Mike

The Route For this year the 2013 route has been enhanced with a route that drives into the most adventurous region of Mongolia, the stunningly beautiful northern sector. We will cross into Russia and on to the Republic of Belarus with the support of the Russian motor-federation who worked with us in seeking out long gravel farm-land sections for our Time Trials and drive an exciting new route across Europe with closed-road mountain climbs in the Alps. Highly acclaimed in 2013 the challenge for the Organisation is make Peking Paris 2016 even better. The Cars The cars are divided into two age categories.... either in the Vintageant category for pre 1941 model types or the Classic category for models of a type in production before 1975. The route includes driving some of the worlds toughest terrain with participants required to maintain a demanding rally time-schedule. Small cars carrying much the same weight as bigger cars will be at a distinct disadvantage. To qualify for a place on Peking to Paris 2016, a car can certainly be "different" but must reasonably stand a chance of coping with the demands of the event. Sports cars with cramped interior space, minimal ground clearance and little suspension movement are less than ideal, but the Organisation tries to be broad-minded. Tents, sleeping bags, and all spare parts including wheels must be carried by each entrant. The ERA's travelling support mechanics are the best in the business at roadside repairs but they do not carry parts for the participants. The Classics Category does not allow trucks, pick-up trucks, ambulances, estate-cars, or what is generally regarded to be a commercial-vehicle, such as a van. This is a sporting event. Carrying heavy spares and kit is not in the spirit of the challenge. While it is perfectly acceptable for one car with a crew who wishes to be competitive can enter a second car to provide general support, we do not wish to see spare engines, gearboxes, axles in "mules" for a lighter car that is out to win a trophy. Cars must be prepared in a period-style. No alloy-boxes on the back, no modern-looking ski-boxes or roof-top boxes. Appearance matters. Ratchet straps come in black and are preferable to bright blue, but leather straps do the job just as well and are more in keeping with the spirit of the event.... the devil is the detail, and bright green jackets when a more period colour is available is preferable, and certainly pleases the film makers and photographers. Crews must remember! Prince Borghese is looking down! Cars should be prepared with high ground clearance and be capable of running on low grade petrol. A compression ratio any higher than 8:1 can lead to piston failure.... this has happened to cars on our earlier events. Substantial underbody protection with a sump guard, tank guard, and skid plates to all vulnerable items and ideally brake pipes and petrol lines either well plated or running inside the car is strongly advised. The Participants Participants must be prepared to “rough it” on a regular basis. Several days of well supported camping in Mongolia is part of the challenge... the participants bring a tent and the warmest sleeping bag and the ERA does the rest. Camp sites beside rivers and lakes see hot food served each night with a wide ranging menu, hot breakfasts, and toilets are set up with hot-shower blocks, run by two highly experienced Mongolian camp-support teams. Crews should come prepared to share the driving. While there is no night time driving, some of the days are long and require personal stamina and determination. Read more about this rally at the Endurance Rally Association. Don't forget to track our own Z car family: 98 David Hartley(GB) / Stephen Hardwick(GB)1971 - Datsun 240Z 103 Rene Declercq(B) / Eric Claeys(B)1972 - Datsun 240Z 104 Chris Bury(USA) / Tjerk Bury(USA)1972 - Datsun 240Z 105 Mark Pickering(AUS) / Dave Boddy(AUS)1973 - Datsun 240Z 106 David Gainer(AUS) / Peter St George(AUS)1972 - Datsun 240Z We have a discussion about this rally on our website here.