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The Venue
Posted by : Ray Wakefield - Date: 12 Dec 2003 at 10:56

Vernuek Pan is situated in the Northern Cape , near the town of Kenhardt , South of Upington.

The track, which consists of a dry alkali mud, extends to a length of 17 km, and can with little effort be increased to over 20 km. The presence of the teams associated with this event, which will number around thirty persons, will be augmented by the various officials, safety crew, etc. who will be staying in the vicinity. Their numbers will be further increased by the many media personnel wishing to be present to broadcast the story of the record attempts to the rest of the world. In addition to these journalists, camera personnel, and their crews, a number of VIPs from the team's sponsors will witness the proceedings. The influx of all these people is bound to enhance the economy of the area both prior to and during the record week.

Before any record bid can be made, the track has to be cleared of all foreign objects, such as stones or anything that could damage the tyres, or be sucked into the air intake of Bluebird-Vampire. This process is labour intensive, and the track team will require assistance from members of the local population. Marking out the course, marshalling in the viewing areas, and providing security in the vicinity of the track and pit areas will all require local labour to be hired.