We got a place with the 2008 Mongol Rally. The idea of Japan Car Exports participating in this rally began in July when Steve saw an article in a Japanese publication about the Rally. Since then, its been on the minds of everyone at JCE.
It was touch and go during the selection period. The first selection went by without giving the “Smaller is Better” crew a spot. The next selection went by with the same results, but it was announced that some cheating was happening and some teams were getting two spots, so a third lottery was set up and it was then that the mighty Small crew got its first chance at the adventure of a lifetime.
So, that was just the start. Steve doesn’t think small (if you know him, he’s not a small guy). Talking with his brother Shawn in Canada, he came up with the idea of having the Mongol Rally as just the first leg in an around-the-world journey. Then the dreams started!
Next to find out was Joel, and in his calm and collected demeanor he thought “cool”. Joel even smiled (it was on the phone so Steve is just guessing). Joel said “you had me at hello” when it came to his participation in the new record-breaking journey.The toughest nut to crack was Steve’s better half. Akiko wasn’t as enthusiastic, knowing she’d have to deal with 7-year old Josh and 1-year old Emma. So, Steve thought, “well, Josh can come with me during the North American leg of the journey.” Akiko was more enthusiastic.
As of now, we have the Japan Car Exports staff as members of the team, but it comes down to who are the drivers. We have 3 people who all wish to be part of the team for the Mongol Rally: Joel Hage (American), Shawn Smith (Canadian) and Anderson Rocha DeSilva (Brazil). Anderson is JCE’s yard manager and mechanical magician.
More to come…
