March 2022. Three generations sharing the desert, a blue MINI carrying the SBVTools tiger, and our friend Stephan Schott at the wheel.
We joined Stephan and the X-raid MINI JCW Team at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Seeing our colours cross those enormous dunes was a proud moment. Spending time with the people behind the car made the experience even more memorable.
Three generations, one shared passion
For the youngest among us, the bivouac was quite a classroom: mechanics working around the car, tools laid out, and everyone with a job to do. Across three generations, we shared the same curiosity about how things work and the same excitement for the adventure.
Proud of Stephan and the whole team
Stephan and co-driver Philipp Beier had been running fifth before an engine failure ended their rally after the third day. The crew tried to install a replacement engine from a Buggy, but a part needed to fit it into the MINI John Cooper Works Rally was missing. Despite their efforts, we could not return to the race.
We were proud of Stephan and everyone around him. Their determination, teamwork and willingness to find a solution stayed with us. When you care about machinery, you know how much work happens behind a result.
Learning from the riders
The motorcycle riders made time for the children too. Here, a rider explains the work behind the adventure to my son. Riding, navigation and looking after the bike all demand preparation and responsibility.
More moments from the desert
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A rally world worth sharing
Being close to a world that includes legends such as Stéphane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz was another highlight. Both were part of Audi’s RS Q e-tron programme, run with Sven Quandt’s Q Motorsport team. Peterhansel won in Abu Dhabi that year.
We came home with new lessons, great memories across three generations, and even more respect for our friend Stephan and his team. That shared passion for people, machines and doing a job properly is part of SBVTools.
Professional rally photos: X-raid’s 2022 photo gallery. Family, motorcycle and engine photographs and video: Thierry’s archive. X-raid race report.
