SATURDAY, 30th JUNE – Oatlands Hotel
We decided some time ago that we’d stay in Oatlands Park hotel on the night
before the ‘Run. Arrived early afternoon, and soon bumped into John and Shelli
in a sweet V12 Jag outside. We asked the question that would be repeated
endlessly throughout the rest of the day: “You guys on the Cannonball Run?”
(always followed by “What are you driving?” if answered positively!) They were
– and what’s more, had completed it before!
Checked in; hit the bar. Cheeky one. We join John and Shelli, and before long,
we’ve met Andy and Len who’ll be driving a black Audi RS4 (and drinking they’re
own body weight in Champagne!), Stevo and Co, driving a black Merc SL55 and
Silver Audi A8. We’ve got a Noble here, a heavily modded Galant and Skylines
too
We’d intended to have just a few, and then call it a night. But some of these
guys are hilarious. Before you know it, we’ve met everyone staying in the hotel
who’s participating on the Run, and we’re pretty much plastered! Far too late
and worse for wear, we hit the hay.
DAY 1, SUNDAY 1st July
We rise, and soon realise that last night’s fun and games have left us far from perfectly prepared for what’s to come!! The priest shirts are produced, and get a few laughs when presenting ourselves at reception!! Hungover and a little nervous, we jump in the car and head to Sandown Park racecourse.
We’re practically the first there – getting in about 10:30. We find out where entrants need to park, and then the waiting game begins.
Over the next few hours, we’re pleasantly surprised by the number of friends who’ve made the effort on a damp Sunday afternoon to come and say goodbye. It’s the only thing that takes our mind off how dull all the waiting around is – we really just want to get moving.
There’s a drivers briefing at 2pm, and then it’s finally time to get in the car. Arriving at the checkpoint desk in convoy, we’re both buzzing with adrenalin. We go for the understated ‘blue lights and sirens’ approach, which clearly bewilders some and draws loud cheers and laughter from others. We are handed 2 mission packs. Bruce tears them open as Dave performs an efficient exit. Game on.