The Automaster Wins Entry Into Land Rover TReK '99 Finals
18 May 1999
The Automaster Wins Entry Into Land Rover TReK '99 Finals
BODEGA BAY, Calif., May 17 -- A three-member team
representing The Automaster qualified to compete in the final round of Land
Rover TReK '99, the annual inter-retailer competition. Land Rover TReK,
launched in 1996, is a unique challenge designed to test the spirit and
enthusiasm of all Land Rover retail employees. Teams representing individual
retail outlets from around the country compete against one another in a
friendly -- but still highly competitive -- contest of skill and endurance.
The day-long competition involves numerous physically and mentally rigorous
tasks, including written logic quizzes, orienteering, rally-type navigation,
running, canoe racing, bike racing, and precision off-road driving.
Eight teams competed in the second of six TReK regional trials, held at a
600-acre ranch north of San Francisco. In all, 48 Land Rover retailers will
take part in TReK '99 -- the maximum number event organizers could
accommodate. The winning team from each of the six regional trials will
return for the finals of TReK '99, to be held on Thursday, May 27th.
Shane Bowley, Randy Adams, and Kurt Shangraw represented the Shelburne,
Vermont-area Land Rover store in the grueling competition, which began when
competitors were rousted from their tents by a 4:30 a.m. wake-up call. Under
clear skies, the teams worked hard to remain enthusiastic as the day wore on.
Service advisor, Browley, best summed up the excitement of the event by
saying, "This type of event allows us to 'walk the talk.' It's one thing to
tell the customer about the capability of the vehicle from a quick off-road
drive, watching Camel Trophy videos, etc. But it's a different thing to tell
them about the vehicle based on our personal experience here at TReK. All
that we've gained from this day -- driving, winching, teamwork, comraderie
-- that's what makes Land Rover unique. And that's what helps us serve our
customers better and give them the 'experience' they come to us for."
In this unique competition, a premium is placed on the team's four-wheel
drive skill. Competitors are required to negotiate an autocross loop,
complete an off-road TSD rally and battle head-to-head through an obstacle
course that includes precarious log bridges, deep ditches and the challenge of
recovering a submerged vehicle. The vehicles used by the teams are
identically prepared 1999 Discovery Series IIs.
The special TReK-edition Series II features a number of upgrades designed
to support the Discovery Series II's off-road prowess. The vehicle rides on
245/75R-16 BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires mounted on 16-inch Lightning alloy
wheels. Up front, there's a unique grille and bumper treatment, featuring an
integrated Warn 9000i winch.
For added protection and capability, the special-edition Series II
features Safari Gard rock sliders mounted along the doorsills and a rear-
mounted Hi-Lift Jack for use in extreme conditions. There is a full-length,
aluminum roof rack with mesh flooring, integrated bike racks, four roof-
mounted Hella FF100 driving lights and rear-mounted work lights. Inside the
vehicle, the door panels and seats are covered with two-ply supplex waterproof
fabric. The carpets have been replaced with more durable and easier to clean
rubber matting.
Support for Land Rover TReK '99 was provided by Bauer Vehicle Gear, Inc.,
BF Goodrich, Giant bicycles, Hella, Hi-Lift, Inc., Safari Gard, Safety
Devices, Warn and Land Rover Special Vehicles.
Land Rover North America, Inc., established in 1986, imports Range Rovers
and Discoverys manufactured in Solihull, England, for sale in North America
and is a wholly owned subsidiary of The BMW Group, Munich, Germany.