Are
you looking to for a different kind of travel experience? Still want to
see a variety of different countries and feel up to a bit of a
challenge? Then read on, as I have the perfect solution right here.
Unfortunately,
the main drawback with the majority of these automotive extravaganzas
is the prohibitive entry costs. The prestigious Gumball 3000,
for instance, will set you back a cool £28,000 to get among the action
– not to mention the need for Ferrari or Lamborghini or other such
machine to actually become any kind of real player.
It’s much the same story for the ROARR classic car race across the Himalayas and the Lisbon-Dakar Rally, coming in only slightly cheaper at £20,000 and £8,700 respectively. Sigh.
If,
like me, you are starting to feel a little downhearted at these
prohibitive registration levies, worry not. There are other options for
the more budget conscious.
Let
us focus on a triplet of races that are less Club Class and Caviar, and
more Skateboards and Sandwiches. In contrast, the following challenges
are infinitely more affordable yet still offer fun and adventure by the
trunk load.
The Cannonball Run. London – Puerto Banus
If the Lisbon-Dakar is luxury travel, the Cannonball Run is definitely backpacking. Essentially, it’s a 2,400 mile, 4 day event for pre 1991 vehicles. The cost is £1,350 based on two people, and includes ferry transfers, accommodation at the end of each race day (and champagne!), personal sign writing on entrance vehicles, and the black-tie party on the final evening. For more details visit www.cannonballrunclassic.com
Cheaper
still, this 3000 mile, 10 day charity event will set you back £500 to
enter. Competitors must be over 21, and be comfortable behind the wheel
of a Mini. Micheal Caine look-alikes are also heartily encouraged to
join in the fun. Visit www.italianjob.com to find out how you can get involved and help raise more money for NCH - The Children’s Charity, and other worthy causes.
The Plymouth – Banjul Rally
The Plymouth-Dakar Challenge, as it is now known, has been encouraging hundreds of the world’s lunatics cash-strapped explorers to head into the wilds of the Sahara Desert
since its inauguration in 2003. If the Cannonball Run is the
backpacker, then this must be the hardcore vagrant. Forget the Gumball
3000, and enter the Oddball 3000.
The
3000 mile fundraising ‘race’ from the South of England to the West
Coast of Africa is mere snip at £300 to enter and, now here’s the
kicker, you must have a cheap car to enter. It has to cost
less that £100, to be precise. Now for an insider tip: Russian built
Ladas seem to be the vehicle of choice as none of them have failed to
complete the challenge…yet. You heard it here first.
