Competition report – November 2021

Posted on by SteveH

Yarra Valley Stages, 6 November 2021

78 entries with 54 of our members, 38 nominated HRA and 16 nominated for other clubs.

50 crews entered in the VRC with only 45 starting and unfortunately 15 failed to finish and another 3 missed major controls but were classed as finishers. 2 crews were disqualified for rule infringements (Warren Lee/ James Rooke after James became too ill to continue and Tony Robinson slid into the co-driver’s seat after Steve Porter’s RX7 ran into brake problems and also a novice crew for a control issue).

29 crews entered the VCRS with all but 1 starting. There were 6 DNF and 5 crews missed controls to still be finishers.

Top VRC performances were from Justin Walker in 3rd place (behind Darren Windus and Brendan Reeves) and Joel Wald in 7th position.

In VCRS it was Keith and Judd Lewis in 1st place with Dave McKenzie co-driving Colin Sichlau to 3rd and Richard Carter bringing his Stanza home in 4th place.

Among the VRC DNFs were Doug Fernie co-driving for Tim Clark in Tim’s WRX with diff problems, Luke Sytema and Tracy Dewhurst had motor issues in the S2000 Fiesta, Braeden Kendrick rolled his Commodore and former Victorian Champion David Bond had a disappointing return parking his Escort in a large off-road hole.

In the VCRS Ray Garrad and Nick Wright lost the spark in Ray’s Peugeot and Graham Wallis missed the second half when Brian Ward became too ill to continue but was classified as a finisher.

Parwan 20 & 21 November 2021

The Autocross on Saturday had 10 HRA members out of 34 entries doing up to 8 runs with their best 3 counting for results.

Steve Marron was the highest placed at 6th outright and 1st in class. Ben Marron was 12th O/R and 2nd in class. Rob and Chris Sanderson were 14th and 15th with Geoff Holloway 19th. Next was Rob Cranston in 23rd just ahead of Daniel Letty in 24th. Mark Sanderson, Max Engellener and Jordan Kline were our other runners.

The Rallysprint on Sunday had 13 members in 10 crews tackling 6 runs at the long course and Michael Osborne had a good ride with Brad Hall to take 1st outright. Graham Wallis and Callum O’Callaghan came home 3rd and Michael Ward with Graham Wallis swapping to left seat duties were 5th. Ben Marron with Tim Shepherd took 7th place. Geoff Holloway returned after Saturday’s effort to take 9th just ahead of James Pickard who also backed up again after Saturday. Max Engellener and Jordan Kline were another 2 drivers to do both days with Max in 13th place just 24 seconds ahead of Jordan after their 6 runs. Ian Ellis as ballast for Simon Ellis and Matthew and Amy Jones were unfortunately the DNFs for the event.

Next event is the Gippsland Rally as round 4 of the VRC and round 8 of the VCRS. It will be a pace noted event for the VRC with testing and promotional running on Thursday 2nd December and recce on Friday 3rd. The rally is on Saturday 4th and HRA will be controlling Stage 3/7 with officials for the stage expected to meet by 8.30 am at the Toongabbie Store. Some of our members have also offered to assist on the lead up days as well.

Peter Canals.

Pics from Parwan by Jason Meehan. Rob Cranston (L), Rob Sanderson (R) and Max Engellenner (top)

A traditional HRA Christmas meeting…

Posted on by SteveH

A real HRA Christmas meeting will go ahead on Wednesday 8 December.

Removal of lock down restrictions means our traditional December meeting will be happening! Here are some preliminary details:

HRA Christmas Meeting

Wednesday 8 December, 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm.
Longitude Room, Matthew Flinders Hotel, 667 Warrigal Rd, Chadstone VIC 3148

Continue reading A traditional HRA Christmas meeting…

What’s coming up… the post-lockdown HRA calendar

Posted on by SteveH

As Victoria re-opens after lockdown, so does the HRA Calendar. Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up.

Planned for what’s left of 2021

Sunday Rally Garage, Sunday 14 November

A social event, featuring a classic HRA Peter Fraser BBQ with a gold coin donation, with soft drinks and salads provided by hosts ProRally. More info on the Sunday Rally Garage page

SCC Autocross at MMSC – Saturday 20 November

The Saturday Autocross, which is part of the MMSC’s Melbourne Motorsport Weekend, is a round of the 2021 HRA Standard Car Class Championship. More info on the SCC’s announcement.

Down the Drains Touring Assembly – Sunday 28 November

Suitable for all comers – no special car prep needed and navigation for all capabilities. It’s also a round of the 2021 HRA Standard Car Class Championship. More info and regs on the Down the Drains page.

Gippsland Rally – Saturday 4 December

It’s both a VRC and VCRS round and is based out of Heyfield. They’re seeking both entries and officials – more info at the Gippsland Rally website

HRA Club Meeting – Wednesday 8 December

The Committee is intending to hold a “proper” meeting for December, if this can by organised under COVID density limits with the venue. Regardless, we’ll have a HRA Club Meeting at 8:00 pm on this date – watch the website, HRA Update and the email group for updates later in November.

Planned for 2022

While we’re awaiting the release of the Vic Rally Calendar for confirmation of some of these, plans for the early part of 2022 include:

  • There may be a RallySprint or Speed event in the back half of January, if it can be organised.
  • The first Club Meeting for 2022 is scheduled for Wednesday 9 February. That should be a regular meeting by then, but watch club comms channels for more information.
  • The Cobb and Co Explorer Rally will be held in the Darling Downs region of Queensland on 12 & 13 February.
  • The George Woods Rally is planned for Saturday 26 February
  • The Swan Hill Tour is on 12 & 13 March

These are the “known knowns” at this stage… We’ll confirm some of these events once the Vic Calendar is published and add events as plans for 2022 continue.

Page banner: SCC teams lined up at an autocross – way back in 2019!

Down the Drains – Sunday 28 November

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Down the Drains is confirmed for Sunday 28 November, 2021

  • Postponed from September due to COVID restrictions.
  • The 2021 version of “Down the Drain” Touring Assembly

Update from Organisers, 29 October 2021:

Motorsport Australia have approved Further Regulations for the 2021 Down the Drains Touring Assembly as below.

The original Supplementary Regulations remain with only the date change to Sunday November 28th 2021.

Note: No Motorsport Australia Licence is required for participation in a Touring Assembly.

All participants must be double vaccinated and be able to supply proof of vaccination to Event Secretary and/or Covid Marshall. It would be appreciated if entrants could supply copies of the following with their entry prior to the event:

  • Driver’s Civil Driving Licence.
  • Proof of vehicle registration or permit to be used on public roads.
  • Motorsport Australia Licences if applicable.
  • Car Club Membership for crew members if applicable.
  • Proof of vaccination for all crew members.

Further Regulations, Supplementary Regulations and entry form:

2021 Down the Drains Further Rgulations-321-1209-02-approved (pdf)Download
2021-Down the Drain Supp Regs v2, OCT 2021 (pdf format)Download
2021 Down the Drain Supp Regs v2, OCT 2021 (MS word doc)Download

NOTES: Despite what the supp regs say, NO Motorsport Australia licence is required for section 2.  This was a late alteration after a submission to MA by the organisers. Updated regs will posted as soon as they are available.

This event which will be a round of the 2021 Resto Country Spares HRA Standard Car Class.

This year’s event is a little different to previous events.

We are using the Pakenham Auto Club facilities in Keys Lane, Pakenham for the Start, Lunch Break and Finish.

No special car preparations are required although some form of compass is necessary and a trip meter is of value. All roads are easily passable by any normal passenger car.

Due to Covid distancing requirements: Could competitors please lodge copies of Motorsport Australia Licence (where applicable), Club Membership, Civil Licence and evidence that competing vehicle may be legally driven prior to the event by e-mail to tlatta@optusnet.com.au

The event is in two Sections:

Section 1 – The Novice Section:

Starting at 10.00am for the first car and finishing at 12.00pm. Relatively simple navigation, all Via Points are marked and numbered on the supplied maps. Remember we don’t want to get you lost, only to miss the occasional Via Point. We do however recommend a magnifying glass.

Lunch Break:

There will be approximately a 2 hour break between Sections 1 and 2.

This will enable those who are competing in both Section 1 and Section 2 to have a break, enjoy the barbeque and plot Section 2.

Section 2 – The Experts Section:

This is a longer more difficult section. It uses largely 1931 maps (some a little older) and will test even the most experienced competitors. However, again, we do not want you to get lost so we hope to take the occasional points off you on the way through.

First car starts at 2.00 pm and is due to finish at 4.30 pm. To ease your plotting on this section all Vias have been circled however you will still have to check the point and make sure you have everything correct.

So no excuse, come and have some fun, Sunday November 28, 2021.

Photo: Bob Watson/Kaye Kilsby on an earlier Down the Drains event.

Sunday Rally Garage, Sunday 14 November

Posted on by SteveH

EVENT FULLY SUBSCRIBED

Update 7 November

Sunday Rally Garage @ ProRally has reached its maximum allowed number of participants under COVID requirements and we are not adding to our list. There will be opportunities to attend next year at similar functions for those who have missed out.

Those who have nominated to attend are reminded that this Permitted Event has double COVID vaccination and QR Code check in requirements.

Update 4 November

This is a sports training event, running under a Motorsports Australia permit for insurance purposes. In line with COVID19 Regulations, attendees will require full COVID vaccination. There will be QR check-in at the ProRally premises. Bring your Rally car…plenty of parking available.

The HRA presents “Sunday Rally Garage” on Sunday 14th November, sponsored by ProRally Motorsport Fabrication.

A pleasant Sunday afternoon gathering of HRA Members featuring a classic Pater Fraser BBQ with Rally Cars to view. BBQ food by donation to Peter. Soft drinks and salads supplied by ProRally.

BYO Rally chairs and tables. And bring a “Toy”… there is plenty of parking.

Sunday 14 November, 12:00 md start, at ProRally Headquarters 50 Rushdale Street, Knoxfield. (Google map here.)

Please note that this event will be subject to COVID regulations, which will be confirmed nearer the event.

For Catering purposes we would like to know how many are attending. Please reply though hra-members@groups.io or the Facebook group. Contact Rob on 0414 560 688, email SCC@hra.org.au

pro rally logo

HRA October meeting

Posted on by SteveH

Zoom again for October meeting… Wednesday October 13, 8:00 pm AEDT

At our previous HRA meeting we arranged very special guest speaker Bruce Garland to drop in from lockdown in NSW.  It was a huge success and Bruce’s stories (and their delivery!) was well worth the effort.

Spurred on by this ‘Guest Speaker experience’, we have again organized something very special. 

Continue reading HRA October meeting

The Great Alpine Contest is now a book

Posted on by SteveH
cover of The Great Alpine Contest

The history of the Australian Alpine Rally 1921-2021

You cannot drive it this year but you can read about it in this new 250 page book just now available.

Written by Bob Watson with contributions from many that are currently HRA members, it is a wonderful tribute to 100 years of this uniquely Victoria event.  It details the rally (or trial) from its beginnings in 1921 as a promotional  tool for the Victorian Alpine region, the early competitors and the tortuous route right up the its place as a premier Australian championship rally event and now, an exciting and oversubscribed event for historic rally cars.  There is so much detail, side notes and stories in this book about the world’s second oldest car rally that no enthusiast’s bookshelf should be without it. 

You may have heard that each Alpine Rally crew member will each receive a book each in their competitor pack at its next running, and that’s true. The HRA has purchased and put aside enough copies for that. 

The HRA also has secured a limited number of additional copies that club members can buy.  Potential competitors are welcome to buy them too, but there will be another copy for you in your competitor pack if you successfully enter the next Alpine Rally of East Gippsland.

Each book is $35 plus $10 for postage.  (i.e.: $45 per book, posted.  2 books $90 posted.)

How to get one:

  1. Send an e-mail to our Treasurer Kerril Maloney treasurer@hra.org.au  with the following details:
    Your name
    HRA membership number
    Postal Address
    Telephone number (in case we need to check something)
    Number of books

  2. Make a direct deposit to the HRA bank account with the reference YOUR SURNAME and GAC
    For example: TURNERGAC   (this is VERY important)
    BSB: 033050 Account Number: 143422

Once we match your e-mail to a payment, your Great Alpine Contest book will be posted to you.

Should you miss out, they are also available from Bob Watson directly from his website (www.bobwatsonrally.com.au) or from the Rallysport Magazine shop (rallysportmag.com/shop)

In the future, they will be available at a club meeting for purchase (if not sold out) which will save you the postage fee (but not the fuel to get to the meeting).  That might be December or February. But who knows. 

Don’t delay. Order yours by email today.  

Next Rally Retro Festival in 2023

Posted on by SteveH

The 2021 Rally Retro Festival in February was a cracker despite Covid restrictions.

The HRA plans to run the next Rally Retro Festival on the last Saturday in February 2023. The year gap is partly because that was always the plan (to run every second year) and partly because organizing for a February 2022 event has been severely restricted throughout this year.

Continue reading Next Rally Retro Festival in 2023