For starry eyed kids this was almost insurmountable at the time. The North Shore Sporting Car Club were a fantastic support base with advice and help from seniors. Once the decision was made we set to work, bringing it all together.Support from Keith Byrn’s Premier Panel Beating, Ron Masing’s Coltspeed and Ian Hill from Gosford Dyno Tune, along with car club mates, ensured we got to the start at Bankstown Square. I took on a second job so I could build some cash and, of course, you had to get the time off work!

Contesting Australia's biggest rally could be the best rallying experience of your life, as Dallas Dogger found out in 1980.
We even had shiny new driving suits. They were $35 from Race and Rally!You have your chance too. The R6 Digital Cup, run in conjunction with Kennards Hire Rally Australia in November, is designed for those who are not part of a championship, to compete at the same time on the same roads with the world’s best. If I was young, it would be a no brainer. There is a big difference between my experience 38 years ago and today. The cars today, even basic ones are far faster, the roads are better, and you will compete with all of the best, not only from the WRC, but the ARC. It’s not as long and you won’t be anywhere near as exhausted as we were – some of the stages in the ‘Cross were as long as a whole ARC!
The atmosphere in the service park, signing autographs at the start, the sheer pleasure of competing is ample reward, and these images too will remain with you forever.As you get older and have a family, your priorities will change and importantly, so will rallying. Do what you can to compete, get that second job, scrounge some tyres, ask for sponsorship, but simply be there and compete. In 40 years time you will look back and say: “What an event, glad I did it and I was only two minutes slower than Ogier on that stage!” If the red mist descends and you end up on the podium, you will share in $3000 prize money that R6 Digital has provided. I don’t know how much longer you will have the chance have to compete on home soil with thousands of spectators, and with the best in the world. Don’t miss your chance to do this! Entries are open shortly.
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