After four days, hundreds of miles, and one very distinctive Jurassic Park–themed banger, Sam and Alan have made it safely back from this year’s Bangers4Ben rally.
The route? Scotland’s legendary NC500, packed with dramatic coastlines, winding mountain passes and the occasional dino sighting.
We sat down with the tired pair to talk about the rally highlights, the best spots along the NC500, and what it’s really like taking part in this unique fundraising adventure for Ben, the automotive industry’s charity.
What was the highlight of the rally for you?
Alan: For me, the views (at times, depending on the wild weather), seeing a golden eagle and being at John O’Groats during storm Amy trying desperately to stand upright for a photo.
Sam: I loved the meet-up. It was the first chance to see all of the cars and what people had been working on. The effort this year was fantastic.
Any unexpected challenges along the way (apart from keeping the car in one piece)?
Sam: Alan’s sense of direction.
Alan: Harsh but fair. That and trying to attach an inflatable dinosaur on the roof in 60mph winds. Let’s just say some cable ties gave their lives for the cause.
Which team had the best car theme (other than our Jurassic Park masterpiece, of course)?
Sam: The Ghostbusters car was exceptional, but there were so many other notable mentions, including the Mystery Machine, Frozen and the Austin Powers Jag that unfortunately didn’t make it.
Alan: Definitely the Hangover crew who fully committed with a tiger, baby and Mike Tyson face tattoo.
Did the car roar like a T-Rex or purr like a kitten by the end of the rally?
Sam: Hats off to Honda, the CRRRrrrrV was great. I was very happy that The Trade Centre saw fit to give us new pads and discs before our trip. Slight issues with the driver’s heated seat though.
Alan: It made it home under its own power albeit with questionable steering, so we’ll call that a win
Who was the better co-pilot?
Alan: Me, obviously, I didn’t snore whilst co-piloting
Sam: Depends. If by ‘better’ you mean ‘brought snacks and playlist organisation’, that was definitely me.
What was on the rally playlist and which song was on repeat?
Sam: T-Rex, Dinosaur Jnr and Everyone Walks the Dinosaur by Was not Was.
Alan: Everything I had never heard before thanks to DJ Sam. I think my ears have PTSD.
Which stretch of the NC500 was your favourite to drive?
Alan: The coastal run between Durness and Ullapool, every bend reveals another postcard view … before the fog descended.
Sam: All of the west coast was amazing. The east side could be a tad bleak in 100mph+ winds.
Any hidden gems along the route (cafés, beaches, pit stops) you’d recommend to others?
Sam: Smoo Cave and the Toastie Shack on Durness Bay.
Alan: The beach at Achmelvich. Absolutely stunning, and we had it practically to ourselves.
Why was it important to you to take part in Bangers4Ben?
Alan: Ben does incredible work supporting people in our industry through tough times. Being part of that, while doing something genuinely fun and memorable, was a no-brainer.
Sam: Exactly. It’s not just a rally, it’s a way to give back to the automotive industry.
After a few days of fancy dress, long drives and fundraising, what’s the one memory that’ll stick with you?
Sam: Watching an otter fish while admiring the clouds and lashing rain while standing outside eating chips as the pub in Applecross had ‘run out of water’. In defense, excellent chips.
Alan: Seeing the total raised for Bangers4Ben through the generosity of others; that’s the bit that really hit home. Plus, knowing the Jurassic Park car survived the full NC500. That’s a story we’ll be telling for a while.
Huge thanks to Sam and Alan for braving the miles (and the fancy dress) to raise money for such an important cause.
If their Bangers4Ben journey has inspired you to donate, you can still support our campaign here.
