Land Rover Stretches the Human Performance Envelope

Ottawa's Kevin Willey in front of a Land Rover Discover, one of the G4 Challenge event vehicles. (Photo: Shannon Lee Mannion, Canadian Auto Press)

As one of 23 Canadians invited to try-out for the Land Rover G4 Challenge in Las Vegas this past December, Ottawa's Kevin Willey arrived prepared. He brought several pairs of colourful, mismatched running shoes, headwear with stuffed reindeer antlers attached and he sported a stick-on tattoo on his cheek. No, not a skull and crossbones. It was a sticker provided by the G4 organizers. And he brought a stash of small cigars that he says are his only vice.

The G4 is so-named because it includes four consecutive global sites in different time zones. The focus is on 4x4 driving skills in each of four Land Rover Models, including the Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover and a Defender 110 Station Wagon, although this vehicle wasn't present at the Vegas venue.

A Land Rover Discovery negotiates nature's obstacle course. (Photo: Land Rover)

Kevin went prepared to prove his strategic thinking ability and demonstrate team spirit as well as putting his physical fitness and driving ability to the test. As president of Ottawa Valley Land Rovers, one of the largest Land Rover Clubs in North America, there was no question that his team spirit would be well in hand. And driving ability? Piece of cake for a competitor who is equally comfortable behind the wheel over any terrain in either his 1973 Series III Light Weight or 1996 SE7 Discovery.

Groups were formed and Kevin joined two other men, Joe Hewitt and Kit Springer, and two women, Diane Verhoven and Malaika Ulmi. Not to ruin a surprise, alas none of these contestants were shortlisted but Kit and Malaika, who were dating from before the contest, were so taken with one another's prowess, they decided to get married.

G4 Challenge Team Canada. (Photo: Land Rover)

Land Rover aficionado, John Hong, was there and reported the following in an article he wrote for the Ottawa Valley Land Rover Club's newsletter: "As the sun set and the desert chill set in, the evening Orienteering event served as an appetite builder for dinner. Next came the simulated television interview event but not before Kevin was one of a handful selected for an actual video interview for the Canadian news media." He says he was particularly impressed by Kevin's winching ability; recovery, this is something Canadian off-roaders know a lot about.

The Challenge began in New York City on March 30, where it departs for South Africa, Australia and finally back to the west coast of the States. Sixteen people are participating including two women participants and software engineer, Jim Kuhn, 37, who will represent Canada. Good luck to all.