Adventure Team Challenge 2004 will take place the week of May 31 – June 1, 2004. The week-long competition rally is designed to give Land Rover clubs the opportunity to have a representative team test their driving, navigation, and endurance skills against other Land Rover Clubs in the United States and Canada. The winning team earns the title as the North American Land Rover Club Rally Champions Currently holding the 2003-year title are Gustav Kupetz and Scott Monico, representing the Minnesota Land Rover Club.
Each clubs’ representative team must comprise of one Land Rover vehicle, each vehicle having a Driver and Navigator competing. Vehicles must carry their own insurance and be street legal. Each team will be responsible for their own camping equipment and provisions, however, opportunities will be given for the teams to replenish food and fuel supplies as needed.
The teams are scored in special task events that fall into a number of different categories. Individual tasks may include some or all of the following disciplines:
Driving skills
- Driving Maneuverability (gymkhana courses, trials courses, maneuverability exercises, etc.)
- Navigation/route finding (locating or following Waypoint locations using GPS coordinates, or using tulip charts to reach the task finish line)
- Use of vehicle equipment (winches, snatch blocks, tools, etc.)
- Orienteering (map and compass work)
Physical Challenges (this is where fast, sometimes creative thinking comes in to use setting up and executing command task assignment using vehicle carried or provided equipment). (While the plans call for 3 Special Tasks each day the number of Tasks could be greater or less depending on the weather, the progress of the Teams, general conditions, mechanical failures, etc.)
The terrain the event will be covering is diverse; ranging from steep rocky trails through wooded areas, tight trials courses, classic prairie conditions (flat open expanses with deep mud sections), heavily overgrown section roads, water crossings, forests, etc.
At the end of each day after all the teams have completed the special tasks they will be given instructions (via GPS coordinate waypoints) as to the next event location. They must make their way to the new site that night set up camp and be ready to go first thing the next morning at the new location. The event locations between the start and the finish will be kept under wraps because navigating to those locations each night (via the GPS waypoints) will be part of the event (sealed Emergency Maps will be furnished to the teams if they become lost, but points will be subtracted if they are opened).
Performance in most, if not all, of the Special Tasks will be judged relative to times taken. This does not imply that high speed driving ability is required. Points will be awarded relative to their performance in each Task and the Team with the most points after all the Tasks have been run will be designated the Adventure Team Challenge winners and the North American Land Rover Club Rally Champions.
Teams entering the competition will be subjected to 5 days of grueling challenges as they strive for the honor of victor on the Adventure Team Challenge. The event is suited for all levels of skill but will challenge even the most experienced teams. We look forward to many clubs from all across North America competing this year. I’m sure everyone attending will have a challenging and memorable experience.
Registration for the 2004 event will be limited to 15 teams so if you want to attend this event, sign up early! The cost of the event is $250 dollars per team (camping and access fees included) with a deposit of 50.00 for registration and the balance due before May 15, 2004.
We all look forward to meeting your team and wish you all the best of luck on the Adventure Team Challenge 2004.
To reserve a spot for your club or for an information packet please contact
James Merriam Adventure Team Challenge Rally Coordinator 843 Greenway Court Derby, Kansas USA 67037 (316) 789-8155 or E-mail camelrover@aol.com Adventure Team Challenge
Mandatory Team Equipment List 2004
Per Team
- The Team Vehicle must be equipped with a Winch.
- At least one GPS unit per Team (must be capable of working outside the vehicle on foot).
- 20′ Recovery Strap
- (2) 6′ Tree Straps
- Snatch Block
- (2) D-Rings
- Shovel
Per Competitor
- Compass
- Flashlight or Headlamp
- Leather Gloves
Per Vehicle
- Vehicles must carry their own insurance and be street legal
- Seat Belts required
- Fire Extinguisher
- Minor First aid kit
- Timepiece
- Calculator
A General Inspection of the Vehicle prior to running in the event will take place, so make sure your Vehicle is sound and in good working order. e.g. (Vehicle Battery must be secure) (Functional Brakes, i.e. no pumping) (No Broken Springs or Shackles) (No open Exhaust) (No loose Steering / excessive play)
