The win at Yarraman didn’t come easy as a very competitive field of 35 cars lined up for the rally on June 26. Spectators were not disappointed with the quality of cars and drivers as the battle drew on through the day in what would have been one of the fastest rallies on the Queensland calendar this year. Leading cars were covering the 11.5km stage at an average speed of 112.5kph. One long straight, where cars were seeing speeds of up to 180kph, had a man made chicane installed half way along.
Once again, the Northern Districts Sporting Car Club catered for a demanding market and supplied a fantastic, no frills attached, well organised rally. Each round is seeing increasing numbers. Not only are current Queensland competitors seeing these rallies as good value, it is attracting and breeding new blood into the sport and seeing a surge of past entrants dusting off their helmet and getting back into the forest.
The field was made up of a fantastic array of rally cars to satisfy any rally nut. High powered rear wheel drives, highly developed front wheel drives and the ever dominating 4WDs. With smooth flowing and open stages, it brought the field close together, making it anyone’s game. 4WD’s had the advantage, but the well equipped 2WD’s with handy drivers at the wheel, were certainly snapping at their heels and earning very impressive stage times.
Michael Guest, in a beautiful Toyota Levin, pulled an early lead and a stage win, only to be side lined with overheating issues, showing that after a long spell, he still has what it takes. After 63km of fierce competitive driving, Class Two had a tie for the win, being shared between Chris Wedding in a 1600 and Glenn Mitchell in his RS200. In a show of good sportsmanship, Jo O’Dell stepped aside for the Ladies Class and handed it over to Sharyn Longuet and Cate Kelly.
Outright positions were: 1st; Bishop/O’Dell, EVO 1, 35.27; 2nd; O’Dell/Sluce, EVO 1, 36.56; 3rd; O’Brien/Jones, VR4, 36.57; 4th; Aggio/Davies, Celica, 37.01; 5th; Coote/Dillon, Nissan Silvia, 37.08. Ladies Class: Longuet/Kelly, Nissan Pulsar
The fourth and final round of the Albion Motorsport Sprintmaster Series will be another pace noted event held on private property at Hirstglen on October 16. Further information can be obtained through the NDSCC web site: www.ndscc.asn.au
Photo: Courtesy of Red Hot Shotz Sport Photography.
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