Round Britain on smell of an oily rag

Amanda McLaren is off to Britain to do what her famous father Bruce McLaren presumably didn't much think about - drive in an economy run.

McLaren and Wellington police driving instructor Stephen Donnell are among a number of international drivers who will compete in an economy drive around Britain sponsored by the Guinness Book of Records.

The two New Zealanders were part of the team which set a world economy record for petrol-driven cars in a similar event last year.

McLaren recorded the best individual figures and Donnell, selected for the event by the Bruce McLaren Trust, was also part of the motorcycle team which set a new record.

McLaren and Donnell will drive a 1.2-litre diesel-powered Volkwagen Lupo in the June/July event.

Their target and that of their competitors is 105 mpg, or 2.67litres/100km. Guinness lists the record in imperial gallons.

The rules require that drivers keep as close to the British coast as possible and complete at least 5605.6km, or 3460.2 miles.

They have between 120 and 180 hours to do so. A traffic violation means disqualification.

The journey is hard physically and mentally. A modern car's bells and whistles drain engine power and fuel, so the air-conditioning and radio will be switched off.

The windows will also be shut - an open window lets in air and effects aerodynamic drag.

The rules require that drivers must observe road rules and constantly record their progress in a log book.

While the cars are required to be factory standard, support vehicles will this year be equipped with digital maps and GPS navigation aids.

The event will start and end in Brighton, on Britain's south-east coast.