FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kurt Schneider
E-mail:
[email protected]
March 9th, 2011
Pakistani and American off road enthusiasts connect despite cultural differences
4x4 groups from opposite sides of the globe inspire each other to further important causes
While the Pakistan and American governments are currently at odds over recent events in Pakistan, off road enthusiasts from both countries are working together in harmony.
Through the largest 4x4 website in the world, Pirate4x4.com, Dr. Ehsan Kiani of the Islamabad Jeep Club in Pakistan began following the work of the 4405 “Land-Use” off road race team (
www.ovrocksports.com) which competes in races such as the famed King of the Hammers race in Johnson Valley California. (
www.ultra4racing.com) The 4405 “Land-Use” team’s mission is to not just race, but to preach responsible off road recreation and volunteerism to ensure continued motorized access on public lands. In order to raise awareness of environmental and land-use issues, the 4405 race vehicle is also often seen on display at businesses, events, schools and 4x4 trail cleanups and work parties.
In May of 2010, the 4405 race car was completely lost in a structure fire. Due to the importance of the land-use team’s mission, companies and individuals began donating parts and funds to rebuild the car. In an effort to be a part of the rebuild, Dr. Kiani donated hand stamped, metal 4405 plates that have been welded onto the new vehicle. A lost art in the United States, hand stamping metal is still practiced in Pakistan.
In August of 2010, Pakistan was ravaged by floods, claiming 1,200 lives, wiping out entire villages and forcing nearly 2 million Pakistanis to flee their homes. Not only has the Islamabad Jeep Club been involved with relief efforts, inspired by the 4405 Land-Use team’s efforts in the United States, Dr. Kiani and his brother Suhaib began building an off road vehicle to raise awareness of the issue and the work being done by the club in the Swat Valley in Northern Pakistan. Dubbed the “Concordia Relief Racer”, the vehicle will be used in much the same way as its sister vehicle the 4405, but for a different cause on the other side of the planet.
Dr. Kiani says "We got tremendous support from all around for the Flood Relief Initiative started by the Islamabad Jeep Club. When the massive floods hit Pakistan, Suhaib and I were in the middle of building a 4x4 vehicle (named Concordia) for use in off road rallies. Inspired by the 4405, we decided to use the Concordia to raise awareness about the relief work. I am positive that the partnership between the 4405 and Concordia will go a long way."
According to Kurt Schneider of the 4405 “Land-Use” team, “We are ecstatic that our team’s efforts are recognized by a 4x4 club from across the globe, and honored to know that we have become the inspiration for the Concordia Relief Racer. Despite different ideologies and cultures, we are bound by a common love of off roading and vehicle fabrication. I think many Americans would be surprised that Pakistanis build 4x4’s, head up to the mountains, then four wheel and camp much like we do here in the United States.”
In addition to this partnership, the 4405 team and Team Concordia are currently working on several projects to exchange fabrication skills and knowledge between Pakistani and American 4x4 enthusiasts.
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If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview with Kurt Schneider, Please e-mail Kurt at
[email protected]
. Here is a VDO shot by suhaibkiani a week before.. 7ish seconds for a 40!!!! How does that sound?
