Doncaster-based DIY distributor, Centurion Europe Ltd, has announced plans to support The Rainy Day Trust by entering international road race, the Vado Rally this year in fancy dress.

Centurion sales & marketing director Peter Stone is a trustee of the DIY industry charity, which celebrate its 175th year anniversary this year and will lead the team on the 2,500-mile round trip through Belgium, Holland, Germany, Sweden and culminating in Copenhagen, Denmark on June 10.

Peter said he is keen to promote the team spirit and keep morale up throughout the journey, so the team of four will all be dressed as Bob the Builder.

He has also identified a special vehicle to ensure a successful outcome in the rally: a 1989 Volkswagen Transporter, which has been well run in, with over 300,000km on the clock.

Although the van is not quite roadworthy at the moment with a few minor modifications needed, Peter is confident that it will be more than up to the job:  “Underneath the clag is a quality vehicle with a number of special features that make it the ideal mode of transport for a journey of this nature,” he said.

“The modern aerodynamics will ensure a smooth drive as it glides along the continental motorways and the low-profile tyres will provide the grip needed,  as it careers around bends at speeds expected to reach up to 23mph (on downhill stretches).

“Assuming that we can get any of the wheels to drive, then the four-wheel-drive facility (the VW spent it’s early years in Sweden before being imported to the UK) will be useful to deal with the Swedish road conditions, which can be treacherous in June – and the rear tow bar may well prove useful to other less well equipped vehicles that may need assistance.” 

Peter has clearly done his research and the same meticulous planning has gone into assembling the crew capable of rising to the challenge:

Paul “Bob” Kantecki was selected for his calm and measured personality, which Peter says will be crucial in the event that they encounter any poor driving from other road users. His other great asset is his extraordinary height: “On a clear day he can see almost four miles ahead, which will give us a real edge,” said Peter.

[Note:  Paul “Bob” Kantecki is one of the two owners of Centurion Europe but Peter assures us that this is not connected in any way to his selection to the team.
David “Bob” Geczi brings a wealth of international knowledge and travel to the team and will be the lead navigator for the rally. Fortunately Belgium, Holland, Germany, Sweden and Denmark are among the handful of countries that he is not banned from.  
David “Bob” Geczi is the other owner of Centurion Europe (draw your own conclusions!).
Glynn “Bob” Fox will be head of communications for the team relaying regular updates on their progress throughout the trip via social media. He will also be in charge of team security, which will be provided by his dodgy band of Russian Rapper “acquaintances” who will guarantee a safe and smooth passage…We are assured that the recent kidnap threats Stone received from Moscow are not connected to Glynn “Bob” Fox’s selection to the team.]

The Centurion team are all highly motivated and are apparently now undergoing intensive training for the event.

Meanwhile the VW van is about to undergo some extensive repairs and refurbishment with an investment allocated of just over £27.

On a more serious note, Peter Stone and his team are desperate to raise as much money as possible for The Rainy Day Trust. “We are helping more people than ever in our Industry and making a real difference to their lives and we are only able to do this as a result of the incredible generosity of our partners and sponsors.  If you feel that you are able to help us with a donation then this would be most welcome and greatly appreciated”.

Donations can be made by visiting the team’s Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/centurion-vado-rally

Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to “The Rainy Day Trust” and sent for the attention of Peter Stone at:
Centurion Europe Ltd;
Hunt Lane
Doncaster
DN59SH