TWO novice rally drivers are set to drive to the Arctic.
But they’re going to do it in a car that may not make it to the bottom of the road.
Matthew Greaves, 29, from Birkby, and Bruce Smith, 27, from Fixby, are to drive 5,000 miles to the Arctic Circle, in Norway, to raise money for Mind mental health charity.
The team, dubbed ‘Holdon and Prey Minicabs,’ will make the trip in an 18-year-old Peugeot 405 as part of the Scally Rally.
The car cost them the princely sum of just £80.
They will be joined by about 60 other teams driving jalopies costing £100 or less.
Matthew, Bruce and the car, called Bertha, set off on August 6 and hope to return – subject to breakdowns – by August 14.
Bertha, a diesel saloon with over 100,000 miles on the clock, has passed her MOT but only after the pair spent £270 on repairs – over three times the value of the car.
Indeed a cable to connect the radio cost more than the car!
The BBC2 motoring show Top Gear-inspired challenge to Bodø, Norway, will take in Germany, Norway and Sweden.
Cash prizes of up to £1,000 are available in addition to the money raised by teams.
Matthew ‘Prey’ Greaves said: “Of course we’re going to have immense fun, but we also want to raise money for Mind as both of us have been indirectly affected by mental health issues and want to support the good work that this charity does.
“Hopefully Bertha will prove to be a reliable (if not luxurious) way to get to Norway and back.
“We’re camping to save the costs so we will be very close by the end of the trip if we haven’t fallen out.
“I expect there’ll be some banter reminiscent of (Top Gear presenter) Jeremy Clarkson and (co-presenter) Captain Slow aka James May.”
Bruce ‘Holdon’ Smith added: “The Scally Rally is a true Top Gear style challenge and we’re hoping to get to the start line without breaking down. Who knows if we’ll make it to the finish?”
Matthew and Bruce hope to raise £1,000.
To help them meet their target you can donate at www.justgiving.co.uk/holdonandprey.
