On January 27th Richard and James leave to embark on a great adventure. We are entered into the Monte-Carlo Historique, which celebrates 100years since its inception.
A recce of the 2010 event was carried out last January, checking out the cars and terrain. This was followed by swatting up on the events detailed requirements, tyre types, maps, rules and regulations. Our entry was accepted on 26th November.
We will be doing the event in the “proper” style, driving to the start in Reims, doing the rally and driving home again without a “softies” back up crew.
We have re-built the car for more speed adding various Abarth parts to improve the power and handling, hoping for a massive 40bhp.
This year once again we will be raising money for a UK charity “ The British Heart Foundation”. Our aim is to raise more money than our last adventure, and with FIAT’s help we can achieve this.
Please go to http://www.justgiving.com/historique
So it really is “Monte Carlo or Bust” for Goodywn & Disbrow.
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Mean while back in Blitey
Now back at my desk in my real office, I realise just how much of an adventure we had. It was not just my imagination we really did crash a great party. There were masses of highs and very few lows.
The only thing to decide is when to do it again, what car, and who is driving!
So just for now this is Barrington and Dawlish signing off. Pip pip.
Great navigation
Just arrived in Beaume got lost…. Hotel owner is now on his way to pick us up and deposit us safely.
Black tie street performers and a DJ set
A really weird dinner lots of pomp and a certain amount of circumstance . We arrived at the Monaco Sporting Club met by4 harp players national TV and glasses of champagne. We were ushered to our table where we duly eat a great 4 course meal drank good wine and talked yet more cars!!
Then the lights dimmed prize giving was rolled out and seemingly half of all people had won something. We were placed 6th in our class - so we were delighted!
Then show time! English breakdancers followed by acrobats then a strong act ( two blokes lifting stuff) finally a DJ set of bangin tunes. What any of this had to do with the rally not sure.
A great final night of celebrating was had by all. This morning we said our farewells tofellow competitors and are now heading towards Calais.
Stopping off just north of Macon.
The final day part 2
We went to our hotel the Monte Carlo Bay rested for a couple of hours and then at 10.26 we left Monte Carlo for the last time very nervous and excited as we were so close to finishing.
The last leg consisted of 3 cols including the famous Turini col it was by far the hardest stage we had done in the Fiat, all up hill and charging as fast as possible up every incline and flying into and out of every bend. Due to a tiny engine and not enough power we very quickly found almost everybody had overtaken us, we pushed on valiantly with no consideration to the dear old Fiat.
We eventually made it, however slowly, and got back to the Parc Ferme at 3.10 am. We were delighted to have made it in one piece and the Fiat performed perfectly. Went straight to the bar and stayed there until far to late!
Now I am writing this just prior to the black tie dinner prize giving and show. I have prepared my acceptance speech…just in case.
Tomorrow we leave Monte Carlo at 9 to drive the 1200 miles or so back to dear old blitey.
It has been a fantastic experience one I shall bore all of you for many days to come thanks to Dickie for driving so beautifully and to you for bothering to read this far, and indeed for the support to our chosen charity.
Jim
I will post a couple more blogs about tonight and the journey home for those who are interested.
