With petrol prices soaring like a fighter jet over the Gulf, it’s probably not the best time to embark on a Top Gear-esque challenge around the UK.

But Ewshot has always been a bit different. They have a wheelbarrow formation team and a race where participants carry a Christmas tree through the village.

Their latest madcap challenge is a banger – a 750-mile “grand tour” in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care in vehicles bought for £750 or less.

A very Wacky Race – although organisers have stressed it’s definitely not a race – will begin this Thursday morning in Crondall when more than a dozen “bangers” embark on a four-day tour of England and Wales.

“It’s the same group of people behind the Christmas Tree race,” said Brendon Cox.

“We got some inspiration from Top Gear and The Grand Tour and thought, why don’t we do a banger challenge around the UK?

“We got a committee together, started working out what we could do, where it would go, how long it would take, and came up with a budget.

“We agreed £750 would be the maximum you could spend on a car that would go the whole way.

Organisers have even compiled a “Ewshot Trumps” set of vehicles taking part, ranging from a red Ford Ka 1.3 with a “fun factor” of 8 to a former London Black Cab.

Andy “The Judge” Mulhern reckons he’s got an excellent chance with his Daihatsu Hi-jet and its lush tiger-print interior.

“There’s a few photo challenges, but we’re also giving points for things like most economical car and least amount of break-downs,” said Mr Mulhern, on the challenges entrants will face.

“There are 17 cars and each car has got at least two drivers, some have three. I reckon we might have as much as 40 people taking part, as we’ll have support cars, too. “There’s quite a varied range of vehicles and expertise.

“Some of the people wouldn’t know where to find the bonnet catch while there’s others who know how to strip an engine. We’ve also recommended to everyone they get AA cover but we’ll have a support vehicle.”

The group’s treasurer, Carl Jackett, said the initial target is £5,000 but the money is rolling in.

“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun as everyone is bringing something different,” he said, with Andy latching onto the serious motive behind the challenge.

He said: “Phyllis Tuckwell is a charity close to most of us and I’ve had personal experiences with them, and a lot of the group have had similar.

“We asked everyone taking part to pay an entry fee and part of that will be donated to Phyllis Tuckwell. On the route we’ll be shaking tins for them, too, so we’re hopeful of raising a really big sum for them.”

The Herald wishes them all the best. There’s some great updates at their @ewshot750rally page on Instagram while readers can donate by looking for Ewshot Rally 750 on www.justgiving.com