1st June 2009
Mini adventurer, Duncan Mortimer, has set off across the USA on the first leg of
his 'round the world road trip.
The drive, in aid of Cancer Research and the 'Help for Heroes' charity, celebrates this year's 50th anniversary
of the launch of the original Mini and will take in over 20 countries and over 36,000
miles. It was made possible after Duncan received a Non Standard Award from insurer
Performance Direct.
Sitting in his 1978 Austin Mini Clubman 1275 GT en route through Florida, 20 days
into his zigzagging route across the States, Duncan explains:
"Although I have many people to thank for getting me on the road, it was the Non
Standard Awards that really got me started. The money from Performance Direct got
the car back on the road so I could publicise the trip and get interest from other
supporters. The Non Standard Awards are a fantastic idea and I'm honoured to be
chosen as their first winner."
This is the third time Duncan Mortimer has circumnavigated the globe in this car
but the Mini's 50th anniversary and the popularity of the new Mini have meant that
the trip has received a great deal of attention around the world, including invitations
for visits to over 40 Mini Clubs from Australia to Japan, Eastern Europe and China.
You can keep up with Duncan's progress by reading his Blog and tracking his progress
by satellite by visiting his website: http://www.ctw937t.com/
About the Non Standard Awards
Performance Direct, one of the UK's leading independent insurance brokers, is well
known in the insurance industry for being able to help customers with more unusual
insurance requests.
As well as standard motor insurance, Performance Direct caters for the drivers of
what the industry calls ‘non-standard' vehicles – classic cars and motorcycles,
imported vehicles, modified and high value vehicles. They help so-called ‘non standard
drivers' too – to the insurance industry this doesn't mean anything unusual; the
self employed, drivers with points on their licence or individuals who use their
car for work are all ‘non-standard'.
Proud to be Different
Through Performance Direct's work with car clubs, classic, modified and prestige
vehicles, the company often identifies individuals with unusual motoring ideas and
dreams. These include vehicle restoration projects, original road trips, record
attempts, charity events and challenges. In many cases, however, these ideas remain
untried, often because the individuals lack the basic finance to make the idea happen.
"It may not be a great deal of money, but it may be a great idea", says Damian Collett,
Performance Direct MD. "So, we thought we should do our bit to support some great
non-standard ambitions. We think the world will be a better place for a few more
‘non-standard' thinkers realising their dreams!"
The Non Standard Motoring Awards – How they Work
Whether you have dreams of driving from Lands End to John O'Groats in a tank, restoring
a classic vehicle to drive to Borneo, or painting your motor to look like the Sistine
Chapel, if you need assistance to help realise your driving ambitions or slightly
mad projects, then apply for a Non-Standard Award from Performance Direct!
The more different the idea the better – we don't want anything irresponsible or
dangerous – just original, achievable ideas (they should be associated with motoring
and if there's a charity element that'll be good, although it's not essential).
Performance Direct will need to know exactly what finance is required, why you need
it and you'll also have to persuade the expert judges that you'll be able to carry
out your idea. The judging process will be rigorous, so forget it if you can't deliver!
How to Apply?
Announcements will be made shortly about the next group of Non Standard Award winners
but applications for the second round are now being accepted.
In the first instance,
click here to apply.
This should explain, in no more than 200 words, your idea and the amount of money
required to make it happen.
Then, also in less than 200 words, we'll also need to know about you. We'll obviously
need proof that your idea is realisable and, as far as you can, that you can ‘pull
it off'!
Please include any supporting photos or information with the application.
Every application will be acknowledged and an initial shortlist will be sent out
by 31st November 2009. Short listed candidates may be asked to attend an interview
with an expert judging panel in London (Some Terms and Conditions will apply).
Performance Direct is prepared to receive applications for up to £10,000. However,
applications for smaller amounts will be looked upon favourably. There is no minimum
application and we are happy to act as a co sponsor of an idea.
Become a Non-Standard Motoring Award Winner with Performance Direct.
Remember, you need to apply by 1st November 2009.
Back to Performance Direct Insurance Public Relations.