The Epic Adventure of Joan Pons and His Team
For a modern, well-prepared vehicle, participating in a rally across Morocco, traversing its vast deserts, and covering nearly 2,400 kilometers in the span of a week is already a daunting challenge. However, for two cars that collectively boast 72 years and over 273,000 kilometers—specifically a Seat Panda and a Marbella—the task becomes monumental. This was the reality faced by Joan Pons, a student of industrial engineering from Menorca, who, along with three companions—Raúl Rodríguez, Alex Parra, and Pol Lahiguera—embarked on the adventure of participating in the UniRaid 2026 last month. This charitable event is designed for university students, where the emphasis is not on speed, but rather on enjoying the journey through the Moroccan desert, relying solely on a roadbook, a compass, and a map, with no GPS allowed.
Pons described the experience as “incredible,” although he also noted that it was significantly tougher than they had anticipated. “What I know for sure is that I would do it a thousand times again,” he stated after completing the rally. This event not only tests the vehicles—permitted entries must be over 20 years old—but also the skills and endurance of the drivers. One of the most challenging aspects, as explained by the team, who competed under the name Dune X, was coping with the extreme temperature fluctuations, ranging from sweltering heat during the day to the biting cold at night, with temperature differences exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, reaching highs around 40 and lows dipping to just two degrees.
A Blend of Challenges and Triumphs
Spending a week behind the wheel, sleeping under the shelter of tents and makeshift camps, armed with just a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag, the four adventurers accumulated a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Pons highlighted the breathtaking beauty of waking up to witness a sunrise in the midst of the desert as one of the most remarkable moments. Conversely, he also recalled the difficulties faced during the first stage when they crossed the Atlas Mountains on a day marked by torrential rains. Among the most gratifying moments, aside from the satisfaction of crossing the finish line, Pons mentioned participating in the marathon stage with free camping.
As anticipated, mechanical troubles were prevalent, yet both Seat vehicles rose to the occasion. The team dealt with overheating radiators, damaged shock absorbers, a broken roof rack, and an unfortunate flat tire—all challenges they managed to overcome thanks to their mechanical knowledge and the support from a team of experts provided by the organization at the end of each day. “As we progressed through the stages, we encountered more failures,” Pons recalled, noting that the third route was merely 132 kilometers long, yet it took them nine hours to complete.
In this rally, arriving first is not the primary goal; instead, the winner is determined by the fewest mistakes made along the way. Pons explained that success hinges on accurately measuring distances, as straying just one kilometer in either direction results in penalties. This challenging endeavor harkens back to traditional navigation techniques, as GPS usage is prohibited, but compasses are allowed to help navigate with map instructions.
Beyond the challenges, the Dune X team emphasized the human element as one of the most enjoyable aspects of the experience. They connected with young people from various nations and became part of a community of 130 cars that evolved into a family on wheels. Additionally, it’s important to recognize the charitable component driving the rally; each car contributed 40 kilograms of humanitarian supplies, with 30 kilograms delivered at the starting line and another 10 distributed along the route.
What lies ahead for these two vintage vehicles? The Marbella now faces the challenge of passing its inspection, and it is likely to be sold. “I want to keep the Panda,” Pons admitted, “to embark on another similar race.” Crossing the finish line and becoming a finisher, he concluded, “is an incredible feeling. It was tough, but we made it.”
As reported by menorca.info.
