Beep, beep! David gets set for Goliath of a battle Former officer David Hughes is gearing up to make motor-racing history by taking part in the first around-the-world rally. The race will see him cover some 26,000 kilometres through 20 countries for charity. Here he warms up his 1960 Rover saloon in front of onlookers in France. Turn to page 7 for the full story.

David Hughes will set off from London's Tower Bridge on May 1 with around 120 other competitors for the first timed lap of the globe which will see him drive about 26,000 kilometres along some of the world's remotest roads in 20 countries.

The former Police Training School Deputy Commandant and Staff Officer for former Commissioner Roy Henry, still spends several months a year in Hong Kong on business. However, his interest in classic car rallying bloomed a few years ago when his life-long passion of yachting became too impractical.

He's already raced in two events, the Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally in Monaco last year and the North African Rally in 1998, finishing in the top 20 places in both.

OffBeat recently caught up with the budding racer who explained the 80-day global event will see him average a gruelling 600 kilometres daily with few days off which will generally be spent repairing the car.

"No organised outside assistance is provided, you have to take your own spares and equipment. You have to weigh up your decisions on what to take as there is limited room, so it is a major logistical and management exercise even before you start racing. It is a great test of your initiative, resourcefulness, and for appreciating your problems before they arise and preparing for them - a lot of skills learnt over my years in the Force!"

He'll be sharing the driver's seat with his mate and neighbour Tony Sinclair. Each leg is made up of a series of timed segments - if you're not at a certain place by a certain time then penalty points are gained.

"Not only do we have to be on the ball and keep the pace up, we must also be very careful to look after the health of the car as a breakdown can cost huge amounts of time," he said.

Only 'classic' cars older than 30 years qualify to enter, with David opting for a robust little 1960 Rover saloon which he drove in his first two rallies and bought for a mere (about HK$5,000)!

The vehicle's been converted to racing trim, featuring an extra fuel tank to cover the long distances and a host of safety items such as rollbars, four-point racing seatbelts and a fitted fire-extinguishing system. Their progress will be updated on their website daily.

Desert duellers: David Hughes and partner storm the Sahara in the North African Rally in 1998 driving their 1960 Rover

After setting-off, the racers board a ferry and zip across Europe to end the first leg in the Turkish capital Istanbul. Round two sees them trail the Silk Road to Beijing, before boarding a cargo plane for Alaska's Anchorage and the third leg, North America. They then board another plane in New York City for Morocco's Casablanca before sprinting across the north African desert to board a ferry for Spain and drive back to London.

The first classic car rally to go right around the world, the event will help the team raise money for the UK's Durlston Court School Trust.

"As we progress around the world it would be great to meet with any former members of the Force, particularly if we are overnighting near their home," he said.

Readers wanting to contact David or offer sponsorship and donations can go to the team's website at www.roverrascals.co.uk (from April 1) or by emailing him at roverrascals@brightwatergroup.co.uk. Emails will be checked daily.



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