That has meant the destruction of some of our most well-known rallying areas, namely Greenhills and Bluetts forests.The first sign of this was the development of the National Arboretum, Canberra’s “home of mosaic of living forests”. Developed after the fires of 2001 and 2003, this 250-hectare rally playground has so many fond memories for rallying, not just for me, but many thousands of rally fans. Greenhills and Bluetts was our playground for local and International events and clandestine evening testing, with a labyrinth of roads committed to memory. Most locals could drive around blindfolded and not hit anything! ‘Armco Corner’ and ‘Castrol Corner’ are probably the most famous parts of Greenhills, along with the cattle grid, with famous pictures etched into our memories.
Greg Carr powers his Escort around 'Armco Corner' in a Castrol International Rally. Photo: Dallas Dogger
'Castrol Corner' was a Canberra favourite, with Ari Vatanen providing the action in 1980. Photo: Dallas Dogger
Ari Vatanen returned to Canberra in 2014 to drive an Audi Quattro. Photo: Dallas Dogger
It was an unreal feeling to be standing talking to the most famous rally driver in the world, with the sounds of bulldozers getting ever louder.Normally another subdivision doesn’t have any effect on me until this week. An investment brochure for a six-story apartment block landed on my desk. The location? Right where Ari was standing talking to me, about to drive the Quattro for the first time!
The soul has been ripped out of Canberra's rallying heartland, with housing estates replacing pine forests.
It became obvious that our ground, our roads, our experiences, could never be repeated.Ten lucky punters paid for the privilege to ride with Ari for a loop around Bluetts and I suspect they won’t forget it any time soon. They will never ever do that again. Wouldn’t it be grand for the local clubs in the ACT to erect a plaque in one of the new parks around the area, celebrating some of the best rallying we ever had in Australia? Little do the residents know what went on under their shiny new houses. We must never forget our rallying heritage. One day our forests will be gone. Cherish and remember every moment.
Ari Vatanen roars through Bluetts forest in 2014, a sight that is unlikely to be seen again. Photo: Dallas Dogger
More Mineshaft news:
https://rallysportmag.com/a-sad-and-lonely-farewell-for-the-mineshaft/ https://rallysportmag.com/feature-mineshaft-memories-may-be-all-thats-left/VIP Exclusive Content
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