Now Newtown rally enthusiast Adrian Howells is living out his dream by competing in the European Cannonball Run which set off from Heathrow last weekend.

The world famous event has grown from its origins as an illegal road race across America to one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the European rally calendar.

And for Adrian and Scotland-based co-driver Kevin Hughes this year's event has special importance with the duo raising money for the Colin and Johnny McRae Foundation.

Rally legend Colin and son Johnny tragically lost their lives in a freak helicopter accident along with two friends in 2007.

Adrian and Kevin both hope to raise funds for the Colin McRae fund by successfully completing the marathon 3,000 miles across Europe.

Adrian said: "I am really looking forward to the Cannonball Run. It is the first time I have ever competed in such an event so it will be a new experience for me."

The event began at Heathrow on Sunday with competitors then presented with the itinerary every morning before starting out on the adventure.
"To cover the entire 3,000 miles we have calculated we must cover 600 miles a day so it will be an intense drive.

"Speed is not the main thing and it is actually more a matter of controlling your speed and obviously timing the breaks to co-incide with re-fuelling and meals.

"The fact that each team only receives the itinerary in the morning before racing commences just adds to the excitement and challenge."

The duo have invested time and money in converting a 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX for the event with the vehicle made famous by McRae courtesy of his back-to-back WRC titles in 1995, 1996 and 1997.

A host of entries have been received from across the globe with drivers keen to experience the breathtaking roads of the French-Swiss Alps and the world famous Monaco in the South of France.

"Although we do not know where we are going at this stage I'd really like to take on the roads around the Alps – they are famous the world over as excellent driving roads."

Meanwhile Adrian praised the hard-work of Newtown-based mechanic Wayne Bound who utilised his knowledge of car building from his years with Mitsubishi and Subaru to help upgrade the car.

"Thanks to Wayne we can go into the Cannonball Run with a lot of confidence with upgraded breaks and a more powerful engine for overtaking on European roads."