Over half of crews attend two day training and briefing sessions at Gaydon Motor Museum UK
The last Peking to Paris Motor Challenge was in 2019, five years ago. Since then there has been a build up of adventure lust to the extent that the 2024 entry filled up fast, but left so much interest in reserve that HERO-ERA announced another P2P Challenge for 2025 to cope with the demand.
It therefore came as no surprise that over half of 2024 teams travelled from around the world for a two day briefing and training session at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon UK, to hear from
Deputy Clerk of the Course Chris Elkins who had just returned from a gruelling final five week recce across China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia.Whilst those who couldn’t attend the briefing were assured they would receive copies of all the
presentations to make sure they don’t miss out, HERO-ERA Competition Director and Peking to
Paris Clerk of the Course Guy Woodcock, stood alongside Chris Elkins as they presented the adventurous route and itinerary together for 2024.
Guy; “The attendance and response was more than enthusiastic. There was a distinct buzz in the room as teams already seemed excited, which is to be expected after a five year absence. You could see the audience hanging on every word from Chris in the route presentation. His graphic pictures from the recce held everyone’s attention but also brought some gasps – especially from the Mini crew of the Don and Stuart Henshall when they reacted to a picture of a very deep looking river crossing!”
The training and briefing sessions were conducted by expert HERO-ERA staff in every aspect of the
event from car preparation, to hospitality, medical, safety, Garmin and SPOT Trace training, but the
most eagerly awaited topic was the route and what competitors can expect in 2024. It didn’t disappoint, despite the team having to re-route around Russia, they have finalised an even more adventurous 37 day epic challenge, overcoming many obstacles and international sensitivities in the lengthy process.
The 2024 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge represents one of the last true motoring adventures on the planet. To complete it has been described in the past as to ‘Drive the Impossible.’
It will take 37 days over 14, 250 kms across nine countries. Starting at the Great Wall of China, the
challenge will take the 90 crews across China, Inner Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and then across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan. From there the challenge continues over the tough tracks of Georgia and Greece. But just in case crews think it is all over bar a cruised to Paris, a sting in the tail is promised through Italy and France.
Chris Elkins, Deputy Clerk of the Course and Senior Route Planner for HERO-ERA has now finalised
the route after exhaustive recces and negotiations over the last two years. He now believes the team
have a great event in prospect – including seven nights under canvas; Chris Elkins “Its not a walk in the park. The challenge of remote, off-road competition continues all the way through Inner Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia, rather than being concentrated in Mongolia as it has been in the past. There are long days, challenging surfaces and high altitudes. It’s going to be a tough one!”
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