MAY 2001
- Participants , Vehicles Scrutinised
- Latest News from our Recce Teams
- PETRONAS Adventure Team Champions among the Petronas Motorsport Teams
- PETRONAS Adventure Team at the Formula One Grand Prix
Participants , Vehicles Scrutinised
KUALA LUMPUR, Sat. – 20 Mitsubishi Storm 4WDs invaded Zigi’s at Kampung Pandan. Although not due until 9 a.m., the drivers were taking no chances. They arrived much earlier for the first major event on the road to Istanbul.
The morning saw four landmark events – scrutinizing of vehicles, medical check ups for participants and briefings. Stiven Sim and his team ( Ng Chin Kwee, Chong Kar Vun and Woon Tat Wooi ) missed nothing in their inspection of the vehicles. Code named “scrutineering”, the day started with a series of simultaneous happenings – vehicles and people checked for road worthiness, official outfits distributed, cars decorated.
Kacang and Gedek supervised the sticking of sponsors’ decals, while Jason Tan directed traffic flow. Expertise in radio communication, his primary responsibility, proved useful but cars were not the only ones under scrutiny.
Assisted by Dr. Sharanjit Singh, the Team Doctor – Dr. Avtar Singh – was the first to draw blood that morning – a prelude to the team’s compulsory medical checkup.
Nevertheless, all concerned still managed a smile, posing for mug shots by Harun Rahman, the expedition’s documentary producer.
In the afternoon, Expedition Leader Halim Rahman briefed members on essentials, stressing the do’s and don’ts. Azman Baharuddin gave an update on travel arrangements plus notes on Turkey and Iran. Dr. Zaini Shaarani spoke on Pakistan, Linus Low on China, and Faruk Rahman on Carnet de Passage and shipping the cars to Turkey. Dr. Avtar Singh discussed medical issues while Harun Rahman spoke on tv production and the expedition’s website.
It was not until sundown that the day’s business was done. A taste of things to come? Watch this space !
RECCE FOR THE SILK ROAD 2001 – Good News!
The Petronas Adventure Team went on a recce recently to Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan. Our scouts returned with good news all around.
TURKEY
Road conditions in Turkey are generally good. There's lots to see - in fact, it will be difficult to leave Istanbul. There is so much to see and do in just one city ! The team visited several hotels and possible locations for the flag-off. Meetings with handlers and shipping agents were very encouraging. The team also met with the Malaysian Embassy in Ankara and received a very warm welcome. Participants can look forward to delightful shopping at the famous Grand Bazaar ( we suspect some cars will be full even before we flag-off !), authentic belly dancing, and refreshing turkish baths.
IRAN
After a few days in Istanbul, the team checked out Iran. The first thing that struck us was how friendly everyone was. We had a great time in Tehran and very productive meetings with the Iranian handlers, guides and the Malaysian Embassy. Again, road conditions are generally good. Expect some interesting desert driving in eastern Iran. We will also be camping - barbeques and traditional music are on the cards.
PAKISTAN
A separate team was sent to Pakistan. Thumbs up - we are very impressed with the conditions there. Plenty to see but the highlight would surely be the famous Karakoram Highway to China. Here participants are sure to enjoy breath taking scenery where the road snakes through 5 major mountain ranges - Himalayas, Pamir, Kunlun, Karakoram and Hindukush. Pass the Khunjerab Pass at 4730 meters into China and on to Kashgar - the very essence of the Silk Road is revealed.
The recce Team also reports that the roads are narrow but passable. Lots of interesting sites, even a visit to the famed Khyber Pass and a swim in the Indus River is planned. In the words of one recce team member - "Mind boggling! Fantastic, spectacular or wonderful is too simple a word for this place."
PETRONAS ADVENTURE TEAM PROVES TO BE A CHAMPION AMONG CHAMPIONS
The PETRONAS Adventure Team won the bowling competition in Johor Baru recently, beating all other PETRONAS Motorsport Teams and a Media team. Stiven Sim also took the crown as overall individual champion and Sani was second overall. Held in conjunction with the PETRONAS Formula One roadshow in Johor Baru recently, the teams also took part in a kite making.
Thanks to Stiven Sim, Sani, Zamros, Abdul Majid, Azahari Aziz and Yow Kai Kim for a great showing and all PAT members for their support.
PETRONAS ADVENTURE TEAM TAKES PART IN FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX PARADE
As the newest member of the PETRONAS motorsports, PAT took their place in the team parade at the PETRONAS Formula One Grand Prix.
