General Guidelines for Off-Road Driving

Before discussing specific driving conditions, here are some general guidelines to adhere to once you leave the tarred road:

Always wear your seat belt, the exception being when crossing a river.

Whilst driving in bush or thorn trees keepyour window closed to above eye level.

It is advisable to move your seat a "click" forward and to raise your backrest slightly, when encountering off road conditions.

Adjust tyre pressure to suite the terrain.

Inspect suspect obstacles prior to attempting them.

Keep both hands on the wheel at all times. Remember to keep your thumbs on the outside of the wheel.

Choose your driving line and gear, before attempting an obstacle and remain committed to your choice.

A piece of tape placed at top center of your steering wheel will assist in keeping your wheels straight when driving in sand.

While driving difficult terrain it is advisable to allow the vehicle in front of you to clear the obstacle before you make an attempt.

Avoid aggressive jerking of the steering   wheel, rather use gentle coaxing maneuvers.

Select four-wheel drive prior to encountering any difficulties.

When driving in grassy areas check the underneath of your car regularly for grass build-ups that can easily lead to fires.

Remember that when stuck in a seemingly impossible situation it often helps to sit down, relax, have a refreshment and consider your     predicament. You will be surprised how often, when you sit and consider the options, the remedy comes into your head like a flash. You are often left thinking, "why did I not think of that sooner".

Adopt an attitude of "tread with respect" and DON'T OVER DO IT, RATHER DO IT OVER!

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Grand Prix de Belgique

Spa Francorchamps, Belgium

The fact that Spa, the greatest circuit on the calendar, is back this year proves that Formula One has not lost its soul. Disqualified last season by Belgium’s stringent tobacco advertising laws, its absence left a void in the calendar that was impossible to fill. Now an exception to the tobacco rule for this single event has cleared the way for this classic race to return, and the grand prix teams, bless ‘em, have agreed... Located in the Adrennes, Spa is steeped in history hosted grand prix since 1925. The original 15km triangle of roads linking La Source, Stravelot and Malmedy was radically shortened and upgraded in the early ‘80’s, but its character was retained. Still used as public roads when race meetings are not taking place, the track boasts a one for Formula One’s most spectacular corners, Eau Rouge, a left-right kink through a dip that the bravest drivers take flat-out in a properly set-up machine.

Date: 29 August 2004

Time: 14:00

Race Distance: 44 Laps, 306,592km

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