With just over a month to go, entries from 31 cars have already been received, and event operations manager, Geoff Becker, says many others have indicated that they are keen to take part
“We’re very hopeful of getting more than 40 competitors all up,” Becker said.
“Last year there were 34 entries and if we can get a 20% growth figure this year that would be a fantastic outcome.”
“Having Grant Denyer as one of those entries is a big drawcard as well.”
“I think that because we have made a decision to move to a two-heat system, which replicates that used in the Australian Rally Championship, we will see Rallye Burnie go from strength to strength.”
“We’ll be the first tarmac rally to adopt the two-heat system. We’re not doing it to mount a campaign to become a round of the ARC, but we are positioning the rally to have a range of options in the future.”
“Competitors seem to like the two heat format, so we thought we’d use that system for Rallye Burnie but leave Rally Tasmania in February in its traditional format.”
The start list in Rallye Burnie will be based purely on seeded position, with the fastest car first to be flagged away.
In Rally Tasmania, the classic cars will be first on the road, in seeded order. Then the modern cars will follow in reverse order, the top modern being the last to complete each stage.
“We have made a decision to really give the Classic cars the major billing in Rally Tasmania,” Becker said.
“Many of the changes being introduced are designed to realign the focus so that the Classic cars rightfully get to star.”
Rallye Burnie continues to look for volunteers. Anyone interested should call the rally office in Burnie on 03 6432 3988.
The Ceremonial start takes place in the city at 6pm on Friday September 21. The stage action then commences on Saturday September 22 and finishes in Waratah in front of the historic Mt Bischoff Hotel on Sunday September 23.
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