Zero Africa Rally: Update
I’ve just received a little more info on the upcoming Zero Africa Rally. It seems to be a very exciting event indeed. Get it straight from the horse’s mouth after the fold:
Zero Rally Africa.
Zero Rally Africa is a world-class event which will take place between 29th January and 7th February 2009. To purpose of the rally is to demonstrate the performance, durability and viability of zero carbon and carbon neutral transport and to publicise renewable energy.
Electric, solar, hybrid, hydrogen and bio-diesel vehicles will take part.
Teams from 10 countries are already planning to take part. These are from the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Netherlands, Switzerland, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.
All categories are represented, mostly by the manufacturers of the vehicles.
At present sixteen teams have expressed a desire to take part. Another four are looking into it and are keen, if their vehicle development/funds allow.
More than 20 entrants vehicles will head off from Victoria Falls, Zambia and finish in Cape Town, South Africa after travelling through Namibia.
The event takes places over 10 days and covers approx. 4,000km.
The rally starts at the Falls in Zambia then crosses into Namibia where it travels through national parks (elephants, zebra, lion etc.) to the Skeleton Coast. Next it heads south past the highest sand dunes in the world, crosses into South Africa over the Orange River, down through the Karoo pausing at a world class vineyard. Finally it travels around Table Mountain and ends in Cape Town.
Who can enter?
Any vehicle can enter as long they rely on zero carbon or carbon neutral energy.
All support vehicles will wherever possible run on biofuel. Those that can¹t will be required to offset their emissions with an offset organisation appointed by the rally management.
Regulations.
Rally regulations vary depending on the type of vehicle. These are being developed as details of entrant interest becomes clearer.
The solar category will be run along very similar lines to those of the World Solar Challenge except for the need to end up in the same camp as the other vehicles at night.
Unique opportunity to drive in Zero Rally Africa.
Within the rally there will be a class made up exclusively of one type of vehicle. These are biofuel Mahindra Scorpio SUVs.
Zero Rally Africa are offering four teams of two people a drive in these vehicles.
The crews will take part alongside solar, electric, hybrid, hydrogen and other biofuel vehicles, but specifically competing for fuel efficiency honours against the other Scorpios.
The cost to the teams taking part in this adventure is £15,000 for two people. For this they will be provided with a biodiesel SUV for the rally, entry into the rally, biofuel, and accommodation at the ten overnight stops en route.
The participants will also have to raise another £15,000 sponsorship for planned community projects along the route. These will include renewable energy projects for schools and orphanages.
Zero Rally Africa are working in partnership with Mahindra to provide this unique opportunity.
Each of these special teams will be accompanied by a celebrity or journalist.
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Comments
Loved this post! Great information I can share with the mates at work. Check out this site too if you have some time on your ands http://www.driveafrica.co.za Keep up with the awesome posts! Will visit again soon
I would happily take part, even if it is in a Mahindra!! Bit of a bugger having to raise 30 000 quid, however!
Bugger…it sounds like great fun!