The 2006 season of motoring tours has a new team on the starting grid! A ‘dynamic duo’ in the form of Jan Dechamps and Patrick Nelson.
They are both passionate about cars and high quality events, so how did this pairing decide to be The Cannonballers for the UK? “We both have run successful professional businesses, and the opportunity to own the UK franchise for this event fulfils a ‘fun factor’ that was eluding us” explained former Notts County Football Club CEO, Patrick Nelson.
The business has at its helm a lady well versed in the organising and delivery of international events. Jan Dechamps has staged events all over Europe, “and I’ve spent many hours behind the wheel on the Autostradas and Autobahns too” she confirmed. Now she gets the chance to pilot a car which could have been built especially for her – it’s the Cannonball Ford Focus WRC. “This is a very distinctive car, promoting a high class range of events” she said proudly. And the car is an expression of the philosophy Jan brings to the Cannonball brand. “For many years similar events have been run by enthusiasts. I want to take this enthusiasm, add my own professional approach to the management of The Cannonball Run, and develop the brand still further” she explained.
This year’s event leaves for Europe from the UK on 9th July and goes to….well that’s a very well kept secret. “In keeping with Cannonball tradition, entrants won’t know the route until they arrive to drive the event” she conceded, ‘but I can promise a blast of the hottest cars travelling through spectacular scenery, staying in amazing places, and enjoying plenty of partying and top class fun”.
The planning experience of the team is evident, as they have been working over the last few months to create new experiences for motoring enthusiasts.
Cannonballers – The Club is a natural development of the business, creating a series of bespoke opportunities for members to enjoy not only their cars, but experience the Cannonball lifestyle. Track days, black tie parties, and country weekends are all dialled into the mix for delivery later in the year.
For 2007, as well as the main Cannonball Run, the company will stage the first Cannonball Classic. This event will combine the great driving roads of Europe with visits to circuits and venues that represent the very best in motorsport heritage. Add in a cultural programme to complement this and you have an event that just has to be driven. Driven in what though? Well, this event is truly classic. Cannonballers on this occasion can only enter a pre ’82 car. “This should make for a mouthwatering selection of vehicles, but of course the drivers can be young, and young at heart” confirmed Jan.
For Jan the mission is simple. “I want to create events and a Club that has real cache, delivered exclusively for all our Members. For me, Cannonball is much more than an event, it’s a lifestyle” she concluded. Intrigued…then log onto cannonballruneurope.co.uk to find out more.
