A Chevron-backed record attempt is underway to drive from London to Cape Town in under 13 and a half days.
The London to Cape Town team with explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes (front right) Image: AutomotivePR |
Driving a Land Rover Discovery 2, a three-man team set off from London on Saturday 16 October with the aim of breaking a 47 year-old record of 13 days, 8 hours and 48 minutes to reach Cape Town, set by Eric Jackson driving a Ford Cortina GT in 1963.
The latest attempt is backed by Chevron, with the vehicle using Havoline lubricants as it covers the 10,000 mile journey through Europe, the Middle East and across the African continent. The team, of Mac and Steve Mackenney and Chris Rawlings had made good progress in less that two days, reaching Northern Turkey navigating by a combination of maps and sat nav.
However, the major challenges are yet to come as the vehicle will have to cover less hospitable roads through the African content, travelling across Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Zambia on the way to the final destination in Cape Town, South Africa.
The challenge has also been supported by two famous patrons - explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and former racing driver, Sir Stirling Moss.