GTROC Blogger Jann’s performance today is even more spectacular when you consider the fact that this is the first time he has been to the Nürburgring. As the newest recruit to Nissan’s roster of GT Academy graduates, Jann has a lot to live up to and results like this are concrete proof of the success of the programme.

“Jann’s performance today was exemplary,” said GT Academy Team RJN boss, Bob Neville. “He did exactly what I would have expected from a seasoned professional. We waited a moment or two at the start of the season then sent him and he was straight on the pace. To take pole with time to spare just shows the level Jann is at now.”

“I’m feeling pretty good at the moment,” said Jann. “That’s my first ‘proper’ pole position as a professional racing driver. I had to work hard for it though. We tried a few things during free practice and going into qualifying we thought we would be okay but the car felt better than ever so I went for it!”

“The results speak for themselves,” said Darren Cox, General Manager of Nissan in Europe. “Pole position means you are the fastest amongst your peers. End of story. I think we’ve proved, yet again, that GT Academy isn’t just a marketing activity or a reality show. It’s the real thing and it finds real talent.”

Jann will start tomorrow’s British GT race, from pole position, at 1630hrs CET tomorrow

http://www.gtroc.org/shop

The launch of the GTROC Executive Club was delayed but that was because we wanted to get it right.  Technical issues with the membership cards meant repeated attempts to get the finished product just right.  From the feedback we have got we think the delay was worth it, certainly most of the members feel so.

Now that GTROC Executive Club membership packs are going out we can reveal the delays were down to getting the genuine full dry carbon membership cards just right.  As far as we know – and we’ve done a lot of research on the subject – we are the only club to offer this kind of exclusive membership card.  And we did this because we want the GTROC Executive Club to really stand out and to provide the very best there can be.

Already we have VIP events at the Le mans 24 Hour and Nurburgring 24 Hour races.  We have a VIP lunch at Goodwood Festival of Speed and we are working on more VIP access for all our Executive Club members.  The details of these events and others can be found on the GTROC website and also in our online shop.

But it’s not just events that make GTROC Executive Club members stand out.  We have just launched our range of carbon fibre items and will be expanding that through this year.  Already we have a number of products in our CARBON COLLECTION (see the shop for more details) available exclusively to GTROC Executive Club members.  Coming soon will be GTROC Executive Club merchandise, the first of which will be the GTROC Executive Club polo shirt.  In the meantime we already have some items for you to purchase such as carbon fibre effect car window stickers, carbon fibre pens and pencils, and more.

Here are some other examples:

The carbon fibre money clip is made from genuine carbon fibre, and is designed to open beyond parallel while maintaining its shape time after time.  It also comes in in it’sown box, should you want to give it as a present.  The money/card clip will take up to about 7 credit cards or a fair size stack of cash!  It is light weight (5 grammes) and very strong!

Genuine carbon fibre iPad 2 case made completely out of real carbon fibre.  It is extremely thin and lightweight.  Aside from turning your iPad into a carbon fiber masterpiece, you almost can’t tell it’s installed.  The case weighs in at a featherlight 40 grams and is just 0.6mm thick owing to its 690,000 strand technology

The case is compatible with Apple’s Smart Cover, making it the perfect duo for front/rear iPad 2 protection.  By making the side of the case only 0.35mm thick, it’s thin enough for the Smart Cover’s magnets to connect, yet the the carbon fiber doesn’t need any special cutouts…giving it a clean look with or without the Smart Cover being used.  The case is available in a unique scratch-resistant finish which has a small texture and provides a semi-gloss look.

To find out more follow the link to the shop: http://www.gtroc.org/shop/product-category/carbon-collection

While winter driving hazards are well known, the fact is that road accidents peak in the summer, when there are over 10,000 more accidents than in winter. Sadly there are also more fatal accidents.

IAM spokesperson Caroline Holmes said:

“Summer sees holiday makers and day-trippers on unfamiliar roads. It also sees too many drivers enjoying the long evenings with a drink in their hand. Unfortunately the accident figures reflect this. Simple precautions like preparing your car, properly scanning the road ahead and getting your speed right will help keep you safe.”

http://www.drivingadvice.org.uk/

CITY A.M. is a free newspaper aimed at City of London workers and handed out free at numerous railways stations.  With it’s exciting mix of corporate and financial news as well as the politics of world economies it still needs to provide something else for readers.

In the 9 May edition, along with a feature on a German car, it had two press releases for Nissan.  One brief was about the Juke-R going into limited production and the other was about the launch of GT Academy 2012.  Both articles were covered by the GTROC on 2nd May and 3rd May respectively.

The two articles in CITY A.M. featured one image each.  Of all the images they could have chosen both were the identical image used on the GTROC blog.  Coincidence?  Actually we don’t mind, it’s great to see and we hope Ryan will join us later in the year at an event perhaps?

But it’s not just City newspapers that cover and feature the GTROC.  Last month Japanese Performance magazine ran a huge spread on the GTROC and its recent trip to Japan; as well as a review of the event and plenty of photos.  In the coming month Total Nissan will run a feature on all the tuning shops the GTROC visited on our recent Japan trip.  Banzai magazine are in discussions with us to do a follow up article on something else and we already have a feature put aside for the cars competing at the Nurburgring 24 Hour Race.

But whatever you do, if you want to hear it first, make sure you visit the GTROC on www.gtroc.org

So here we are back safe and sound in the UK! We arrived back at Nissan HQ at 5pm on Tuesday to be welcomed home by a large crowd of Nissan staff which was fantastic!

Looking back at the expedition – we’ve all been challenged in many different ways, but the best thing is that we came through it together and have shared such an unforgettable experience.

For the Nissan staff – we’ve heard stories from the soldiers of their experiences in Afghanistan and other places where they have served that were very moving – their “day job” is no comparison to what we “civvy’s” do back home and their bravery and will-power has left a lasting impression on us all.

For the Paratroopers – the soldiers have been tested physically on this expedition, the 10 mile march itself was the furthest any of them had accomplished since sustaining their injuries and the challenges gave them time to reflect on their future. The Nissan team may have also surprised them with how we managed to cope in the desert; they had told us they expected us to arrive in suited and booted, totally unprepared and wouldn’t cope with camping…well we showed them! I think they were quietly impressed with our approach to the expedition….

This trip has certainly given all the participants the chance to look at life with a different set of eyes, and hopefully this has come across in the blogs and videos that you have been watching.

Lastly a few words of thanks:

Mission Morocco would not have happened without the sheer determination and hard work of the organisers – Colin Smith and Captain Clamp from the Afghanistan Trust, Nissan and their charity committee and also Protrax who led the driving challenges and expedition over in Morocco.

Also – a huge thank you to you all for the support we have received along the way – from our big sponsors, to every individual who has donated to this worthy cause and to all those who have spread the word about our journey. It gave the team encouragement and motivated us to work harder and “dig deep” on the challenges set out to us.

Finally – the Paratroopers themselves – they go through an enormous amount of endurance testing to earn their place in the regiment – both physically and emotionally. They are so proud to be in the Parachute Regiment and after meeting them – they are an absolute asset to their Battalion, and without doubt – we couldn’t have made this expedition the success it was without them.

We wish them well for the future and Nissan GB will continue to support The Afghanistan Trust.

All the best,

Mission Morocco Team 2012

p.s. You can still donate here: www.justgiving.com/2012missionmorocco

GTROC Executive Club membership is not just about paying more and joining for life, it is about getting more and having access to events and experiences that only the GTROC can provide.

Up until now the emphasis on Executive Club benefits has been motorsport related; VIP access to garages, teams and drivers at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race; VIP access and accommodation at the Nurburgring 24 Hour Race; VIP lunch at the Goodwood Festival of Speed; VIP access to GT3 GT-R, team and garages at GT Cup and British GT events; Discounts for the Silverstone Classic.  But it’s not just about motorsport we are also working on a lot of other events and experiences as well as additional benefits that only GTROC Executive Club membership can offer.  Look out soon for a VIP track event and more track day discounts.

The big news for 2012 is that GTROC Executive Club members can not only go to the Formula 1 British grand Prix but can be part of the action!  Not for everyone and certainly the price may stretch a few wallets but the offer to GTROC Executive Club members is one that you no other club can offer.

On offer are two options:

OPTION 1 – VIP SILVERSTONE WEEKEND

Enjoy the race, fine gourmet food and all day hospitality (including open bar) in one of the best locations at Silverstone overlooking six corners of the circuit, and guests have the options to watch from the exclusive suite terrace, in front of the suite, or from your reserved seat in the Silverstone grandstand, with views of: Maggots, Becketts, Farm Curve, Village, The Loop and Aintree.

Join us in our VIP Monte Carlo Suite and get up close to a leading F1 driver, with a Q & A session hosted by Murray Walker. Murray will also mingle with clients to sign autographs and chat afterwards. The weekend comprises:

• Saturday and Sunday pre-race Q&A with Murray.
• Outstanding Grand Prix hospitality in the Monte Carlo Suite.
• One of the best views in F1 racing – anywhere!
• The finest gourmet food, prepared by Steven Saunders, fellow of the master chefs of Great Britain.
• Free flowing champagne and all day complimentary bar.
• Gift bag including programme and radio ear piece.
• Circuit and BBC feeds to our plasma screens, located in the suite.

 £2,120

OPTION 2 – THE ULTIMATE IN F1 GP EXPERIENCES

Spend the weekend enjoying the Grand Prix from the new wing complex at Silverstone above the team garages. The finest hospitality available in motor-sport, as well as the best views.  As well as this you get

• Access at your leisure from 9am until 6pm throughout the weekend.
• Pit-Lane walks where you can experience the thrill of the pit complex
• Open bar with the finest wines plus beers and Champagne throughout the day.
• Hot and Cold Gourmet luncheon served with vintage wines.
• The best viewing at Silverstone from above the team garages, where you get a birds-eye view of the start and all the action of the pit-stops. Plus a plethora of celebs!
• Exclusive access to the F1 TEAM suite of Red Bulls in Paddock Club.
• Exclusive behind the scenes look at the team garage and cars.
• Mingle with the VIPs, celebs and stars in the Paddock and perhaps enjoy a coffee in the team motor-home.
• Meet the drivers after qualifying and before the race, ask them those burning questions and grab those all important autographs!
• Great team merchandise to commemorate the weekend.

£4,250

The final challenge in the desert was the 10 mile march, one of the iconic tests of endurance for the Paratroopers. The desert conditions would make this difficult for all those involved. We asked expedition leader Cpt. Matt Clamp why everyone had come so far to undertake this challenge and why is was so important to him.

“Pte Conrad Lewis was part of the Fire Support Unit attached to the A company and 3 Para on the last tour of Afghanistan. He was based at Checkpoint Quadrat in Helmand province. On 9 February 2011, Privates Lewis deployed as part of a foot patrol to reassure the local population and gather census information in a small village north of the Nahr-e Bughra canal. The patrol came under fire and, during the ensuing fire fight and Private Lewis received serious gunshot wounds. Despite receiving immediate medical attention at the scene, and extraction by helicopter, he sadly died of his wounds.

Conrad’s father Tony Lewis was working in Paris for Nissan at the time when he received the phone call that his son had died and he decided he wanted to do something to help the Afghanistan Trust and this is how Nissan became involved. This whole Morocco expedititon has come about because of the sad events that day.”

All of those involved on the 10 mile march were aware of how important it was to do there best to complete this final challenge and in doing so helped raise much needed funds for the Afghanistan Trust. It would be wonderful if everyone could share this video with friends and family and in doing so help us achieve our £40,000 target.

When you first arrive in Afghanistan it’s a strange feeling. You are excited because this is what it has all been leading up to, this is it, but at the same time you won’t ever forget the fact that you are scared. Anyone who says they are not scared is lying. You have a massive amount of cautiousness around you because just to walk around is intimidating. You get used to it after a while but you never forget what might be lying under the ground. I found 6 IED’s when I was out there and that’s what wakes you up.

24 hours in Afghanistan for me would mean either spending time in a checkpoint or going on patrol. Sometimes you would remain at a checkpoint for up to a month and this would involve remaining inside the compound, not stepping outside the gates. You would be posted on guard. There’s a stag list and you would be required to be on guard for three hours stints, sometimes more, only grabbing a couple hours of sleep in between.

On stag you are looking out for enemy movements and this might involve watching the civilians moving about as the Taliban would regularly conceal themselves in the general population. You’re keeping your eye out for suspicious movements so that when a patrol does come through you can fill them in on everything that is going on. This gives them reassurance as they are walking around but it’s also to prevent enemy movements because they put checkpoints in key positions.

On a patrol day you would wake up in the early morning, you’d get briefed about where you are going and what you will be doing. Every aspect of the patrol would be covered. Then you set off out the gates. The patrol is usually focused on talking to the locals, finding out what is going on, finding out what they need and if they know anything about Taliban movements. Every now and again you would get shot at. Once that is dealt with and hopefully no-one has been injured you would return to base and get debriefed and then get your scoff on.

I spent 6 months in Afghanistan, my time got cut short by my injury but a lot of the lads spend 7 months on tour. What people don’t often understand is that living for that period of time in uncomfortable conditions day in and day out can be challenging. You kind of get used to it, but it doesn’t stop. It’s constant, you don’t get a day off. It’s 7 days a week, 24/7. You can’t just say I don’t want to go out today. That is your way of life for 6 months, it’s non-stop – walking out of the compound, not knowing what’s around you, when you are going to get shot. You don’t know when it’s gong to happen.

We are heading home now. After a long haul through Southern Morocco we arrived at the ancient medieval city of Fez. We were lucky to be able to spend a few hours wandering through the narrow streets, sidestepping the odd donkey heavily laden with all kinds of goods.

We visited the oldest and largest tanneries in Africa which had been in use since the 10th century but were closed on Friday due to a religious holiday. Oh well. They still looked amazing. Having spent so many days in the desert the hustle and bustle of city life was at times overwhelming but a we did manage to buy a few souvenirs with the soldiers seeking out items for their loved ones back in England.

Today we travelled all the way to the coast and crossed back into Spain and were met with torrential downpours so camping tonight is going to be a challenge. The Para’s have set up some makeshift covers over the tents which should keep the bulk of the water out – but I can’t say I’m looking forward to my sleep tonight.

It is now a two day drive through Spain and a 24 hour ferry ride back to the UK and rather than recount this part of the journey.  A short interview with Private Mark Vidler about 24 hours in his life as a Paratrooper in Afghanistan will be next and we will be talking to some of the Nissan staff about their highlights from the mission.

The following video is about our Desert Night Challenge.

Please share what you have read ans seen, it all helps raise awareness for the Afghanistan Trust and the daily challenges injured Paratroopers are facing!

To say the last 24 hours have been a major challenge would be a massive understatement! The central purpose of our 1,400 mile trip to Merzougha Dunes in Southern Morocco was to work alongside the injured paratroopers in a number of challenges which began in earnest last night as we were all marched into the desert and given a brief training in desert navigation before being told we were to spend the night without any food, tents or light. To top this at some point in the night there would be a raid on the camp followed by a 10-mile dawn hike through the desert which was going to really test our physical and mental endurance.

We’re all now recovering from these challenges and will be returning North over the coming days and this blog will be devoted to telling the story of what went on and how it has helped us all gain a much better understanding of what our Paras have had to face in Afghanistan.

The films of all these challenges will be uploaded to the blog over the coming week as well as interviews with the Paras and the Nissan team members which we hope will give you a real sense of what Mission Morocco has all been about.

Keep following us and check out the films which will be on the site over the next five days as we travel home. Please share them around and help us achieve our single most important aim of raising funds for the Afghanistan Trust.

To help explain this competition – we were split into 3 teams:

• Team 1 was Pte Pat Burns, Matt Thomas and Jess Tanner
• Team 2 Private Urquart, Rachael Gregory, Helen Marshall
• Team 3 – Private Mark Vidler and Paul Lloyd.

The first challenge was to cross a Whaddi – a former wetland which has suffered many sandstorms that have created a vast area of small dunes – some measuring up to 3m in height. They don’t look that tall but they are all very bunched together so you need a lot of power to get over them otherwise you will get stuck – which we all did. We had to dig each other out and even get winched out a couple times.

The next challenge was the treasure hunt. This was great fun although a real test of your navigational skills. We were given 1 GPS co-ordinates and at each spot answer a question. If you navigated wrong you could end up in a tricky situation. We ended up on the side of a rocky mountain which took us across sand dunes, flat plains and rocky areas! The final results were (Scores) 1st Pte Burns, 2nd Pt Urqhart, 3rd Vidler.  (Time) 1st Pte Vidler, 2nd Pte. Burns, 3rd Pte Urqhart.

The final challenge was the Blind Driving Challenge where we had to complete a course around the sand dunes blindfolded with your co-driver as navigator – so it tested both trust and commitment skills. The key to success was the trip “drive it like you stole it”, meaning don’t stop or be too cautious otherwise you will get stuck. We were marked out of a score of 50 and points were deducted for reversing, hitting the flags, or if a winch was required to get you out of a mess. The scores were as follows: 1st Urqhart, 2nd Burns, 3rd Vidler. Captain Clamp and Sgt Jackson also had a go only showing the team “how not to do it” by totally going off course!

The first time we had to engage the 4WD – we were off road for 11 hours barely going above 30mph (mostly 10mph).

Driving into the High Atlas mountains we began climbing along some very steep and sheer tracks – the views were amazing although the drivers never took their eyes off the road. We climbed to 5,500ft and the co-drivers were massively appreciated to help avoid the potholes.

We suffered two punctures today but luckily we were carrying 8 spares for the four vehicles – the paras were quick to help out and we were back on the road in 15 minutes on each occasion.

After leaving the mountains we headed towards the desert. Driving became even harder (is that possible?) and the sand dunes meant that at times we had to get out and push. We’ve ended this final travel day camping wild in the desert where the facilities consist of a shovel (if you know what I mean!).

Tomorrow the paras will be setting our first challenge and there’s talk in the camp that tomorrow night we will be sleeping without tents, light or additional rations. Keep following the blog and sharing our story…

Last night we all thought we were going to be blown away by a sandstorm after having  set up a wild  camp at least three hours drive from the nearest road head. The long journey was beginning to take its toll on some who looked bleary-eyed as they emerged from their tents.

We were then given some training on the small dunes nearby before being given our first challenge by Captain Matt Camp. We were split into two teams with each lead vehicle having been given some GPS co-ordinates which would test our navigational skills across this section of the expedition.

Within minutes we were all having to hop out of the vehicles to shift rocks which were likely to add more punctures to our collection. The dunes were getting bigger as we headed into the Waadi and getting over the top of some of the larger ones proved a major challenge with both teams finding themselves digging out the wheels, but after three hours both teams arrived at the ruins of an old city where we had a quick break before driving three hours across open desert heading towards Mezugha where the next challenge would be happening.

The Paras and Nissan team members were really becoming confident drivers and another driver training session on the huge dunes around Mezugha showed just how much people had learned on the trip down in handling their vehicles.

Tonight the Paras have told us that we have to camp with no tents, no food, no lights and to post guards around our site as something had been planned for that night. As the sun falls we are all trained in desert navigation and are feeling a growing sense of unease.

Early start with 4.45am alarm clock wake up call. Quick pack (girls made time for a shower!!) before heading off to the ferry port for Morocco.

Smooth crossing to Morocco, (a lot better than our previous ferry crossing!) before a hectic border crossing. At first refused entry due to not having the original V5, quick discussion to fly someone out, or courier in?? However Charles (our guide) found a “fixer”, so with a few quid paid to the chief of police, we were granted “special permission” and forms were signed and eventually the cars made it across. “NO BLUFF TOO TOUGH” (Para speak)

Long drive today, especially as the clocks went back 2 hours so we’ve driven for 12 hours in total – but admittedly with magnificent views throughout the whole journey. Managed to stretch our legs at some Roman Ruins – where we also dabbled with our first lot of dirhams (Moroccan currency). It was a massive 10 dirhams each to enter the ruins so we returned to our vehicles – only to realise that 10d = 75p…

Back on the road, we have started to get used to Moroccan road manners – which are fairly non-existent – including overtaking on blind corners, brows of hills… you name it, I’m sure we’ll see it over the next week.

Just pitched up at camp – for the first time we’ve arrived in the dark so we’ve quickly put our tents up, cooking dinner and getting to bed ready for another early start tomorrow..in case you’re wondering – this does not feel like a relaxing weekend!!

Day 4

Before speaking about today – I must share with you what we got up to after dinner last night…Sgt Jackson presented a safety brief to the entire team on how to administer first aid on any of the team, should an incident occur. Started off with plasters, and how to put on a bandage…ending up with mouth to mouth training and using an instrument to check if the injured person is breathing!! Talk about putting your mind at rest just before you go to sleep…

In the morning, we were up and out on the road and soon leaving behind the busy towns and entering a more desolate landscape. Stunning scenery of the Atlas mountains and the reality of the poor living standards passing through some small villages. People waved at the convoy as we passed by and we often had young children hammering at the car windows, barricading the road and generally doing anything to stop us continuing our journey before giving them something.

Stopped for lunch at a river crossing where we cooked our rations on the back of a truck, together with some Moroccan flat bread which was pretty tasty! Ration packs are still a novelty for the Nissan team – they’re packed in small boxes with a number on (to distinguish the contents) and contain breakfast lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks  – 4,000 calories in each ration pack. Meals are cooked in 5 mins in hot water and eaten out of the bag (so no washing up!).  The paratroopers know which ration box number to go for (as they ate them for 6 months at a time in Afghan) and always get in there first when they are given out! Though they should watch out as the Nissan team are starting to get savvy – Ration Box No.7 is good – muesli for breakfast, tuna pasta for lunch and sweet and sour chicken for dinner…. :)

Finished the day in the Todra Gorge which was HUGE – driving round the windy roads with so much rock overhanging – it was something that impressed us all. Arrived at camp in a town nearby called Tinehir – which is basically a concrete car park – very hard to get tent pegs in the ground!