One of the more unusual car rallies, the Cannonball Run Europe 2004, will start at London's Royal Victoria Dock next Sunday when 120 cars leave on a 3,500-mile adventure across Europe.
Bringing car enthusiasts together from across the US, Britain and mainland Europe, the Cannonball Run Europe has been called "the ultimate party on the move". For six days, competitors will face challenging roads, breath-taking scenery, luxury hotels, fine dining and fast and furious partying at some of Europe's most exclusive nightclubs.
"With 120 cars taking part, the third Cannonball Run Europe will be the largest road rally of its kind," explained Tim Porter, managing director of Cannonball Run Europe. "We've been bowled over by the interest in this year's event and have had entrants from as far a field as Canada and the US."
It's not the vehicle but the navigational skill behind the wheel that counts, says Porter. "Cannonball Run Europe is anyone's game - all entrants stand an equal chance. As a timed rally, it's about precision and mental ability not speed.
"The winner is the vehicle that completes the course closest to an average speed of 61 mph, not the first across the finishing line."
The final route is a closely guarded secret and only at each checkpoint will the next destination be revealed to each competitor. The victorious team will get free entry for next year's event in order to defend the crown.
The cars taking part include a GT Bentley, Hummer, Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari 550 Maranello, F1 50 lighting pick up truck, BMW 760, Mercedes SL350, Aston Martin DB7, Caterham 7, Maserati Spyder, Dodge Viper, BMW 760, Nissan Skyline as well as numerous Porsche Turbos and Ferrari.
"We also have an entrant driving the original and principal car, a Mitsubishi Evo, that was featured in the blockbuster film, 2 Fast 2 Furious," said Porter. "Cannonballers should expect the unexpected and be prepared for an event they will remember forever."
The Cannonball name originates from the die-hard American adventurer, Erwin G "Cannonball" Baker, who set 143 American distance records including a 53½-hour coast-to-coast solo drive averaging over 50 mph - in 1933. He died in 1960.
Journalist Brock Yates launched the "Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash" in 1971. Four subsequent races were held, the last in 1979, attracting 26 entries.
The idea of the race was revived in October, 2002, when 69 cars took part in Cannonball Run Europe.
For further information see www.cannonballruneurope.co.uk