For the first time since the rally cars left the Great Wall of China, Celia finally hears from Team #55. It was a call nearly missed since Celia's hands were green with avocado as she prepared a salad for an early dinner. Hearing John's voice on the answering machine, she unceremoniously drops the avocado in a bowl of lettuce and sprints to another room where the telephone offers better audio reception. It didn't. The 7-minute satellite phone call, which included being reminded to make allowances for time delay, ended up being a 3-minute awkward conversation. It was, at least, on the part of Celia, who kept forgetting to say "OVER" at the end of statements, losing precious seconds.
It is the morning of Day 4 (6:41 p.m. EST) and the teams are preparing to make their way to Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia. John immediately reassures that they are well and that they have no access to the Internet, hence, the lack of reports. They are in the "middle of the Gobi Desert" and everyone slept in tents. It was cold and despite a huge windstorm last night, Brett slept for seven hours. John, on the other hand, only slept two. When asked about the results, John mentioned that they were pleasantly surprised to have placed 3rd, overall, in their category.
There were two off-road time trials ("just drive as fast as you can"), which Little Red was actually built for, but, owing to lack of time was never tested off-road in Florida.
In the first time trial, still learning the car's capabilities, #55 was fifth fastest overall, and in the second trial, growing a little more confident, they were 3rd fastest behind previous winner Gerry Crown in the 4.4 liter Leyland P76 and the 1974 World Cup Rally Citroen DS23.
More detailed reports will be added when the Internet is available. In the meantime, the following links offer updates.
Rally Reports and Results: http://www2.endurorally.com/pp2013/reports.html Check out the Gallery for photos of Little Red (Photo #s 26, 75, 84, 144) and other teams.
Little Red's Facebook page offers updates shared by other teams: https://www.facebook.com/PekingToParis2013LittleRed?ref=stream
Follow Car #69's Yellow Brick tracker, which gives updates every half hour on their location: http://my.yb.tl/2013P2P69/
Fantastic beginning, John and Brett... those UK autocross talents are coming out,John...you're scaring the Pros no doubt!
ReplyDeleteIt's a LONG way to Paris, though...gotta conserve those reserves of energy and adrenalyn...remember the tortoise and the hare!
What an exciting trip for everyone: the drivers and those like me, following the Rally in the comfort of home.
ReplyDeleteIt would be great if you make it in the top 3, but it's participating that really counts. Paticipating is historic, counted among those who were at the Peking to Paris Rally. Participating is admirable, that you stood up to the challenge.
Have fun! I hope you guys have a camera!