LPG Vehicle Fuels First South American Adventure for BEN

Joy Rainey is set to become the first driver to compete in a long distance rally in an LPG converted vehicle. Joy will be taking part in the South American Carrera Sudamerican Challenge in May. As a strong supporter of BEN, the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund, Joy asked that the charity’s logo be included on the livery of her vehicle to increase awareness of the Fund. Nicholson McLaren Engines has converted a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4×4 to run on liquid petroleum gas. This will be the first vehicle to be competitively driven in a long distance rally using LPG.

Joy, who regularly writes for both national and motor sport publications, has been a familiar figure on the hillclimb scene for many years. As well as competing Joy has campaigned successfully for many years to provide opportunities for drivers with disabilities to compete in all forms of motor sport. Indeed, her own debut was back in 1974 when she participated in hillclimbs in a Jaguar E-type at Shelsey Walsh and Prescott, she then progressed to a Cosworth FVC powered sports racing car which propelled her to many wins and outright records at most hill-climb venues throughout the UK. In 1986 she started competing in a Pilbeam single-seater with further class wins and outright records.

Joy Rainey successfully competed in the 10,000 mile London to Sydney Marathon in a very unlikely car – a 1970 Morris Minor. Looking for a new and exciting challenge for 2006, she was delighted when asked if she would like to participate in the 2006 Carrera Sudamerican in a V8 jeep – it took just three seconds for her to reply “yes please.” Such is her determination.

Joy’s co-driver, Trevor Hulks, also has the task of preparing the Jeep for the Rally, such as fitting specialised rally equipment. In addition, Mark Brunel will also join the team as second Co-driver to help with navigational responsibilities.