Norcott employee completes Two Ball Banger Rally

Here at Norcott we like a technical challenge. But network administrator Ian Wilson took on the ultimate test recently by completing the 1,200-mile Two Ball Banger Rally.

He and 3 friends bought a V-reg Volvo and over nine months prepared her for the rigors of the rally, which involved 1,200 miles over four days in France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Monte Carlo. Their route took them through the Black Forest of Germany and over Italy’s famous Stelvio Pass.

According to Ian, the car performed ‘superbly’, despite a few hair-raising moments on the steep mountain passes.

He said: “The detours were the biggest challenge. There was one day when we were meant to take a major road but got diverted over these high mountain passes. It was a challenge in terms of finding our way but it was also difficult being a passenger in an old car along small roads on the side of incredibly high mountains!”

The Two Ball Banger Rally stipulates that cars must have been bought for no more than £567. The drive isn’t intended as a race – instead, entrants can collect points for decoration and even wearing fancy dress. Ian and his 3 team mates raised sponsorship totalling £1,600 which they have donated to the Huntington’s Disease Association. Huntington’s Disease is a hereditary condition which affects the central nervous system.

“We had never taken part in a rally before but we’ve always enjoyed cars and have been to plenty of track days and car shows. This was just mentioned one evening and the idea stuck. Before we knew it we had found the Volvo and formed a team.

“It was great fun and, despite spending four days together, we’re still all very good friends, though we did say at the end that we would never do it again!” added Ian.

David Ramage, Lee McCombe and Ian Wilson (Norcott employee).