'Wacky' camper heads for Nürburgring lap

Ethan SaundersCannock
News imageBBC A man with short hair and beard, wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans. He is perched on the bonnet of a white fiat van.BBC
David Warren and the Fiat Doblo Maxi that will be making the 1082.9 mile round trip.

A man from Staffordshire has set himself a special challenge in order to raise money for a children's charity.

David Warren, from Hixon, has rebuilt a Fiat Doblo Maxi and converted it into a micro camper, setting his sights on "taking it all the way to the Nürburgring, doing a lap and then coming back all within 72 hours."

Part of his challenge is also running a raffle where people can win the converted van, with all proceeds going to the NSPCC.

"We thought a really unique and wacky way of doing it is by buying an auction van and turning it into a camper," he said.

News imageDavid Warren Two pictures side by side of the inside of the van. It shows a before and after of the camper where the inside is completely plain and one where the interion has been carpeted lights have been put in and a wooden floor and bench.David Warren
the inside of the van just after Warren purchased it (left)and what has been done to the van since January (right).

Warren bought the van in January at auction for £950 and described it as an "absolute wreck".

It was in such a state of disrepair, it failed its first MOT when he picked it up.

"We had to get everything from the engine completely rebuilt, through to new turbos, a whole new braking system and a whole new custom exhaust. We have also had it remapped, [so] now it's up and running", he said.

As part of the challenge, the handy man has had help from various businesses who have given their time, effort and parts to do the jobs that Warren couldn't do.

Once the van is completed, Warren will set off on the 3rd June from NSPCC Offices in Birmingham on the 535-mile journey to Nürburgring racetrack to complete one lap and drive the same distance back.

When asked why he wanted to do the challenge he said: "I've always sort of watched videos online about cars going down there, some of these funny, wacky vehicles.

"I have faith that it will make it", he added.

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