August 2019 marks 40 years since the legendary Repco Round Australia Reliability Trial, in which Peter Brock led home a famous 1-2-3 for Holden.
But Australian rallying legend, Wayne Bell, revealed to RallySport Magazine that he was mysteriously refused driving duties in the final days of the 1979 event, in which his Marlboro Holden Dealer Team team-mate, Peter Brock, took victory.
Bell says that the factory Commodores were having a big fight for victory, and that team manager, George Shepherd, was happy for the rally to takes its course. But that wasn’t how it panned out.
“To achieve a 1-2-3 for Holden was unbelievable. It is history now that Brocky and I were having a right tussle,” Bell said, who was teamed with long-distance rally expert Barry Ferguson.
“Before Townsville, in car 17, we had decided to back off and let Brocky go and we would cruise to a comfortable second. We figured GM could get better publicity from Brocky winning than us.
“However, there was a big team meeting in Townsville which I was not privy to.
“After Townsville I never got to drive the car again. I had to ask Fergy (Barry Ferguson) to let me drive into Newcastle, my home town, and he reluctantly agreed.
“I don’t know what went down in Townsville to this day, but I am pretty sure instructions were for Brock to win, and I don’t think the big brass at GM trusted me to let that happen.
"I don’t know what I did, but from that day on I was out of favour with GMH management.“
Years later, Bell received an email from General Motors asking him to drive a Holden Calibra in Targa Tasmania - but that never eventuated.
“I replied that I would love to, and jokingly said ‘No second place this time’. I never heard back, and next thing I know Ed Ordynski was driving it. Such is life!”
Bell later went on to run Hyundai’s first foray into rallying, campaigning a succession of front-wheel drive cars in the Australian, Asia-Pacific and World Rally Championship.
Bell will be inducted into the Australian Rally Hall Of Fame at a special dinner before the upcoming Eureka Rally in Ballarat.
* Motoring weekly, Auto Action, have published an interesting 14-page look at the 1979 Repco Round Australia Reliability Trial in their current issue.
A subscription to RallySport Magazine give you access to all our rally
content from Australia, New Zealand and around the world – with news,
features and experiences nobody can match.
Our team are dedicated to providing an unrivalled experience which
shares, supports and promotes the sport of rallying.
By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine.
If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.
We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires.
If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period.
You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.
Account Created!
Welcome to RallySport Magazine VIP Membership.
Get ready for your rally news experience to completely transform.
Start browsing news, exclusive VIP content or check out your account.
“After Townsville I never got to drive the car again. I had to ask Fergy (Barry Ferguson) to let me drive into Newcastle, my home town, and he reluctantly agreed.
“I don’t know what went down in Townsville to this day, but I am pretty sure instructions were for Brock to win, and I don’t think the big brass at GM trusted me to let that happen.
