To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Volkswagen Beetles return to production by the British Army, Driven to Extremes CIC is organizing The Sahara Bug Rally 2020, a 17-day “driving adventure” that will follow the original route of the Dakar Rally.
“Drive the Sahara in a team challenge like no other,” the company says, adding that the event is planned for March 13-29, 2020.
“With all terrain tires, lifted suspension and underbody protection, the modified vehicles will be equipped for the challenging terrain, including breath-taking mountain passes, soft sand dunes, rocky desert tracks and treacherous dry riverbeds,” the announcement continues.
“In 1945, following World War 2, Major Ivan Hirst of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) famously saved Volkswagen by restarting Beetle production,” the rally organizers report. “In 2020, to mark the 75th anniversary of this event, VW Beetles will return the favor.
“Organized and run by a team of ex-service personnel, the event supports military veterans suffering from PTSD, helping them get back on their feet.”
In addition to the £745 ($915) per person entry fee, each team must raise at least £500 in support of veterans’ health.
For full details, visit the Driven to Extremes website.
This sounds like a great time to dust off yon Baja Bugs stashed away all over the American Southwest.
I’m a disabled veteran, I’d love to do this- alas, not enough $ and I sold my Cal-look ’70 Beetle many years ago.
Curses.
Are any American VW aftermarket firms planning on participation (Mendeola, Wolfsburg, Scat, EMPI, oh, there’s a bunch)? A multi sponsor American built Baja Bug team, in the traditional air-cooled/bobbed fender/lights everywhere/stinger exhaust format would rock. Hey- didn’t American cats invent the Baja Bug? Let’s show ’em how it’s done!