London to Cape Town driving record smashed
A three man British driving team in a Land Rover Discovery, led by adventurer Mac Mackenney, has smashed the London to Cape Town overland driving record by nearly two days. The 10,000 miles across 20 countries was achieved in 11 days and 14 hours and 11 minutes. The previous record had stood for almost 50 years.
The London to Cape Town event was one of the last great driving challenges taking the team through some of the most inhospitable areas and difficult road conditions to be found anywhere in the world. The overland attempt was dedicated to raising funds and generating awareness for Help for Heroes and was supported by Chevron Lubricants, with the company’s Havoline products being used throughout the drive to protect and lubricate the engine.
The three man team of Mac Mackenney, his brother Steve Mackenney and Chris Rawlings, started from the RAC Club in London’s Pall Mall on Saturday, 16th October and arrived at the AA building in the centre of Cape Town at 11.29 BST on Thursday, 28th October.
The attempt had the support of two patrons, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, OBE and Sir Stirling Moss OBE. On hearing the news Sir Ranulph commented, “Fantastic! Brilliant! A great record for you and all us Brits. Very well done indeed”. Sir Stirling said, “Congratulations to Mac, Steve and Chris for breaking the 47 year old London to Cape Town record, an outstanding achievement by three adventurers who pushed the boundaries of driving endurance and won.”
Bryn Parry, CEO & Co-founder of Help for Heroes said, “The Max Adventure Team’s record breaking drive from London to Cape Town is a phenomenal achievement and all of us at H4H offer our best and sincere congratulations on a job well done. Then team has endured cramped, hot, exhausting conditions as well as overcoming numerous mechanical and administrative challenges to achieve this record and to raise much needed funds for our wounded men and women. To Mac, Chris and Steve and all your back up team, a very big well done and I hope you can now enjoy a cold beer and some clean sheets!”
The original 1963 record was set by Eric Jackson and Ken Chambers in a Ford Cortina GT and Eric, who is now retired, said, “I know how difficult the trip is and I have great admiration for Mac and the team and whilst I’d like to have kept the record for a lot longer I am delighted for Mac, Steve and Chris.”
Marketing Manager, Chevron Lubricants Europe, James Welchman, said, “Congratulations to the team on their success. Chevron is extremely proud to have been closely involved in this successful record attempt and to have supplied our Havoline products in what is probably the most arduous and demanding conditions for a vehicle.”