For you ze war is over!

Saturday 7th February 2009
Time: 09:30 - 10:00
Distance: 20 miles
Rally Position: Failed to finish.
Soma Bay, Egypt - Desert road……

For you ze war is over!

After a very bad nights sleep worrying about what today would bring the alarm finally confirmed it was time to attempt the drive from Soma Bay to Luxor via a huge timed stage.

The car started and sounded so noisy that the man at filling station asked if I wanted diesel and he was serious! We filled up and tried to make the run to make our time windows and attempt to hold our position. Within 20 miles the engine dropped back to two cylinders and this was immediately followed by a very loud metallic sound and then silence……… I thought for you ze war is over and we coasted to a halt in the middle of some very high mountains.


Within 30 minutes a recovery truck was with us and I asked for recovery to Luxor, around 180 miles away. My hope was that the spares arriving from the UK would get me mobile again…..



Safely delivered to our hotel I lifted the rocker cover…. pics to follow but imagine a cam-shaft in three pieces and you get the idea….

Simon and Andy (RPS) are yet to see the damage, but I think it is terminal…….

The blog will continue to give updates over the next few weeks and also be able to upload some bigger in action rally shots, but for the time being thanks to all our supporters!

We’ll be back!

June 2009 - Lotus Cortina The Rally Show, Chatsworth House www.therallyshow.org
September 2009 - Lotus Elise sports car challenge www.guildofmotorendurance.com
November 2009 - Lotus Cortina - London to Casablanca www.endurorally.com
September 2010 - Lotus Cortina - Peking to Paris www.endurorally.com

Shit happens, but here’s a view of the Nile from my hotel window! Later people…..


Today’s car summary:
Faults: Rev counter & speedo, oh and the camshaft is broken into 3 pieces!
Issues: Minibar is empty.


Colin score 1/10