We are Team Aquaphoics Baja - Sam, Ian and Mark.
Although none of us can remember exactly how it all started, sat around the table one night we had the crazy idea to do the Scumrun.
As the weeks went on it was obvious it would have to be an air-cooled VW and we eventually decided it had to be a Baja.
After searching the internet for a cheap beetle and not having any luck, Lawrence Butcher, a familiar name as a writer and photographer in Volksworld, kindly sold us his old beetle challenge race car. It had been off the track/road for quite a few years but is a great solid base vehicle for this project.
There were always going to be a lot of parts required to build this Baja, so we put the word out and so far have picked up some amazing sponsors for the build.
VW Heritage and Megabug have donated some goodies.
Neil at Lite-Steer will be making all of the Baja bumpers and roll cage.
Steve Strong Engines will be donating a new build 1600cc.
Buttys Bits is adding some nice shiny bits and bobs. Full Circle Race Design will be doing a full body wrap.
73 Aircooled, Early VW and
VWORKS Upholstery have also
contributed with various new parts, so not only will we have loads of lovely
new parts ensuring we actually finish the 3000 miles, we are going to look good
every mile of it!
We’ve all been searching EBay and have come across some great finds including some huge 8x15 Wellers and most of a Baja body kit so far!
Over the
next few months leading up to the rally we will be piecing it altogether bit by
bit and are planning to make as much as possible ourselves, as we are on a
strict budget.
We have lots of ideas; mostly bad ones as far as fuel economy and comfort are concerned, but great ones when it comes to building a mad Baja!
We will of
course be covering the full 3000 mile trip for you all to read about.
We can’t wait and hope you enjoy the story as it unfolds.
So what is Scumrun?
The Scumrun was previously known as the Scumball Rally and like the Gumball Rally is a mad
race across Europe for a 3000 mile adventure over four days.
That’s 750 miles a
day in a car we will be lucky to average 70mph in.
It’s going to be interesting!
The Scumrun name doesn’t really do it justice, every year a UK children’s charity is chosen for all of the teams to raise as much money as possible for.
The 2014 rally raised over £100,000 for Tommy’s, so it’s not just
a bunch of guys having a Top Gear style holiday! It’s all for a really good
cause.
The 2015 rally we are doing, will be the 10th year and is looking to be bigger and better than ever before.
This years chosen Charity is JDRF UK (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) please have a look on our Facebook page, TEAM AQUAPHOBICS BAJA for more information.
The rules of the Scumrun state you can spend no more than £500 to purchase your vehicle but after that there are no limits on how much you can spend modifying it.
This means we are not driving across Europe in a £500 death trap!
It also also means, that over the years people have been very creative with what they have bought and the end result; it’s not just turning up in top end super cars to blow away the competition.
We will not know the route of the race, not even the next days check points!
Every morning we will be given the end coordinates for that day and checkpoints for along the way, where photos will be taken for other games and challenges within the rally.
We can't wait!!If you would like to make a donation please go to our Just giving page.
Or text BAJA98 £1 £2 £3 £4 £5 or £10 TO 70070