Whilst some of us this summer are hoping that the sun shines long enough for a relaxing bbq in the back garden, others will be undertaking a very different adventure and driving over 10,000 miles, a third of the way around the world, from the UK to the Capital of Mongolia!
The Mongol Rally 2010 will kick off in July from Goodwood where 300 teams will set forth on this adventure in completely inadequate cars of under 1.2 litres. Simultaneous start lines in Spain and Italy will commence meaning that 500 teams in total will be driving east to Mongolia and hoping, not only to make it to the finish line in one piece, but in the process raise a lot of money for charity.
With so many small vehicles taking part in the challenge, there were rally drivers in need of help. East Surrey College worked with two of the rally drivers, Laura and Paul from The Two Mongoleers, to tailor make a weekend car maintenance and mechanics course especially designed for the drivers. There will be no support team or back up during the journey, so if they happen to break down in the middle of the desert they’ll be completely on their own. It will be up to them to repair their vehicles and make it to safety.
The course covered health and safety, essential tools, oil changes, suspension, wheel realignment, electrics and lights; teaching the students essentials such as how to jack their cars up safely, change their wheels, oil filters, air filters, fan belts, spark plugs and a rather novel section on how to waterproof their engines.
Thirteen drivers from six rally teams attended the course headed up by chief mechanic James Carpenter. Laura of The Two Mongoleers said "We're hoping our little blue 1 litre Polo will do us proud but with absolutely no knowledge at all when it came to fixing cars, we needed a bit of expert advice and tuition! James ran a fantastic weekend and we learnt so much. We're hopeful now that we have a chance of fixing our car when we break down in the middle of nowhere with no hope of rescue".
For more information and to follow the teams that attended on their journeys take a look at:
www.mongolrally.theadventurists.com
The teams that took part in the course are: The Two Mongoleers, Khan't Touch This, Green Man Country Club, The Escapologists, The Orientalists and Living on a Dare. If you want to see them off, the Rally starts from Goodwood Racecourse on 24 July. It's a free event and all are welcome.
We certainly wish all the teams the best of luck on their travels!
