Based out of Lakes Entrance and attracting a field of more than 100 classic and 2-wheel-drive rally cars, the event promises to deliver competition and excitement to all involved.
Robison has competed in the last three Alpines using his father’s Datsun 240Z, but this time has decided to revert to his old Datsun 1600, last used in the VRC more than five years ago.
“We decided to use the 1600 this time, and have upgraded it to the newer Club Rally Car rules, which allow a little more creativity in some areas. For us this has mainly been the installation of a twin-cam cylinder head on the engine, which should produce reliable horsepower more easily,” Robison said.
As Robison Engineering has been working closely with Barattero Motorsport Group in Argentina for the last two years, they have developed an RS&SP “Baratec” Suspension system for the car, which
features 3-way adjustability and remote canisters.
The brakes have been upgraded as well and now use 99R brake pads, also supplied by Barattero.
“This little Datsun is a far cry from what it was, it’s a real weapon now!” commented Jesse. “We developed this suspension setup earlier in the year with Ross Allan for use in his Datsun Bluebird for the RAJC (Rallyshcool Australian Junior Challenge). It helped him to finish in third place in the 2WD category against some much more powerful cars, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how it goes in the Alpine. It’s the sort of suspension usually found on PWRC cars, so the old Datsun might not know what hit it!”
Ross and Scott Allan will also be competing in their Datsun Bluebird at the Alpine, along with Andrew Bell and Correne Seabrook in a VC Commodore, which is also running on RS&SP’s. All the young Robison Engineering supported crews will be looking for a good result and have real potential to worry the front runners.
A final change for the rally is the fact Jesse’s regular co-driver, Adam Wright, unfortunately can’t be there due to personal commitments, so Tasmanian Eddie MacGuire has been drafted in.
With no fewer than five former Australian Rally Champions competing this weekend, it should be a great event.
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
