I know many of you have been following the progress of the Hunt's Healey
entry in the Around the World Rally. This update went out to the North
American supporters email list and answers some questions for those who are
interested.
Jim Werner
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ATW is getting closer! The cars will be leaving from London May 1. I thought
I would give everyone an update by attempting to answering some of the most
Frequently Asked Questions. When I use quotation marks I am drawing from one
of Peter Hunt's emails.
How many cars are we supporting? -- Three. Two Healeys and a Facel Vega that
has a Healey drivetrain. Plans are to form a team aptly named "Team Healey".
What is a Facel Vega? - Hell if I know!! That's why it should be interesting.
How will the Hunt's communicate? - They will be carrying a cell phone and
laptop. Also a digital camera and we hope to receive updates along the route.
As we get closer we will be asking everyone for phone numbers and more
information. Bob Brown and I, (Jim Werner), will be acting as dual
coordinators in NA.
What are the exact arrival times and locations? - "Looking at our route
planner, we will be driving upwards of 450 miles each day so we will be
arriving at our Hotel quite 'bushed' with an early start in the morning - we
know you are all putting in a lot of effort into this Motor Challenge which
we very much appreciate; I think a degree of
flexibility has to be allowed for in the planning in case of unforeseen
events. Departure each morning may be changed by the Organizers to vary
traveling
Companions -- not fully certain on this. However, it will probably result in
us arriving at the evenings stopover at different times each day. We will
have a much better idea as we go along and certainly by the time we arrive
in Anchorage. Will keep you updated on this so you can forewarn those
ahead, I expect that we would try to call ahead by either land line or
mobile to a 'Key' contact."
The organizers do not want spectators to take up the hotel rooms beforehand
so release of information by the rally planners is limited.
Use your best judgment in determining the travel time to reach your location
and go from there. More information will be coming as the event nears.
What is expected of the supporters? - It falls into two categories.
Mechanical and hospitality. Basically be the local person prepared to solve
any crisis and have a plan of action. Think about possible scenarios
beforehand and how you could resolve them. Know where to find local tools and
parts. You will be the only person who can produce a stub axle or whatever at
9 PM in a remote area to keep our marque on the road.
This car should not require a major maintenance every night. Just be prepared
for any eventuality. Most of all we ask that our supporters have fun! 50
classic cars will be in your town This will be the most interesting car show
ever and we want you to enjoy it. If needs require help we want a plan of
action in place before hand but we hope it is not required.
Mechanical - We have a web page at <A
HREF="http://members.aol.com/BGAHC/atwvehiclespecs.html";>ATW Vehicle Specs</A>
with information about the cars. <A
HREF="http://members.aol.com/BGAHC/atwspares.html";>ATW Spares Page</A> lists
parts that the Hunt's will be carrying. Remember these parts may be used up
before they arrive at your stop but it provides a good reference point. <A
HREF="http://members.aol.com/BGAHC/atwoilfilters.html";>ATW Oil filters</A>
lists the oil filters to be used and a listing of cross equivalents.
If the vehicle encounters difficulty rally rules are strict. First Peter may
be the only person allowed to work on the car. Second the rally will have a
small support crew (shared by fifty cars) and they may work on it. Lastly
outside help is allowed at certain times.
Healey Surgeons and British Car Specialists have volunteered to provide event
service and will be the parts suppliers. Credit arrangements have been made
and if we use up any parts a supporter supplies they will arrange to replace
your part.
So in summation be prepared for anything and hope we don't need it!
Hospitality - The Hunt's would like to meet with as many North American
Supporters as they can. The reality is the schedule will be demanding and
ever changing so it is difficult for them to make plans in advance. The car
will be normally impounded at night leaving them stranded at the hotel.
If you could provide local transportation it would be appreciated. Imagine 80
days in a Healey. After Peter packs away the spare parts not much room is
left for luggage. Trips will need to be made to Laundromats, pharmacies and
the other necessities of life. We may need chiropractors more than mechanics!
If you could help in this area it will be very much appreciated.
I hope I have started to answer some of your questions. I know Ann and Peter
greatly appreciate the amount of support shown by the North American group.
The rally organizers have been very impressed with the number of volunteers
the Healey Marque has.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or the Hunt's and we
will try to keep everyone informed of our progress.
Thanks,
Jim Werner
Louisville, KY
Visit the North American Supporters for the Healey's in the Around the World
Rally web site at http://members.aol.com/BGAHC/ATW2000.html.
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