– The London to Cape Town World Cup Rally in a Restored 1973 Datsun 240z
The latest epic project underway by the Royston based racing team, Raceworks Motorsport (the racing division of PromotaSPORT), is to restore and prepare a 1973 Datsun 240Z for the inaugural running of the Endurance Rally Association’s London to Cape Town Rally which sets off from London on 1st January, 2012.
Raising funds for African charities, the ’73 Datsun is entered in the Historic section of the rally. Driver and vehicle owner, Grant Tromans alongside navigator and Raceworks Motorsport director, Simon Russell will endure a grueling 30-day, 14,400 Kilometre timed journey (approx 8900 miles) across three continents, 13 countries and extreme conditions – from snow and ice in Europe to dust, desert and bush in Africa. And all this in the relative discomfort of the 1973 Datsun 240z with just each other for company; according to the rules of the rally, there’s no support team allowed. Harsh.
The two-man team will race across Europe to reach a ferry in Greece to North Africa. After which they head to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, and South Africa finishing in Cape Town’s stunning Waterfront 29 days later.
The Raceworks Motorsport engineers have prepared numerous rally, road and track cars for many events and race series, but their biggest challenge to date is getting the Datsun ready for its African Adventure. Preparation work on this classic rally car includes to date:
Fitting a full roll cage, up-rating the body shell, engine, drive train, suspension and brakes; fitting a custom made 90ltr fuel tank; fitting new safety equipment including harnesses, as well as both handheld and plumbed fire extinguisher; fitting a custom made wiring harness to allow for additional power supplies for rally equipment such as trip computer and navigational equipment; adding mounts to the roof and boot lid to carry spare wheels and additional equipment; up-rating lights, fitting additional driving lights to the front of car.
The project manager and co-driver Simon Russell said;
“For us the race has already started as we are battling against the clock to have the car match-fit for start in London. But I’m confident we can rise to the challenge.”
He continued;
“It’s going to be huge challenge for the crew and car alike to get to Cape Town, especially as once we leave London, we aren’t permitted any of our own support crew.
I’m really looking forward to event and we will certainly be aiming for a good result.”
Raceworks Motorsport ‘s Epic Datsun Adventure will be raising money for Christian Partners in Africa www.cpafrica.org.uk and The Giving Organisation www.thegivingorganisation.org.
Ends
Find out More:
Raceworks Motorsport | Wyndmere Park | Steeple Morden | Herts SG8 0NZ
Tel: +44 (0) 1763 852 900 | Email: team@raceworksmotorsport.com
Websites & Facebook Pages:
Datsun Adventures Website: http://www.datsunadventures.com/
Datsun Adventures on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DatsunAdventures
The London to Cape Town World Cup Rally: www.londoncapetownrally.com
Raceworks Motorsport Website: https://www.raceworksmotorsport.com/
Raceworks Motorsport on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaceworksMotorsport