Driven to success

May 19 2008 By Chris Clements

A TEENAGE mechanic, who works with Blantyre’s Volvo Truck and Bus, is on his way to Europe to take part in this year’s Barcelona Bangers Rally – all to raise funds for charity.

Richard McClounie (19), who lives in East Kilbride, will take part in the event that spans the length of France and finishes in Barcelona. The 3-day rally course runs through the historical city of Lyon, over the Alps, and takes in the beautiful sights of the French Riviera.

However, there’s one minor complication – the course has to be completed in a car that costs less that £200.

Richard’s brother David (20), an officer with Strathclyde Police, said:

"Luckily Richard brought with him some mechanical knowledge!

"As the months progressed, we have now got our team name, Band of Bodgers, and found our trusty car – a 1993 Volkswagen Passat Estate.

"Although the car has plenty of faults and niggles, as well as a very uncool green and orange glow in the dark spray-painted paintwork, we’re convinced it’ll get us to Barcelona one way or another."

Richard and David are joined by two other members – Brian Lambert (26), of Kilwinning, and Alan Long (30), a fellow police officer from Glasgow. All four hope to have their car ready for the event on July 18.

David said: "We have lots of work before the July 18, including servicing, paintwork and fundraising, but we’re confident we’ll be ready.

"Our design theme will be based on our name and will be an army look. It’ll be interesting to see if we can get our car looking like a tank by July."

The team’s chosen charities are Cancer Research UK and Care Of Police Survivors (COPS), which is dedicated to helping surviving families rebuild their lives after the trauma of a death of a police relative in the line of duty.

The lads aim to raise £2,500 for each charity.

For more information on helping the team raise cash, visit their website www.bandofbodgers.co.uk.