An intrepid Ipswich man will drive more than 10,000 miles through rough terrain in a clapped-out banger this summer as he attempts one of the world’s most gruelling motoring events.
Sam Ovenall, 28 and of Eustace Road, will take to the mountains, desert and steppe of Europe and Asia alongside team mate Luke Sadler for the Mongol Rally.
The rules are simple: get from Chichester in the UK to Ulan-Ude in Russia in an old vehicle with an engine of one litre or less using any route feasible and raise at least £1,000 for charity.
Participants have no support, no back-up - if anything goes wrong, they have to find a solution.
Sam has never done anything like this before, but he said he was ready for the challenge.
“It’s just a raw adventure,” he said.
“We are taking the most interesting route we can.
“Whatever happens we will find a way around it. I’m not worried about anything.
“I used to worry about things quite a lot but then I realised it’s a waste of time. Whatever is going to happen will happen.”
The brave pair, whose team name is All Pamir and No Idea, will pass through at least 30 countries on their journey, which will cover around 11,797 miles and involve 250 hours of driving.
Where they can they will stay in hostels or hotels, but Sam said there would be times when they had to sleep in their car or a tent.
However, before they can set off the adventurers need a car.
Sam, who works for UK Power Networks and formerly attended Westbourne High School, has contacted several dealerships in Suffolk in the hope of getting a donation but has had no luck. To help, contact Sam on: 07842753355.
The duo, who met while attending an England football match, are collecting money for Cool Earth, which is the chosen charity for the Mongol Rally.
Teams will set off from Chichester on July 16.
To donate to All Pamir and No Idea, see here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here