With a field limited to 60 crews, more than 80 entries were received by the organisers at the closing date. Such is the popularity of the gravel rally event, now in its fourth year, organisers were forced to turn away many prospective competitors.
Leading the field of high performance vehicles will be last year’s winner, Nathan Reeves, who will return to defend his title in his Subaru WRX STI. Reeves’ car will be hard to beat in the tight and twisty Strathbogie ranges area, but he will be chased by a number of equally potent 4WD rally cars determined to take away his 2009 crown.
The entry list, a virtual ‘who’s who’ of top Victorian competitors will not only feature the powerful 4WD turbo cars, but a good mix of the popular Commodores, Datsun 1600s and Ford Escorts which are still proving ultra-competitive despite being more than 25 years old.
Event Director, Scott Spedding, is very pleased with the planning for the event.
“We always attract a capacity field, which is very rewarding for everyone involved. The rally enjoys tremendous support from the local population as well as the local Barjarg and Bonnie Doon CFA, the Mansfield Shire and the DSE. The organisers also work closely with the Mansfield Police and Ambulance Victoria to ensure the utmost safety for our competitors, spectators and the public,” Spedding said.
The rally will start from the Bonnie Doon Hotel at 9am on Saturday, April 17 and takes competitors on two loops in typical forest country close to the town. Cars will leave the start at two minute intervals and arrive back at the finish for a celebratory function from 4pm.
The entire field of cars will be on display from 8am at the Bonnie Doon Hotel and spectators are invited to come and inspect the line-up. Spectator guides will be available at the start showing some exciting viewing points available on the day that allow the public to get up close and see the cars in action.
For further information, visit http://www.northeasterncarclub.org/ or www.vicrally.com.au for spectator maps and schedule.
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