The rally, hosted by Ascot Motoring Club, has undergone some changes since last year; the event is no longer classed as a ‘blind’ rally, making it pace-noted and, for the first time ever, stages will be held during the day and at night.
Clerk of course Tony Floyd said some of the drivers that competed at the event last year suggested a pace-noted event would enhance the rallying experience for not only themselves but also the spectators.
“The cars will be going much faster as the drivers have previewed the track and then written instructions,” Floyd said. “As they will be following navigators instructions more closely it means they will go faster because they know what’s around the corner or over the crest.”
This year Lewana will only have three stages, all run twice giving a total competitive distance of almost 120 km. All the stages have been enhanced from last year, with new and exciting sections of fast, flowing gravel roads.
A new feature of the event will be the 27 kilometre ‘Roo Dog’ stage where organisers are expecting the winners to be sorted out from the losers on the longest stage on the WARC circuit.
Floyd said Lewana is one of the best rallies on the calendar for spectators because of its proximity to the main road and accessibility between the two spectator points on stage one and three.
“With the spectator points at stage one and stage three ... rally fans can watch all the cars go through stage one and then move across to stage three and then move back again,” he said. “They are also very easy to get to off the main road of Grimwade.”
The spectator points are free admission and camping is available (by arrangement) in the area adjacent to the service park. Light meals will again be available from the Balingup Rec Centre at the conclusion of the event where winners will be announced.
If you would like to volunteer to be an official at the event please contact Russell Nelson on 0427 052 564.
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
