The story of the Rallye for a Cure begins in 2013, a year that forever changed the Wright family. Eleven-year-old Jack Wright was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), an autoimmune disease that halts insulin production and affects millions worldwide. Faced with this life-altering news, the Wrights turned to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), now known as Breakthrough T1D, for support. Inspired by JDRF’s mission to accelerate breakthroughs in curing, preventing, and treating T1D, the Wright family decided to take action—not just as supporters, but as fundraisers.
Bill Wright, an avid car enthusiast, was in the midst of restoring his first barn find—a 1960 MGA—when he had the idea to combine his love for vintage cars with a desire to cure diabetes, and the Rallye for a Cure was born! This charity road rallye is designed to raise funds for T1D research while bringing together car lovers for a day of camaraderie and adventure.
The first Rallye for a Cure was tailored for British cars. Twenty-one cars and forty-two participants joined in, navigating winding roads and picturesque vistas before gathering at a historic music venue for lunch and heartfelt thanks. The success of that first Rallye sparked something bigger—a tradition that would grow year after year.
As word spread through the classic car community, participants encouraged Bill to open the event to all makes and models. The Rallye expanded its scope, incorporating track destinations (Lime Rock Park, Thompson Motorsports Park, and Palmer Motorsports Park) so that the participants could take parade laps on the track. These venues generously offered their tracks during lunch breaks, giving participants the thrill of driving on iconic circuits.
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Participants form teams that are made up of a driver and a navigator (and additional passengers, if they would like), give their team a creative name, and choose which route they would like to follow. The Rallye Route allows teams to follow clues and answer questions along the way. The “Country Drive” route—affectionately dubbed the “Marriage-Friendly Route”—offers a stress-free journey through Connecticut’s charming landscapes.
The highlight of every Rallye is undoubtedly the parade laps on the track. After completing their routes and submitting answers to Rallye crew members for evaluation, participants enjoy lunch while eagerly awaiting results. Teams compete across various categories: Newbie, Novice, Expert, Friends & Family, Multi-Generational, Seat-of-Your-Pants (no GPS or cellular devices), Type 1 Connection, and Club Car. Winners in each category receive a unique trophy designed annually by Bill—a coveted prize among Rallye participants.
Over time, the Rallye for a Cure has cultivated a loyal community affectionately known as the “Rallye family.” Many teams return year after year—some since its inception. The event’s motto rings true: “Come once, and you will want to come year after year.”
Beyond fostering connections among car enthusiasts, Rallye for a Cure has made significant strides in fundraising efforts. Through company matching programs, donations from generous supporters, auctions featuring items from local businesses, Rallye swag sales, and commemorative posters designed by Bill himself, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for T1D research.
What began as one family’s response to an unexpected diagnosis has blossomed into an annual tradition that blends passion with purpose—a testament to resilience and community spirit. For the Wrights and their extended Rallye family, every year’s event brings them closer to achieving breakthroughs in Type 1 Diabetes research—and one day, finding a cure.
This year’s Rallye for a Cure will take place on June 14th. Details and registration information can be found on the Rallye’s website at RallyeForACure.org.
The event’s motto rings true: “Come once, and you will want to come year after year.”
