The inaugural Mt Baw Baw Sprint, a fast and technical alpine hillclimb in the tradition of the Mt Buller Sprint (scheduled for late April 2011), will now be joined by a large-scale three-day tarmac rally in late November: “The Great Alpine Sprint”.
Based in Mt Beauty in the heart of the Victorian alpine region, the Great Alpine Sprint (GAS) promises 240 competitive kilometres of challenging mountain roads, making up more than 50 percent of the rally’s total 460km distance.
And with only 220 liaison kilometres linking the stages, competitors can expect less wear and tear on the car, reduced expenses and running costs, and more time to catch up with fellow enthusiasts in a highly social setting.
On the afternoon of Friday November 25, a street stage through the township of Mt Beauty will kick off the rally for competitors and spectators alike, and serve as a warm-up for a 29km blast up the Falls Creek road.
This stage is repeated the next morning (November 26), followed by stages on the Bogong High Plains Rd towards Omeo, then the Omeo Highway, stages on the awesome Great Alpine Rd via Harrietville then Hotham Heights, and a final stage at Tawonga Gap before returning to Mt Beauty.
On Sunday November 27, the six-stage alpine loop is competed in reverse, essentially forming six more brand new stages in the process.
The event invites both Classic cars (pre-1982) and Modern cars (1982 onwards) to compete against the clock in full rally competition, or in a non-competitive closed-road touring section for performance vehicles without rollcages or rally compliance.
The price for three thrilling days of rally is just $2950 for competition cars, and $950 for touring cars. Strict road closure times have translated to a capped field of no more than 140 competitive entries and 30 touring cars, and places are expected to go quickly.
In order to secure a start in this exciting new event, Mountain Motorsports is inviting all interested parties to complete and return the attached Expression of Interest form.
Further information on the event, including full course details, accommodation information, and secure storage lock-up for interstate competitors attending other rallies in the region in the lead up to the event will be released before the end of the year.
Be sure to hit the ‘GAS’ and stake your place in these thrilling new tarmac rallies in 2011.