BFGoodrich Dealers on 4×4 Adventure trip

A group of 4×4 tyre dealers were flown out to Morocco recently, to take part in a 4×4 desert rallying experience, courtesy of BFGoodrich. As part of the five-day trip, the group enjoyed the chance to co-drive with official members of the five-times Paris Dakar winning Mitsubishi team. The group was selected by Michelin’s appointed wholesaler for BFGoodrich in the UK, Southam Tyres. Southam Tyres is the largest distributor of 4×4 tyres in the UK, and selected the dealers in recognition of their continued support of the BFGoodrich brand.

“After our induction course, I couldn’t wait to get out onto the dunes and give it a go,” said Neil Schmid. “Navigating the vehicle over such steep shifting surfaces was fantastic fun, but actually far more difficult than it looked!” After a day on and stuck in the dunes, it was back to camp where the evening’s entertainment was laid on in a traditional Moroccan bivouac.

After a night under the stars, it was time for the group to experience what the cars and tyres could really do, as they took the passenger seat, while world acclaimed Mitsubishi drivers Luc Alphand and Gilles Picard took control. Driving the legendary Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Evolution, in which Stephane Peterhansel took the 5,566 mile ‘desert raid’ for the second time at this year’s Dakar event, the experts demonstrated both the mental and physical efforts required to navigate across such terrain.

The vehicle, specially adapted for the Dakar’s aggressive surfaces, is fitted with unique side-shafts for its full-time, all wheel drive drive-train and is powered by a special four litre, six cylinder, 24-valve high-performance engine developing 270 PS@5500 rpm and torque of 43 kg-m@3500rpm.

“Seeing the Mitsubishi team in action was a real eye opener, with the high levels of professionalism displayed in such demanding circumstances,” said Schmid. “The ride in the Paris Dakar 2006 car with Luc Alphand was mind blowing – it was the first time I have ever flown in a car!”

The event was rounded off with a gala dinner at the hotel, where the group was able to exchange experiences on the day’s events, and also grill the Mitsubishi drivers about their staggering experiences from the Dakar races they have been part of.

“800 kilometres over five days crossing deserts, rivers and mountain roads was truly amazing,” said Josh Webster at Micheldever, Elland office. ”The blast in the Paris-Dakar car with Luc Alphand was unbelievable. This is one trip I will remember for a long time!”