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BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicles finished first and
second in the 20th anniversary 2004 Alcan Winter Rally, the world's longest and
coldest rally.
The winning team, captained by
Automobile Magazine's Ronald Arhens included driver Gary Webb and navigator
Peter J. Schneider. The second place effort was lead by BMW CCA Roundel
editor-in-chief, Satch Carlson and included pilot Henry Joy and navigator Russ
Kraushaar. Given the harshness of the conditions, the third BMW X3 team
performed bravely and selflessly, led by Bimmer Magazine's Mike Miller and
included driver Paul Duchene and navigator Katy Wood. The BMW X3s jumped out to
an early lead on the first day and maintained that lead throughout the eight-day
competition.
This grueling contest covers some
of the most treacherous roads in North America. The teams began in Seattle,
Washington on February 18th, included a stop in Whitehorse, Yukon Territories,
Canada and crossed the finish line nearly 5,000 miles later in Anchorage, Alaska
on February 26th. The contest consisted of traditional rally time-speed-distance
tests, steep hill-climbs and descents as well as a number of ice-racing
competitions. Through it all, the BMW X3s took everything the teams asked of
them in stride.
"Everybody in the BMW Brigade was
impressed with the X3... the speed and handling of the vehicles, especially on
the ice, was phenomenal--that's what let us take the lead from Day One," noted
BMW CCA Roundel editor-in-chief Satch Carlson. "With a three-person crew, other
things become important after a few thousand miles. We had room for three
people, plus all the Arctic gear we'd need for a week, plus photographic
equipment, tools and safety equipment. In fact, the luxury was an ironic
contrast to the stark Arctic environment around us; we were cocooned in warmth
and safety in the middle of a vast, barren plain of ice."
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"The BMW X3
is ready for any passion, any weather, any corner, any pace."
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The BMW X3 is ready for any
passion, any weather, any corner, any pace. The Alcan Rally's blend of cold and
icy conditions, torturous roads and test of handling prowess proved perfect
fodder for BMW's newest Sports Activity Vehicle by providing all four in
abundance. The X3 offers BMW levels of performance and handling as well as
outstanding traction thanks to its all-new xDrive all-wheel drive system.
"Who but BMW would pluck vehicle's
of this type off the showroom floor, enter them into such a grueling contest...
and win," noted Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW (US) Holding Corp. "This
remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the ruggedness and handling
capabilities of the X3, not to mention the skill and determination of the
teams."
This outstanding result would not
have been possible without the generous support of the team sponsors, BMW
Original Parts, BMW Financial Services, Snap-on Tools and Hella, Inc.
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