Practical Classics cross the USA on a budget thanks to a Non Standard Award

  • 20th October 2009

    Performance Direct's Non Standard Awards have got a team of three journalists from Practical Classics magazine across the USA. On a budget…

    For just $800, they purchased a 1978 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz – bought on eBay – and drove 2500 miles from Columbus, Ohio to Santa Barbara, California.

    So how do you do the road trip of a lifetime for little more than £500?

    The answer; by entering the Non Standard Awards!

    If you want to know more, take a look at the February (2010) edition of Practical Classics magazine where the team will be telling their whole amazing story.


    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 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?

    Applications for the next round of the Non Standard Awards will be accepted until 28th February 2010.

    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 March 2010. 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 Award Winner with Performance Direct.

    Remember, you need to apply by 28th February 2010.

    Back to Performance Direct Insurance Public Relations.

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