Innsbruck, 28 th May 2009. One of the world’s last automobile adventures was concluded last week. The “Ketterechtsundbremseoffen” team co-sponsored by phion set off in the old-and young-timer rally from Oberstaufen in the Allgäu to Amman in Jordan on 2nd May 2009 – and won. The four-person team (Franziska Kneile, Christian Scherf, Christian Bülles and Götz Steinbrecher) came in first among 88 teams and arrived at the target destination in Jordan on 12th May.
What makes this rally so special? It is a low budget rally for those seeking a calculable adventure. The vehicles used must either be over 20 years old or not worth more than 2,000 Euros. The event was by no means a race in the classic sense: Normal road traffic regulations applied (with the exception of certain special tests). Participants were free to select their own overland routes to Jordan. The only rule here was that the use of motorways, toll roads and navigation systems was not permitted. Another unique characteristic of the race: Participants were only allowed to sleep in tents they had brought with them or in accommodation that did not cost more than ten Euros per night.
The impressive winners’ presentation ceremony was held in Le Royal Hotel in Amman. Her Royal Highness, Princess Basmah, presented the winners with a young camel which has found a new home in the Royal Gardens.
Constanze Liebenau, VP Marketing & Corporate Communications congratulates the winners: “The team has proven that even the most difficult tests can be mastered with team spirit, expertise and assertiveness. phion congratulates the winners!”
Proceeds from the rally were donated to a good cause: The vehicles used became the property of the UN WFP (World Food Program) or other charitable organisations as soon as they crossed the Jordanian border.