Why did Camel Trophy End in 2000?

[Dusty Booger]

Does anyone know why the Camel Trophy ended in 2000? I see that the "G4" has replaced it. Has anyone ever participated in either event? How does the G4 cmpare to the Camel Trophy?

[MatLax]

From Wiki:

In 1998, the Camel Trophy returned to Argentina and Chile for the penultimate Tierra del Fuego event. The Freelander made its debut and was used to speed the competitors six thousand miles across the remote and snowy environment. Outdoor pursuits dominated the event. Shortly afterwards, Land Rover, a major sponsor, felt that the Camel Trophy was moving away from adventure and exploration and a news release indicated they would not sponsor future events.

In 2000, the Camel Trophy returned with a new style of event. It developed the spirit of the Tierra del Fuego but the 32 competitors explored Tonga and Samoa in RHIB powerboats. Although the event was successful as a sporting activity, it failed to give the sponsors the exposure they desired. In the future they would concentrate on fashion, not performance. It was to be the last Camel Trophy.

The demise of the Camel Trophy left a gap.

In 2003, competitors representing sixteen nations helped Land Rover fill that gap. Surprisingly, the inaugural Land Rover G4 Challenge contained many of the elements of Camel Trophy 1998, which Land Rover had reportedly been disappointed with. The "ultimate global adventure" was a test of skill, stamina and mental agility in four separate stages, each in a different time zone. The prize: a top-of-the-range Range Rover. In true Camel Trophy style, the winner Rudi Thoelen, declined a Range Rover, and opted for two Defenders instead!

The 2006 Land Rover G4 Challenge promises to be tougher than the inaugural event. The competitors, working in bi-national teams will be faced with thousands of miles of vehicle-based activity in Thailand, Laos, Brasil and Bolivia.

[Kyle_T]

The G4 and Land Rover TReK challenge is back for 2008.

[Lowtorious]

I'm not of the impact but security and terrorist threats within the participating nations comes to mind.

[NSW Sparky]

Originally Posted by Lowtorious

I'm not of the impact but security and terrorist threats within the participating nations comes to mind.

thats why they cancled last years Dakar rally.

[Old Scout]

Originally Posted by Lowtorious

I'm not of the impact but security and terrorist threats within the participating nations comes to mind.

Spears and arrows are more common than AK47s!

[pangaearover]

I think the Wiki answer does a good job of why Land Rover stopped its involvement. In addition, I remember in 2000 Worldwide Brands, the then owner of Camel Trophy mentioning that they were not going to run the event on an annual basis because they had "adequate imagery" or some such crap from each event. Somewhere in the early 2000s, I believe there was a change in smoking advertising laws worldwide, which prevented even tenuous connections to cigarette marketing. I believe that put the final nail in the coffin of what was left of Camel Trophy.

[nicks90]

.....and with the rise of the looney liberal green-issue soap-dodging lesbian brigade, it was decided that the original format of 20 odd landrovers hacking their way through virgin rainforest wasnt the best idea for their advertising.

[NSW Sparky]

the G4 challenge is definitely NOT the new camel trophy. The G4 does like a obstacle course on the deck of a big ship. While the camel trophy contestants had to make it through a dense jungle that would take days to go 1 mile through like 6ft of water.

[spork2367]

g4 challenge is gay...it's like the amazing race...in shitty land rovers. the original camel trophy was badass. not really "treading lightly" though...read the book First Overland. pretty cool stuff.

[pangaearover]

Its kind of ironic that Land Rover ditched Camel Trophy because the "new" adventure sports thing didn't fit their marketing needs... Then a few years later, they turn around and create basically the same watered down event....

Another great book if you can find a copy "The Great Adventure" an awesome coffee table book of Camel Trophy up through 1994.

[forsakenfuture]

Im glad im not the only one that thinks the G4 is lame.They just use Rovers to get people to the events dont actually use them like back in the day.I also like how in the photos that have any real wheeling in them you always see a Defender in the back ground to pull out the other Rovers is something happens.

[Johnny Quest]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8yWW...eature=related

a quick recap of the awesome driving done in the various camel trophy expeditions. and only 2 very brief shots of the freelanders.... coincidence??

also, where can i find a set of those skinny little Michelin XL's that most of the disco's are running??

[Colorado Ron]

I like the Camel, and some parts of the G4 arent too bad. I have collected several vids over the years and still think the G4 is worth supporting. I see it as a tip toe event back into the "Camel" type stuff and its still a tough race. The Transiberian is a fun one to watch as well. Kinda crazy watching the Porsche get ripped apart!

More Expedition Porn

[Johnny Quest]

Originally Posted by Colorado Ron

I like the Camel, and some parts of the G4 arent too bad. I have collected several vids over the years and still think the G4 is worth supporting. I see it as a tip toe event back into the "Camel" type stuff and its still a tough race. The Transiberian is a fun one to watch as well. Kinda crazy watching the Porsche get ripped apart!

More Expedition Porn

Nice link Ron I just blew through 2 hours of watching sweet old trophy vids that i hadnt seen before.