The Auspine Rally is always a favourite with competitors and this year’s event will play host to one of the largest fields for the year. A number of competitors are set to debut new vehicles, and with the first running of the classic rally class in the series history, it will give both competitors and spectators alike a chance to see rally cars not before seen in Tasmania.
After a stellar season, Craig Brooks in the Total Alarm Services WRX is set to claim the outright Series win after many years of trying. With the title all but sewn up, Brooks will be able to throw caution to the wind and attempt to take another outright win. Chasing him will be a strong contingent of 4WDs, with Troy Johnson making a welcome return to the series in the new Hill Street Automotive WRX. Â
Another strong challenger will be Lynn Rattrey, who is set to resume the battle with Brooks after missing a number of rounds this year. Also looking to take the challenge to Brooks will be Shane Russell and Liam Coyle, fresh from DNFs in the last round. Coyle, in the Edwards Windsor WRX, is lucky to be competing after his required gearbox components were held up in Japan. It was only through the generosity of David Waldon and Source Automotive that the car was completed in time.
One of the highlights of the event will be the return of another series stalwart, Craig Sault. Debuting a new V8 Commodore, Sault will look to emulate the form that won him the 2WD series title last season. Looking to halt Sault’s charge will be Wally Philp in a Cortina. After achieving a sensational result in the last round, Philp will enter the event as one of the favourites for the 2WD class. Â
Meanwhile, the outright 2WD series championship is set to come down to the wire with a number of crews still with a mathematical chance of claiming the title. Aaron Reader, in his screaming Mitsubishi Mirage, enters the final event as the favourite after his major challenger, Mark Kyle, withdrew from the final round. Â
The locals will also have to contend with a number of Victorian crews who are set to sample the unique Tasmanian roads. With these challengers being an unknown quantity, the established local chargers will need to keep a close eye on the time sheets throughout the day.
The Auspine Rally is one of the longest events of the series with some 150km of competitive stages throughout the day. With the hot pace set during this year’s series, success will most likely come to those who can balance aggression with a degree of caution as the combination of fast blind crests and tight, twisty mountain passes provide little sympathy for those who step beyond the limit.
There are two easily accessible spectator points with guides available at Legana Tyres and More in Launcestion, and Repco and Rare Spares in Scottsdale. With a number of class championships being decided in this event, competitors are sure to put on a spectacular show.
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