4×4 and Country Car Show
4×4 and Country Car Show
GOES AHEAD IN SEPTEMBER
Its official. The 2001 farmers weekly 4×4 and Country Car
Show is to go ahead on Sep 8 and 9.
David Cousins explains whats happening.
WITH Grimsthorpe Castle, the home of the farmers weekly 4×4 event, closed to the public earlier this summer because of foot-and-mouth fears, it looked for a while as if this years event might not happen. But the estate has agreed that the show can go on, with suitable F&M precautions.
The dates are Sat, Sep 8 and Sun, Sep 9 and the venue for the third FW 4×4 event is historic Grimsthorpe Castle, a farming estate set in beautiful countryside by the village of Grimsthorpe, near Bourne.
As last year, the main aim of the event is to give farmers, their families and other country-dwellers the chance to experience the latest offerings from the ever-active manufacturers of off-road and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Almost all the manufacturers will be there, with vehicles being given a full test on both the easy (well, relatively easy) and tough courses.
So look for newcomers like Fords Maverick and race-liveried Ranger pick-up, Land Rovers extraordinary Tomb Raider Defender, Mitsubishis new ultra-plush Sho-gun and Toyotas impressively re-engined Colorado.
OK, farm incomes this year may not exactly incline you to go out an buy a new Range Rover, but its a chance to assess the newest machinery on the market ready for when things improve. And, well, in a year when shows have been rarer than hens teeth, heres an opportunity to spend a day in a beautiful part of Lincolnshire with no more pressing a decision to distract you than what vehicle to try next.
Its not just a day for the car-nut either. As in previous years, those wanting a break from the ups and downs of the test track can watch country sports demonstrations, talk to manufacturers on their static stands and pick up a bargain on one of the trade and accessory stands. Theres also a fashion show for those who want to know whats cool in rural attire and a new feature this year is a food marquee with more than 30 producers of specialist foods showing off their wares.
On top of that, Grimsthorpe Castle itself will be open for visits, children will be able to amuse themselves in the adventure area and there will be a choice of food outlets for when hunger strikes.
Entry prices are £8 for adults and £4 for children under 15. More details from the organisers Live Promotions (01775-768661).
WARNING
In the interests of public safety, visitors to the event will not be allowed to bring their own vehicles on to the test tracks. Also, the dangers inherent in such courses mean that the actual driving of vehicles will be by trained drivers rather than visitors. However, this professionally-designed course, with a variety of testing terrain, will guarantee that all those riding in vehicles will have a good chance to assess the vehicles capabilities from the passenger seat.
F&M UPDATE
Though Lincolnshire has not had any foot-and-mouth outbreaks, the disease is still raging in many parts of the country. So farmers weekly and Grimsthorpe Castle are taking every precaution to guard against the disease.
All cars arriving and leaving the event will pass over disinfectant pads, as will all visitors. Test and demo vehicles will be pressure washed with disinfectant on arrival and departure, as will the buses taking visitors to and from the test tracks.
4×4 MAKERS ATTENDING
• Audi
• Daihatsu
• Ford
• Isuzu
• Jeep
• Kia
• Land Rover
• Mitsubishi
• Subaru
• Tata
• Toyota
• Volvo
(we will update this list as new names come in)
(we will update this list as new names come in)