The first round of the Gary’s Motorsport Tyres NSW State Rally Championship was held on Saturday, March 4, over 136 stage kilometres of fast shire roads at Glen Innes, on the Northern Tablelands.
Conducted by New England Sporting Car Club with the support of the Glen Innes Severn Shire Council and the Glen Innes Tourist Association, the event had 31 crews start.
With the rally using RallySafe this year for all crews, in possibly a first for a NSW gravel rally, each of the six stages had one or two virtual chicanes. Crews were required to slow to 60 km/h in these areas, and after some initial problems, the intended aim of reduced average speeds was achieved.
Once again this year there were no crashes, only a couple of minor offs, with 27 crews finishing.
Unusually, there was a tie for first place, with Tony Sullens and Kaylie Newell (Subaru WRX) Richard Shimmon and Michelle Van De Wilk (Lancer Evo 7) both completing the event on a time of 1h05m10s.
Third place was taken by Bryan Van Eck and Jim Gleeson in an Evo 6 on 1.05.43.
A special mention goes to the Escort crew of Bruce Garland and Stephen Green who came in 13th, in what was Bruce’s first special stage rally for about 30 years. He finished with a huge grin, already planning his return next year.
Of course without the people who volunteer as officials, no event like this can take place, so a big thank you to all who travelled some distance to assist.
Lastly, it is only the tireless effort of Chris Judge, Event Manager, that makes this whole rally function to such a high standard.
- Richard Opie, Clerk of Course
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