Phil Kerr and Jenny Cole hit trouble on day two of the Lasseters Classic Outback Trial, while Andrew and David Travis extended their advantage at the top of the leaderboard, winning three out of the day’s five stages.
Unlike the sand which defined the opening day, day two required plenty of horsepower and commitment on roads described by Michael Valentine’s co-driver Jason Fraser as Finland in the desert.
Despite their inexperience in blind events, Adam Kaplan/Aleshia Penney started the day going fastest on the 42km SS6 Bloodwood stage with Ian Reddiex/Mike Mitchell (Datsun) a further 23 seconds behind and the similar car of Valentine in third.
Valentine displayed his supreme road reading skills and commitment throughout the day with a stage win on SS6 and his consistency saw him jump up from fifth to third in the classic standings by day’s end.
Reddiex/Mitchell also displayed excellent pace in the morning loop to elevate themselves ahead of Kerr/Cole by the major service break at Gemtree.
On the 54km Pinnacles stage, Kerr’s challenge was dented a huge blow when he struck a rock at speed, ending up stuck on an embankment, damaging the car and ending his day prematurely.
The Travis duo won the last three stages and head into day three with a lead of 1m22s from Reddiex. The Tuthill Porsche of Joost Van Cauwenberge and Jacques Castelein has them best placed of the international entries in fourth.
In modern competition, local crew Chris and Blake McCormack (Magna) nearly halved the deficit to the Peter Neal/Craig Whyburn Subaru, winning two stages and now trail by little more than a minute.
Peter Sweeney and Dan Murphy (Subaru) stayed out of trouble to hold down third, while Jamie and Michelle Lawson bounced back from their issues on day one, to record the fastest time in their class on the long 54km SS8.
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
RallySport Magazine Subscription
Select Subscription Level
Select Subscription Length
Recurring Subscription Cost
A subscription to RallySport Magazine give you access to all our rally
content from Australia, New Zealand and around the world – with news,
features and experiences nobody can match.
Our team are dedicated to providing an unrivalled experience which
shares, supports and promotes the sport of rallying.
By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine.
If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.
We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires.
If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period.
You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.
Account Created!
Welcome to RallySport Magazine VIP Membership.
Get ready for your rally news experience to completely transform.
Start browsing news, exclusive VIP content or check out your account.
