Rallying

Now in its fourth year, the East Gippsland Stages will open the 2010 VRC on May 15th.

Organised by the Melbourne University Car Club, the event was introduced to the calendar in 2007 with the aim of taking Championship rallying back to East Gippsland, where the club had held the legendary AKADEMOS Rally from

1972 to 1993. The field of 46 starters in 2009 showed that 21st Century competitors have embraced this wonderful rally area.

Run in the traditional Day/Night format of the past AKADEMOS Rallies the rally will start in Lindenow at about 12:30 pm.  Being away from the daylight savings times, it also means crews will begin to finish as early as 9:00 pm. Roads that haven't seen rally cars for thirty years have been included in re-routing of the EGS. 120 km of competition, will be split fairly evenly between daylight and dark. An extended service break back at the Lindenow Sports Oval means that all crews finish the afternoon stages in daylight, while it is lights on for everyone for the night stages.

The extended service time may prove a boon to competitors with the two heat format confirmed for the 2010 VRC.  As well as allowing those competitors who "cannot see in the dark" to score well in the afternoon, then merely all right at night, anyone having a minor mechanical problem in the afternoon may well be able to make repairs before a meaningful blast at night. Indeed, the 2009 event saw more than one crew rush back to Bairnsdale for parts to change likes of broken drive shafts during the service break.  It is hoped that crews suffering small offs and punctures might also benefit from the two heat scoring method introduced for the 2010 VRC.

The Lindenow Football Club will, once again, provide catering at the service and finish. As all competitors would have noted in 2009, the service provided by this team is second to none, and again in 2010 an after event meal will be provided by this team.

Regulations are now available at www.vicrallychampionship.com.au , with online entries again being handled by Andrew Ormesher. The organisers, again led by Clerk of Course Glen McAliece, and Peter Otzen, Road Director look forward to your participation.

Melbourne University Car Club