Terry Reynolds and Mike Smith will be doing their bit for Bermuda's tourism come September and October as they compete in two high-profile rallies in Canada and Europe.

Driving a "100 percent Bermudian rally car", the duo - long-time friends and work associates - will put the pedal to the metal in the inaugural Targa Newfoundland Rally in Canada first and then in the 2002 World Cup Rally from London, England, to Athens, Greece.

The latter is a 5,000 kilometre adventure which will see the Island team crossing several European countries, including France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, between October 5 and 16.

Before that, they will warm up in Newfoundland event which unfolds over 45 stages from September 13-22. There will be a two-day demonstration prior to the start of competition.

"It will be like a little rally but nothing competitive. It's so everybody can get used to the surface and so people in Newfoundland can see the cars. It's the first time there will be an international rally in Canada," said Smith, adding the "100 percent tarmac race will be fast and twisty".

By contrast, the World Cup will traverse a variety of terrain from shale to forest and mountain tracks and tarmac mountain surfaces.

What will be a constant though is the Bermudian-ness of the custom-built Ford Focus which 44-year-old Reynolds will drive with Smith - a novice to this sport - alongside him as navigator.

"Our car should arrive here in mid-June for us to begin customising it. We want it to be a 100 percent Bermudian rally car. All the painting and sign work will be done by locals, as well as the welding for the cage.

"All our sponsors are local companies and we'll have their logos all over the vehicle so it's going to be great exposure for the Island," said Reynolds, a 20-year veteran of rallying.

There will be an important foreign touch, however, as preparation engineer Paul Atherton will fly in from England to lend his expertise to this ambitious undertaking.

"He works closely with Ford UK and the Ford works (factory) teams. He's going to come out here and show our guys what to do; how to build it. We believe this will be the first serious competition car built in Bermuda and what we want to do is get Bermuda shown on the World Cup circuit," said Reynolds who took part in last year's World Cup (from London to the Sahara Desert and back), partnered by his older brother, David.

The promotional value of his and Smith's exploits to Bermuda will also be borne out in widespread media coverage of both events. The in England is a World Cup sponsor and will feature each team in its publication. In addition, there are countless interviews and publicity appearances regarding either race.

Apart from bringing recognition to their country, this team - co-sponsored by Ford Motors and Bermuda Motors - has certain goals they would like to attain in their high-speed outings. In Newfoundland, they want to be among the top 75 percent - and maybe more.

"If we do that we get a trophy that indicates we finished the race. These are hard events to finish so just to do that is an accomplishment but I don't think being third or fourth in our class is impossible," said Reynolds, adding that they are competing in the Modern Rally Car class.

Smith, 39, pointed out the Canadian race will be "a big learning curve for me" as it will be his first time navigating. He and his driver will use the opportunity to get used to being a team and, also, to get used to their car.

As for the World Cup, the Bermudians would like to see their names among the top ten finishers.

"I think that's possible but we have tough competition," noted Reynolds, stating they will be up against several works (factory-built) vehicles from MG, Peugeot, Suzuki and Skoda.

That does not scare him though.

"Last year there were two works Saabs in our class and we beat one of them. In fact, we came second in our class in the World Cup," said Reynolds, confident of matching that performance.

In preparation for his rallying debut, Smith will take part in a navigators' course in London in mid-June and then he and Reynolds head to the gym to get fit for their undertaking.

"These (courses) are done by the guys who organise the World Cup and all the experts will be giving tips and explaining stuff. It's for novices like myself who have never done rallying before," said Smith.

Elaborating on his role, the navigating newcomer explained that during the World Cup he will receive road maps and briefings every morning before they embark on that day's stage. Then, he must direct Reynolds to their destination.

"We must get to various stage starts. That's where the rally begins with us racing the clock and being timed over the stages."

There is no prize money in either event except for a ?5,000 reward for a team beating all the works vehicles and winning the World Cup. That's some enticement but it's still little compared to race expenses.

"It costs more than ?30,000 to do the World Cup. It's ?20,000 to build the car and the entry fee (which includes accommodation) is ?8,000. Then there is shipping the vehicle to and from Europe, airline tickets, food and other miscellaneous stuff," disclosed Reynolds.

The rallying twosome would like anyone interested in assisting with sponsorship to contact them at the following telephone numbers: 799-9090 (Smith) and 505-0226 (Reynolds).