The following articles may be of interest to Renault club members. They include some results from past events as well as interesting new events that may attract owners of Renaults.

Mobil Round Australia 1998

Proposed Round Australia Trial

Club Economy Run Report 2007

Results Club Economy Run 2007

Rally with the WRC stars - 2009

With the memories of the Red Centre to Gold Coast Trial slowly fading, and the desire of many of you to do similar events, discussions regarding 'where to from here' have begun in earnest. 

As you may recall, the stimulus behind the Red Centre event was to finish at the Rally Australia World Rally Championship round, which was subsequently postponed from 2008 to 2009.  However the 'dream' remains alive and very positive discussions have recently taken place with CAMS and the Rally Australia organisers to realise this original concept.

As a result, the Red Centre to Gold Coast Trial organising team consisting of Bob Watson, Tom Snooks, Phil Rainer and myself is seriously considering a similar, but shorter and more compact event, to be conducted next year through New South Wales, finishing at Repco Rally Australia ('RRA'), in late August.

A major attraction of this proposed event is the opportunity to use some of the actual stages of Repco Rally Australia ahead of the WRC cars, including the spectacular Superstage, which is likely to be held over a variation of the current Speed on Tweed course in Murwillumbah.

Other aspects that have been discussed with Repco Rally Australia include the prospect of an official finish in the WRC service park, with the trial cars going on display at the finish of Repco Rally Australia on the Sunday, September 6.

To quote the words of Rally Australia director, Garry Connelly: "You absolutely have the blessing of the event".

With the RRA organisers looking at running Speed on Tweed that same weekend, there will be so much happening in the Murwillumbah and Kingscliffe area that it will be like a mini 'Goodwood' and should attract a considerable crowd, lots of publicity and live television. 

As well as being potentially even more exciting, the proposed trial would also be a more manageable, but no less demanding, six-day event commencing in Central New South Wales on Saturday August 29.

The event would be based in major NSW regional centres for two nights at a time as it progresses towards the border area of North Eastern NSW, around which Repco Rally Australia will be run. The competition content would be similar to the 2008 Red Centre to Gold Coast Trial, with lengthy sections conducted on private property tracks. However, by staying two nights at a time in the same locations and with shorter days due to the lack of lo-o-o-ong transport sections, there would be more rest time and a greater opportunity for crews to socialise.

Based on our initial budget for a field of 75 vehicles, the entry fee for the event would be $3,500. 

Proposed Itinerary:

Saturday 29th August 2009 - assemble at start location

Sunday 30th - Scrutiny, documentation and briefing/function

Monday 31st August to Saturday 5th September - six days of competition culminating at a presentation function.

Discussions with Repco Rally Australia have already begun regarding our possible involvement with the event. These include:

  - Competitive sections over some of the WRC special stages.

  - Free entry and special seating at the WRC Superstage.

RRA are also looking at running Speed on Tweed that same weekend so it will be THE place to be in 2009.

Vehicle Eligibility:

1.      Vehicles that comply with CAMS Historic Rally Car regulations: CAMS Manual of Motor Sport Page 11-64

·         Group H1 - Historic (vehicles made up to 31 December 1967).

·         Group H2 - Post Historic (vehicles made from 1 January 1968 to 31 December 1975).

·         Group H3 - Post Historic (vehicles made from 1 January 1976 to 31 December 1980).

2.      Vehicles that comply with CAMS Group 3C- PRC Rally Cars. CAMS Manual of Motor Sport Page 11-40:

·         Group P1 - PRC (vehicles made up to 31 December 1985).

·         Group P2 - PRC (vehicles made from I January 1986 to 31 December 1995).

3.      Group C1 - Vehicles that comply with CAMS Classic Rally Car Regulations (vehicles made up to 31 December 1985) CAMS Manual of Motor                        Sport Page 11-66.

4.      Group FW1 - Recreational Four Wheel Drive Vehicles (wagon-type) up to 1990, not modified greater than PRC regulations (turbocharged diesel vehicles may be entered, provided the original turbocharger and wastegate are retained).

Turbocharged and 4WD sedan type vehicles are not permitted.

Tour - A Tour to Repco Rally Australia will be held in conjunction with the Trial. Any legally road registered vehicle is eligible, and no special preparation is necessary. The Tour will basically follow the Trial, and will visit some of the Trial control points, but will use only major good surfaced roads. Some navigation will be included to add interest to the journey. Average speeds will be low, and plenty of time will be allowed for crews to socialise at overnight stops. Awards will be made in accordance with the age of the competing cars. Entry fee for the Tour will be approximately $2,750.

Benefits for Tour entrants will include free entry and special seating at the World Rally Championship Super Special stage, and the opportunity to spectate on one of the WRC special stages at a dedicated "Rally Village" set up in the forest.

In order to progress from here we would need at least 75 expressions of interest and from there a holding deposit of $1,000 which would either be refunded in full if the event did not proceed, or be a deposit towards the entry fee.

With Christmas nearly upon us we need to make a decision within the next few weeks whether we proceed or not so please let me know your interest and/or thoughts by 18 November.

Please forward this email to anyone you think may be interested.

Yours in motorsport

Philip Bernadou

1/533 Whitehorse Road

SURREY HILLS VIC 3127

Ph: 03 9836 9911

Mobile: 0412 498 602

email: pora1@bigpond.net.au