together.
-Is the preparation of these events different from the organization of your other rallies? If so, what is different?
-We love to evoke childhood memories and bring back the nostalgia of family moments. Our approach combines high quality with a fun, friendly, and engaging atmosphere. We select routes that ensure real enjoyment, incorporating surprises along the way. This unique blend has established the reputation of HappyFewRacing since its inception.
Our rallies focus on authentic human connections—whether it’s time spent with a father, son, daughter, partner, or friends, depending on the event. Experience the joy of driving on meticulously chosen roads, complemented by gourmet stops and delightful surprises. Attention to detail is our trademark, and we also include regularity tests on certain segments of the route to enhance the experience.
-Why do you allow crews in cars of various brands to participate in some rallies, but require only Ferrari cars to participate in a family rally?
-There are many ways to express one’s passion for cars. The magic of the Rallye Père-Fils, for instance, lies in bringing together vehicles from various brands and eras, creating a showcase reminiscent of a child’s dream, but on a full-scale level for an entire weekend.
In contrast, participating in a rally exclusively for Ferraris offers a different experience altogether. The presence of the brand is more pronounced, with varying levels of familiarity among participants.
We organize two exclusive rallies: Padre-Figlio for fathers and sons, established in 2016, and the newly launched Padre-Figlia for fathers and daughters. By limiting participation to Ferrari cars in these events, we aim to create a unique experience that highlights the exceptional qualities of the Ferrari brand. These family-oriented rallies are designed to foster deep connections and shared passions within the Ferrari community.
-What is the secret of the popularity of family rallies?
-For HappyFewRacing, success goes beyond just themes; it encompasses the entire experience.
Spending three days together is certainly important, but so is the thoughtfulness behind the events and the unique atmosphere that our organization has cultivated from the start.
Our rallies primarily strengthen the bonds between family members, offering a distinctive opportunity to connect and create lasting memories together. Many families share a passion for cars and driving, making participation in these rallies an exciting way to celebrate that love as a group. Additionally, our family rallies foster a warm and welcoming environment, allowing participants to meet like-minded
enthusiasts and build a sense of community.
The combination of beautiful locations, exhilarating drives, and exclusive access to automotive culture results in unforgettable experiences that families treasure. These events often evolve into beloved traditions passed down through generations, enhancing their appeal and ensuring that the joy of driving remains a shared experience for years to come.
-Tell us more about the program for children, if we talk about school age. Are there any additional contests or activities for them?
-When we think of the Rallye Père-Fils, Rallye Père-Fille, Padre-Figlio and Padre-Figlia, we often envision young children participating alongside their fathers, but that’s not always the case. We welcome duos that can include older sons as well, ensuring that participants of various ages can enjoy the experience together.
Regarding the program for school-aged children, we do offer a range of engaging activities designed to keep them entertained and involved. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of age, can share in the excitement of the rally and make lasting memories together.