We're off to Monte Carlo!

Andrew Gibson • Published 25 Jan 2012 09:30

Clydebank Post reporter Andrew Gibson is heading to Monte Carlo - and although the potholes in our roads have tested our driving skills, we're imagining the snow clogged 'B' roads of France will be another challenge.

But we can't wait and briefed with "follow the drivers, bring back an exciting story with amazing pictures, and for goodness sake, don't get lost", we're ready to take on that challenge.

When the editor broached the topic of trailing the Monte Carlo Rally competitors all the way from Clydebank College to Monaco, there wasn't much hesitation in answering.

So, with a wildly excited Clyde Weekly Press chief photographer Stewart Robertson on board, we set about finding out exactly what this adventure would entail.

What are we going to drive in? Where exactly is Monte Carlo? - and how many energy drinks shall we take, were the first questions needing answered.

Helensburgh Toyota have been incredibly generous and offered a brand new Yaris which will be wrapped in desert camouflage in support of veterans' charity Help 4 Heroes.

We gratefully accepted and so the first conundrum was sorted - the Clydebank Cannonball team was one step closer

Gary Mulvaney, Helensburgh Toyota director, said: "Helensburgh Toyota are delighted to play our part in this great historic event.

"The new Yaris looks amazing in its desert camouflage and will certainly stand out on the road as it makes it way down to Monte Carlo.

"As a local business, we are always keen to play our part in the community and felt that with such a large number of forces and their families in our area, we should do something.

"That's why we are so pleased to be fundraising for Help For Heroes, a charity that helps wounded servicemen and women."

With a vehicle ticked off our list we turned our attention to the route and the time involved.

The driving is going to be gruelling.

After we drive the non-stop eight hour journey from Clydebank to Dover, and after a night's kip, we will head across the Channel on the midday Dover to Calais P&O ferry before clocking in at Calais.

A mammoth 27-hour drive the entire length of France without using motorways then awaits us.

Drivers will stop at various check points on the way with heavy snowfall in some regions and winding mountain roads a distinct possibility.

Rally team Ecurie Ecosse, which is entering seven cars in the race, has allowed us to follow some of its drivers on the way.

Providing we don't get lost, which is quite probable, we will document their progress.

Tracking down and interviewing competitors from the far corners of Europe is something we will also endeavour to achieve.

Helensburgh Toyota has organised scheduled fundraising collections for Help For Heroes and the Cannonball is due to make a pit stop on the way back at Toyota's UK Headquarters in Epsom, Surrey.

Helensburgh Toyota is Scotland's number one dealer for customer care and finished 2011 as number two in the UK - out of 233 dealers. They play an active part in their community through their community partners programme which involves local schools, nurseries in the Helensburgh and Dumbarton area as well as youth football, cricket and netball clubs. They will shortly announce a new sponsorship deal with Helensburgh Bowling Club.

So, the route has been mapped, the car is ready and the energy drinks are packed.

What kind of story we come back with is unknown, but whatever happens, be it heroic or disastrous, you'll be the first to know.

Follow our journey via Twitter @clydebankpost and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/clydebankpost

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 25 Jan 12

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