BURNLEY businessman Mark Bowie was today just four days away from glory in the arduous Panama to Alaska rally.

After 10 days and seven countries, Mark and co-driver Peter Swire were leading the four-wheel drive touring class in their specially prepared turbo-diesel Vauxhall Frontera.

The pair arrived in Las Vegas earlier this week as one of only seven remaining crews from the original 20, and one of only two without time penalties.

The Panama to Alaska has lived up to its billing as one of the toughest endurance rallies in the world, with competitors retiring through driver fatigue, mechanical breakdowns, and accidents - one car crashed out after hitting a cow!

"The stages through Baja Mexico were incredibly tough", said Mr Bowie, who is chairman of Vauxhall dealers Vantage Burnley.

"One of the leading Jeeps suffered five punctures in one special stage.

"We visited an Isuzu dealer in Las Vegas for a service check, as they market the Rodeo model which is similar to a Frontera, and apart from a brake pad change and one cut tyre, the vehicle appears in excellent shape."

From Las Vegas, the survivors - which include competitors from USA, Sweden, Italy, France and Australia - travelled through the spectacular scenery of Arizona, Utah, and Montana, before crossing the border into Canada.

With 7,000 miles already completed, there is still 2,500 miles to go before the finish in Anchorage, Alaska.

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