Classic rally cars take centre stage

Will Orders, like Monkhouse, had stepped into the classic field for a fun and affordable way to compete in top events with ARC billing, driving the Pedders RX-7.

Barry Lowe, a past ARC and SA Champion, returned to the sport and whilst tentative on the first few stages – you don’t forget how to drive fast - did take some time to get used to his son’s Commodore and build renewed confidence during Heat 1.

Monkhouse did not have all his own way. Heat 1 saw a determined challenge by Jeff David (Porsche), the grand master of classic rallying. The expected challenge by Will Orders (the other past ARC fast man) was expected to set the early pace.

“I like Rally SA, despite having a big crash in a Subaru a few years back,” he said. The RX-7 suffered on the opening Angaston Oval stage with fuel problems and a frantic drive into Adelaide saw Orders ready to take on the famous SA roads on Saturday, only to suffer more problems after the Mt Gawler stage - an oil fitting failed, ending his challenge for the day.

Multiple ARC Championship winning driver, Ross Dunkerton, whose Escort RS1800 was still being repaired, drove Bill Dunn’s Fiat 131 – the campaign ending on the third stage of the day with a broken stub axle.

Darryn Snooks, in a Datsun Stanza, suffered from engine problems and dropped three stages, but rejoined the field on stage 7.

Jeff David backed up his Coffs Coast Rally victory by taking out Heat 1, from Monkhouse in the 180B, and Keith Callinan claimed third in his Historic RallySport Ford Escort RS1800.

Barry Lowe, 58 years old, in his return to rallying, was just out of the top three in fourth place.

Heat 2
 
Will Orders took victory on Saturday night in front of the crowds around the Angaston Oval, he opening stage. He powered the 350 horsepower Mazda RX-7 to a decisive 3.5 second victory over Darryn Snooks in his repaired Stanza.

Out in the forest it was a different matter. It was Orders out in front until SS16 where the Watts link failed and the crew was forced to sit out the rest of the rally again, handing the lead to Monkhouse.

Orders was reflective: “I’m really enjoying the classic division of the ARC as the competition is fierce, but we still get out and have a good joke with the other competitors. We’re still developing the car and working through some issues, but it won’t be long now and we’ll get a good finish.”

Monkhouse and Moscatt only had to take it easy as they were some 16 seconds in front of David in the Porsche.

Barry Lowe then took charge on the last stage by showing everyone how it’s done, taking the stage victory from the younger (much younger) Monkhouse by 0.1 of a second!

A stage win is a win and Lowe was ecstatic! At 58, that’s no mean feat!

Jack Monkhouse took the Heat 2 win, David in the Porsche 911 was a close second and Darryn Snooks took his first podium place in his Datsun Stanza. Barry Lowe was fourth.

Overall the results for Scouts Rally SA were:

•    = 1st Jack Monkhouse/ Dale Moscatt – Datsun 180B SSS
•    = 1st Jeff David/ Grant Geelan – Porsche 911
•    =3rd Keith Callinan/Mary- Anne Callinan – Ford Escort RS 1800
•    =3rd Barry Lowe/Helen pearl – Holden Commodore
•    5th Darryn Snooks/ Matt Devaus – Datsun Stanza
•    6th Brendan Brown/Correne Seabrook  -Datsun 180B SSS
•    7th Brad Gibson/Ryan Hazelwood – Datsun 1600

ACRA’s Classics will now focus on the International Rally of Queensland at the end of July – where the FIA has provided special dispensation for the classics to run at the front of the field.

It’s recognition of the part these crews and cars played in the development of modern rally competition. A full field of classics will run and with over 290km of competitive driving, International Rally Queensland will be a rally not to be missed.

With the new Coates Super Special stage on Friday night July 30 in Caloundra, spectators will be treated to a sensational driving display, showcasing the golden era of rallying. For more details visit www.rallyqueensland.com.au

Photos: Stuart Bowes
 

Author