Round Two was held on Saturday 1st May at Hirstglen in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, just 110km south west of Brisbane. The entire rally was held on private property giving competitors 70km of competitive driving with zero transport distance.
This is the first rally to be held at Robert Parkinson’s property and leaves little doubt it won’t be the last. The bulk of the 7.7km stage could be viewed from the central service and spectator area in what is best described as a natural amphitheatre.
Twenty two cars lined up to contest the event driven by an amazing array of drivers of all ages and experience, from former Australian Rally Champion Murray Coote through to Michael Reynolds who was driving in his first ever rally. Once again the female gender was well represented with four ladies vying for honours in the dedicated Ladies class.
Kylie and Ed Williams took out the ladies class just ahead of Louise Thackeray/Justin Sinclair in second and P Plater Caitlin Earley/Steve Andrews a very close third.
Chris Wedding and Wayne Jeffries in a well developed Datsun 1600 earned outright honours in their first rally win and young Daniel Ross with Jay Davidson alongside, drove his Starion to a very impressive second outright in only his second ever rally.
Husband and wife team Michael and Leiza Ranson in a Nissan Skyline proudly took home third outright. So close was the competition during the whole event that only a small handful of seconds covered first to sixth with positions changing after each stage.
The rally comprised of one 7.7km pace noted special stage run in both directions. Seven stages were run during the day and two more under the cover of darkness. After nightfall, the view from the spectator “grand stand” was spectacular with spot lights beaming and weaving through the Hirstglen Valley sky and at any one time, spectators could view up to four cars on various parts of the course.
While the Albion Motorsport Sprintmaster Series as a whole, and each individual rally is attracting some of Queensland’s quickest and most experienced competitors, the focus is always on ensuring young and new entrants are eased comfortably into the sport. Since the inception of these events this year, thirteen competitors including four female drivers have stepped up and entered, all of whom have never competed in any rally previously.
Entry numbers in the first two rounds have been lower than initially expected, however there is little doubt that now the secret is out, this will soon change. At $150 entry fee and simple licencing procedures thanks to the AASA, these events are very affordable and fast becoming some of the most competitive and enjoyable rallies on the Queensland calendar.
Round three will be back on the forest roads around Yarraman on Saturday the 26th June. Further information and inquiry contact details can be found on the clubs website: www.ndscc.asn.au
View photos from the NDSCC Sprintmaster Rally HERE
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