Gearing up for the drive of a lifetime

Posted on September 18, 2005

And they're off... Four no-so-young men are set to jump into their souped-up cars and take part in a Cannonball run, just like in the film.

They are determined this drive of a lifetime, which started on Friday when model Nell McAndrew flagged them off from London's Earl's Court, will be a real hoot.

Driving a Ferrari Spider F355 is Rob Garofall, 33, of Weston Avenue, Leighton Buzzard, along with co-driver and next-door-neighbour 32-year-old Mark Foster.

Alongside him on the grid and driving a Porsche GT3 Mark II is 55-year-old semi-retired car dealer Dave Fensome of Comp Gate, Eaton Bray, and his co-driver is 39-year-old design consultant Kav Jarman of Luton's Sundon Park.

The foursome said they believed they were in for the trip of a lifetime before starting out on Friday's 3,500 mile trip.

It will take them six days and the lads along with hundreds of other racers will stay in five star hotels in each of the countries they are stopping over for one night.

Competitors taking part in Cannonball 8000 headed off from London to Brussels, Belgium. From there they drive to Munich, Germany then on to Italy's capital Rome before heading to Monaco on the French south coast before returning home.

Mr Garofall, a director of Free Spirit Car Sales in Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, said: "It's a once in a lifetime thing. It's a chance to do a real bit of driving and have some fun at the same time."

Mr Foster added: "The aim is just enjoyment it's a once in a lifetime opportunity."

They said 100 cars are expected to take part in the run, the third of its type.

The men bought the cars especially for the journey and Mr Fensome said: "The motors have been specially prepared for the trip with no expense spared." The Porsche cost around £60,000 to prepare while the work to the Ferrari cost £38,000.

Mr Fensome added: "It's going to cost around £1,000 per car in petrol alone. But it's going to be well worth it."

The lads said they were looking forward to the nightly parties that will be held at the posh hotels they will stay in, including a black tie ball in Rome and a ball in London on their return.

Mr Garofall said: "I think the best bit is going to be getting to drive these cars on the German Autobahns where there are no speed limits."

The foursome plan to be back in the UK having carried out their hectic driving schedule by Wednesday.

Source: Dunstable on Sunday, 18 September 2005