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A full field of 60 cars lined up at Lithgow on Saturday Morning for the
2002 Alpine classic, from the plain Toyota camry (because the classic
broke down) Ford XR8, half a dozen minis, to the extra ordinary BMW
600 Isette (look it up on http://www.cqql.net/bmw.htm )
A number of BMW's, Lancia's, MG's, Austin Healeys, Jaguars, Early Datsuns,
V6 Capris, Early Ford Mustangs, a 1934 Riley, a couple of utes (an EH and a
BMW 2002Ti) many types of convertibles and two WRX. I drove the Datsun
Stanza and My wife Kim the 00 STI. Our navigators were also a husband and wife
team on their First rally ever. (thats right no experience just reading the info
off the net)
We travelled from Lithgow through winding open roads to Yetholme
where we did two motorkhana courses and stopped for a BBQ Lunch.
Seeing a long wheel based '58 Jaguar (wedding car) fitting thru the 12 metre
spaced cloverleaf course was quite a site. My locked diff was an advantage
but with no torque under 4000 rpm my speed suffered. The second was a 100
metre up, down, up and slalom down course. More suited to the STI driven (for
the first time) by Kim. Fortunately Kim still believes me, that
4000 RPM on the STI is redline and 4,100 will cause the engine to explode,
Whilst this kept her times low, I had no worry about over exertion. (If you
meet Kim dont let on). I was leading at this stage with Kim coming
3rd.
Stage 2
Went to Orange through some extra ordinary winding rounds and brown country
side. An excellent Dinner at a winery and accommodation at the Orange
International followed This stage was one of the toughest and my wife and navi.
gave up with half hour to go as they were tired, thirsty, hungry and obviously
missed their husbands. Result at end of stage 2, Datsun 1st and STi
20th.
Stage 3 opened with a cooked breakfast, and off to Woodstock raceway. As we
travelled the farms got browner and the stock less prevalent. Brilliant sunny
skies again when the farmers needed rain. One simple misunderstanding of
the instructions caused us to lose 44 points and dropped us to third
place. Unfortunately Woodstock dirt Raceway was double booked and
only 8 cars got to do their laps on the dirt. Seeing a 351 69 Mustang playing in
the dirt was a great hilight. Lunch was provided at the
raceway BUT a few condolence drinks were really needed
as I realised that I was in a position that could not win and worse, that
after giving up the day before Kim and the STi were up 10 places and going for
it.
Stage 4 was a simple high speed run back to Lithgow. After being
overtaken by the STI at over 160Km/hr I began to suspect that Kim didn't believe
the 4,000 RPM redline story. Finish was at a much needed pub and the
results were 1st 1981 Ford Capri V6, 2nd BMW 2002 Tii,3rd Our Datsun Stanza
with Kim being the 1st of the WRX's in 10th place.
A great weekend which saw over 1200 Km of sunny days and country driving, 4
good meals, good country accommodation and a few drinks with friends for
$375.00 per couple.
Next round is a one day event around Sydney on November 9. less than
$100 including meals.
Final round is the Riverina Run weekend from Goulburn on 16-17 November
again for $375.00 including accommodation and meals.
Dominic Votano
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