$1000 cars brave the wilds for charity
$1000 cars brave the wilds for charity
A group of brave drivers are taking low-budget cars the length of the country to raise money for people with neurological disorders.
The six participants in the ‘1000-dollar-challenge’ rally aim to drive their motley cars the 2000 kilometres from Auckland to Bluff.
The cars have each traveled between 180,000 and 270,000 kilometres already. They range in age from 20 to 25 years.
The rally hopes to raise both money and awareness for people suffering from neurological disorders.
Proceeds from the rally are going to the Hopeworks Foundation, together with the Rotary Clubs of Half Moon Bay and Queenstown.
All vehicles on the rally have to be worth no more than $1000 and have a valid WOF. The drivers are allowed to stop for roadside repairs using just a roll of duct tape, a carpenter's hammer, a screwdriver and adjustable wrench.
The rally departs from Auckland on Saturday the 22nd March and aims to arrive at Bluff on Wednesday the second of April.
The route will endeavour to avoid the main highways but still travel 250 to 400 kilometres per day.
Rally organiser Stewart Maclaren says the drivers are well prepared for the perils ahead.
“We know the weather is likely to be harsh and we expect one or two vehicles to end up stranded. However, Kiwis are famous for their stamina and ingenuity, so we think the majority of drivers are up to the challenge. However, we have some concerns that two of the cars are rated bydogandlemon.com as 'Avoid Like the Plague' "
The participants’ cars are a:
1989 Toyota
Corolla
1990 Honda Legend
1991 Nissan Bluebird
1992
Honda Accord
1993 Honda Domani
1994 Telstar
TX5
Donations can be made through the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/grandchallenge
ENDS