When co-driver Tony Best lines up for the International Rally of Queensland (IROQ) on the Sunshine Coast this weekend, the only thing with more annual appearances under its belt will be the event itself.
Calling the notes for Chris Harbeck in a 1972 Toyota Celica contesting the Australian Classic Rally Challenge will mark Best’s 40th anniversary as a competitor in the event.
He strapped on a helmet for the first time in 1971, when the event was known as the Ampol Warana Rally.
He also served as a volunteer official for the inaugural 1968 rally – also the first year of the Australian Rally Championship – and in 1997, meaning he’s had a 41-year association with the longest-running round of the series.
“As far as I am aware no other competitor has competed 30 times and there is only a small number who have competed 20 times or more,” Best says.
“Between 1971 and 2014 I have only missed the event three times. One year I was sick and twice I had been approached to go on the event but the driver was unable to have his car ready in time.
“I have been with a total of 17 different drivers. I have co-driven for Lisle Neumann five times, David West five times, John Berne five times, Alan Cutts three times, George Kahler three times and Ian Ogilvie three times. All other drivers, either once or twice.
“My best result was third outright with George Kahler in 1989 in a Mazda 323.”
Best has also competed in hundreds of other rallies at local and national level, including the World Championship Rally Australia, and achieved a swag of awards.
These include Queensland champion co-driver in 1989, third in the 1995 Australian co-drivers championship and Australian Modern Tarmac Rally Champion co-driver in 2012.
And there have been some sudden setbacks – notably, head-on collisions with trees in 1985 and 1993.
Between events, Tony has been a dedicated member of the Brisbane Sporting Car Club, giving his time voluntarily to ensure his sport remains strong in Queensland.
It takes a cool head, organised mind – and sometimes an iron stomach – to be a successful rally co-driver. After 40 years, the retired civil engineer from the Brisbane suburb of Toowong continues to offer his rare experience to drivers in the right-hand seat who still have something to learn.
“I am not yet planning on retirement for a few years,” he says as he prepares for his 40th Rally Queensland.
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