NAPA supports Markhams Garage charity rally
Automotive aftermarket brand NAPA supported Markhams Garage for the second time as it undertook a ‘Monte Carlo or Bust’ rally to raise money for charity.
Established in 1925, Markhams Garage is a workshop located just outside the rural town of Leominster in the UK. In 2023, the Markhams team bought a neglected Volkswagen Beetle and used NAPA parts to get it road-worthy, before completing the three-day Champagne Charlie rally route in support of ‘We Are Farming Minds’.
This year, the VW Beetle has returned for a second run, tackling the Black Forest Gateau route. Ahead of the rally, Markhams Garage hosted a Charity Auction and Gala Dinner.
The event was sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts UK and hosted by former British Rally Co-Drivers’ Champion Howard Davies. Attendees were also able to meet a variety of special guests from the world of speed, including:
• Dan Cammish, three-time Porsche Carrera Cup Champion & NAPA Racing UK driver
• Alastair Moffat, nine-time Guinness World Record Holder & stunt driver
• Richard Johnson, four-time Champion Jockey
• Roger & Scott Moran, father-and-son British Hill Climb Champions
NAPA also provided parts and a custom sponsored livery for the trusty VW Beetle, along with shirts and hats for the Markhams crew. Two NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus sales cars, wrapped to match the race team’s official 2026 BTCC livery, escorted the Markhams Beetle out of Herefordshire for an iconic send-off.
From navigating the Gotthard Pass to passing through the surroundings of Lake Como, the Monte Carlo or Bust: Black Forest Gateau rally delivered memorable moments spanning six countries in three days, concluding in Monte Carlo on Sunday 14th June. Including the travel to and from the rally, the Markhams team drove over 2,200 miles in the Beetle.
In total, Markhams Garage raised £12,000 with its efforts. The funds will go towards St Michael’s Hospice in Hereford, supporting locals living with terminal illness, and Ben, the automotive industry support for life charity.
“The car felt absolutely fantastic,” said Simon Powney, Markhams Garage director. “To have the support from NAPA was incredible and the wrap looked brilliant. It was great to have confidence in the car, and we felt incredibly lucky to have the clothing to match; we looked smart and stood out from the competition! The atmosphere was fantastic.”