Muscle cars, cross country rallying
and epic driving adventures. If you think a coast to coast drive,
fuelled by a $1 million prize fund and legendary parties are the domain
of the male of the species, The Great American Run is about to prove you
wrong.
In an entry quota of 200, Ashley and Aimee Perlinger are the sole female entrants for the
rally
against time which begins along the east coast of America this July.
Promising white hot action from start line to chequered flag, The Great
American Run breezes through destinations including New Orleans,
Indianapolis, San Antonio and Las Vegas.
Petrol heads and driving
aficionados, hardcore racing fans and first time rally racers - all will
spin their wheels in an attempt to travel the 3000 mile route in the
time closest to that set by the event organisers. Entrants can choose to
start from the sunshine state of Miami, FL or take in the hustle and
bustle of New York City, NY.
The Perlingers may be newcomers
to motor sport, but they're not phased by the thought of taking on 199
men. "The distraction factor is key and I believe we have that in the
bag!," says Ashley. "Unless the male teams are wearing blinders, they
will be distracted by the Perlinger gals... And if they are wearing
blinders, well then we are sure to have the advantage. We are both
extremely competitive by design - so experienced or not, watch out!"
With all entrants competing for a
limited edition Saleen Ultimate Bad Boy Mustang, title honours and
automatic entrance into next years one million dollar event, the Great
American Run is about enthusiasm and spirit. As veteran Cannonball Run
entrant and The Great American Run
organiser,
Tim Porter says, "It doesn't matter what you drive, a Lamborghini or
Lincoln, Ferrari or Ford, Mini or Maybach - it's not the metal that
counts but the spirit you bring with it."
The all-girl squad will be
traversing the 3000 mile route in style. Their Bentley GT sports car
with 552 horsepower is being prepared by Matt Crandall at GranPrix
Imports, Oregon. As well as the usual assortment of GPS and radar
detection systems, the girls are planning a full aural assault with
driving tunes selected especially for the adventure. "We've spent time
over the last year or so cruising around together but haven't had the
chance to take part in any test sessions," says Aimee. "We figure if
we're going to be sat in a car going across country, we should do it in
style and do it in a Bentley."
Speaking of style, sibling
rivalry has been put aside when it comes to agreeing on the best leg of
the six day tour. "Vegas Baby!" confirms Aimee. "The leg from Vegas to
LA is what we are drooling about. Vegas, enough said - guaranteed great
time! Driving from Vegas to LA, the anticipation, the desert, the
eventual win... we can't wait."
Following in the wheel tracks of
the world famous Cannonball Run, the Great American Run is the first
event of its kind in the United States and will make history when the
lights go green at each starting city on 29 July.
For Ashley and Aimee, the
challenge will not be getting to the finish line but keeping their
competitive natures under control within the tight confines of their
Bentley sportscar. "The right mix of crazy and conservative is the
trick," notes Ashley.
While they haven't been putting
in the hours on the track, the sisters have become familiar sights in
their local gyms and think their preparation will give them the edge.
For Aimee, her workout sessions will help with her next mission, also
being carried out for sponsor Fluge Global Adventures. "Fluge Global is
giving me a spot on their Everest Team," confirms Aimee. "I will be
trekking to Base Camp in October, so working out has become an essential
part of each day for me."
The winner of The Great American
Run 2007 will not necessarily be the car first past the flag. The
Saleen Ultimate Bad Boy Mustang and event title will go to the driver or
team posting an overall time nearest to that set The Cannonball Run
crew. Adding to the excitement, the competitors will be challenged
en-route by a series of checkpoints and unexpected detours on their way
to Las Vegas, a track day at Willow Springs Raceway and final group run
to Los Angeles.
