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John McCredie

Jun 24

Victorians looking to impress at the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Victorians Adrian Stratford and Kain Manning will be debuting a fully rebuilt Ford Fiesta ST at the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay. The car was purchased late last year and completely stripped down, with many improvements made to make it ready for the 2020 Till Hino Victorian Rally Championship (VRC).

In addition to the VRC, the team were also hoping to enter at least three Australian Rally Championship (ARC) rounds, however the COVID-19 pandemic has meant the team will now reconsider their ARC assault, with only one event likely.

Brendon Reeves assisted the team with car setup and handling, and an extensive testing regime has been undertaken to get the car sorted in time for the start of the 2020 season.

The Ford Fiesta was originally built in Bendigo for Steven MacKenzie to contest the 2015 ARC. MacKenzie had some good solid results in the car, but with limited outings, it was sold to Activ Rallysport who used it as a rallycross car.

“I was keen to buy a car and approached Justin Dowel from Activ Rallysport,” Stratford said. “I was actually interested in buying the Rally School Mazda 2 that Brendon Reeves ran in the ARC. The Mazda needed quite a bit of work to get it back into rallying condition, as it’d also been converted to a rallycross car. But it probably needed more time that I could put in before the 2020 season was meant to start.”

“While I was at looking at the Mazda, I was also showed the Fiesta and I instantly knew it was the one. It had huge moulded flares, big wide stance and an ineligible WRC wing. How could I not buy it,” Stratford added.

The car was hurriedly readied for the first VRC round at the Mitta Mountain Rally, but the COVID-19 pandemic quickly changed the teams plans.

“Me being me, I stripped the car again, put in a new rear end, made more changes in the front end, more engine performance improvements, weight distribution changes and also made changes to the differential,” Stratford said.

With Rally of the Bay fast approaching fast, the team finished the car and got it out for further testing. But the build of the car could not have been possible without the help of the teams sponsors, Exedy Australia, Zestino Tyres Australia, Bendigo Specialist Brake and Clutch, Cooldrive, and JAM Automotive.

Stratford’s rallying started back in 2018 when he attended the first round of the ARC. “It was the first rally I had ever been to and I only went to spectate. Watching the front ARC cars go past us at ridiculous speed, I decided that’s what I wanted to do,” Stratford said.

Stratford immediately bought a Daihatsu Charade and weeks later entered his first event, The George Woods introductory rally. He then competed in the entire Victorian Club Rally Series, managing first in the P1 class, first novice and third 2WD.

In 2019 Stratford stepped up to a full VRC campaign, but suffered a series of engine issues resulting in non-finishes. With little chance of a good outright result in the VRC, the team focussed on class results and managed to win the P2 Class, score fourth in the 2WD category, and finish the VRC in 9th outright.

The highlight of 2019 for the team was the combined VRC and ARC round at the Eureka Rally. The team finished third 2WD and was the fastest 2WD on the final stage.

The team is looking forward to trying out the Fiesta as they head to Batemans Bay next week for the Rally of the Bay on July 4th.

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Jun 23

Rally of the Bay still on track for July 4th

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

The AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay will go ahead with a strong focus on safe COVID-19 policies.

North Shore Sporting Car Club is the the organising club behind the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay, and President Brett Middleton has stated today that the Event will be going ahead, guided by the endorsed policies and protocols of the NSW Government and Motorsport Australia’s ‘Return to Race’ guidelines.

“I want to remind everyone, that the same procedures that have existed for the past weeks are still in place and the rally has full approval to go ahead,” Middleton said.

“The NSW Premier has been wholeheartedly supportive of open (state) borders and we are in full compliance with that to support our interstate teams,” Middleton added.

The unfortunate incidences of COVID-19 outbreaks in some areas of Melbourne will continue to be monitored by the event team and Motorsport Australia.

The AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay, based in Batemans Bay will be the first rally to be held in Australia since the COVID-19 shut-down and summer bushfires, and is set to host a near capacity field of 90 cars ready to rally on Saturday 4th July,

While some areas of Melbourne are seeing increased COVID-19 cases and testing, there is currently no interstate travel ban on people from Victoria.

Under Motor sport Australia’s ‘Return to Race’ protocols, there will be strict social distancing rules imposed on all participants as well as the requirement for all competitors to have temperatures checked before being eligible to compete. There will also be limits on the number of team personnel that can be involved in the rally service park.

“As the organising club, we are very conscious of the role the rally will be playing in bringing much needed revenue into the Batemans Bay district following the twin hits of the Summer Bushfire Crisis and the COVID-19 lock-downs,” Middleton said.

“We will continue to monitor the NSW Government’s official policies and our organising team is ready with a very strong approved COVID-19 policy in place to ensure the utmost safety for everyone,” Middleton added.

Jun 22

Penny and Llewellyn to debut new car at AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Penny and Llewellyn testing the GC8. PHOTO: Wishart Media

The Jindabyne based Kosciuszko Automotive Rally Team is looking forward to showcasing a new car at the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay.

The Alpine based team of Andrew Penny and Rhys Llewellyn compete at all levels of rallying in Australia and in 2019 they won the ACT Rally Series. They also won the final round of the MTA NSW Rally Championship, an event that the team support through Penny’s business, Kosciuszko Automotive.

In 2018, they also found success at the top level of rallying in Australia, taking out the ARC2 category of the Australian Rally Championship (ARC). For 2020, the team plans on stepping up to do the full ARC.

“We started our rallying adventures 20 years ago” Llewellyn said. “It was in a Daihatsu Charade at the Rally of the Bay in 2000 and we started as car 80, but unfortunately it was a pretty short affair as we broke a drive shaft just 6km into the first stage,” Llewellyn added.

After six years of campaigning a Subaru WRX STi, the car will be set aside for 2020 to make way for a freshly built Colin McRae GC8 tribute car. Debuting the car at the Rally of the Bay will be a fitting start for the car and the team, after 20 years of rallying.

“The Rally of the Bay has definitely been a tough event for us” Penny said. “there’s been many occasions where we haven’t finished it over the years. But it’s also provided us with the biggest highs when we’ve successfully finished the event”

“When we first stepped up from the Charade to a Subaru WRX, we were involved in quite a nasty accident which resulted in the stage being red flagged and both Rhys and I being transported to hospital. Rhys had to stay the night and it was quite scary,” Penny added.

This wasn’t the end of the Teams bad luck at the Rally of the Bay with a catastrophic engine failure resulting in a fire, six years ago. “Unfortunately, the fire couldn’t be contained and the car burnt to the ground,” Llewellyn said. “And whilst this was devastating for the team, it also showed us how much we love the rally community, with lots of support helping us build a new car,” Lewellyn added.

The team are expecting some fierce competition at the 2020 running of the Rally of the Bay with over 85 teams entered from all over Australia. They will be using this event as a shakedown for the first round of the ARC later in the year, but will also be trying hard to score maximum points in the MTA NSW Rally Championship.

The AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay will be held on the 4th of July in the forests surrounding Batemans Bay.

Jun 22

Stilling ready for the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Stilling at the Alpine Rally 2019. PHOTO: Raine O’Keeffe

After a successful 2019 debut season, Chris Stilling is eager for the restart of the 2020 rally season with the first event at Batemans Bay on 4 July.

Stilling emerged on the rally scene late in 2019 with his first event as a rally driver at the Narooma rally in which he won the event’s ACT novice and NSW clubman awards. He went on to win a number of awards at the Monaro Stages Rally, before finishing the year as the winner of the 2019 NSW Development 2WD class series, ACT Novice Series and finished second outright in the NSW Development series as well as second outright ACT Clubman series.

Stilling, when asked what his aim was for the 2020 AMH Rally of the Bay, said he was out to gain experience and to enjoy the event. “I’m excited just to be part of the event especially as it’s the first rally back for 2020’, Stilling said.

The event is also shaping up to be one of the best on the 2020 calendar with 2019 Australian Rally Champion and runner-up, Harry and Lewis Bates also competing amongst a talented and diverse 90 car field.

Stilling aims to compete in as many ACT and NSW events as possible during 2020 to further develop his skills as a rally driver. While concentrating at the Rally of the Bay for the NSW and ACT Clubman series he has not ruled out competing in other series events during the year. At only 22 years of age Chris Stilling is also eligible for the Junior Australian Rally Championship events staged during 2020.

Preparation is a key factor for any motorsport team and Stilling attributes Endurance Automotive, Waterhouse Performance and Manning Automotive as instrumental in preparing his Nissan Stanza for the 2020 rally season.

“I really want to thank Shane from Endurance, Leigh from Manning Automotive and Jamie from Waterhouse Performance for all their advice, support and assistance,” Stilling said. “After the differential broke on the Stanza at the 2019 Alpine Rally, and with the motor needing a rebuild, I had a lot of preparation to do on the car to get it back up to scratch for the 2020 season’ .

Raine O’Keeffe from Triple UFM Shoalhaven ‘Listen to the Raine’ motoring program, and Simply Music Management, has also agreed to continue her sponsorship of Stilling.

“I have reviewed our arrangements and look forward to maintaining our support as we have a young and talented rally driver in Chris” Raine said. “With the delay in the 2020 season due to COVID-19, we look forward to continuing our partnership into 2021,” Raine added.

Joining Chris Stilling in the codriver seat at the Rally of the Bay is Logan Waterhouse, son of Rae Waterhouse. Rae Waterhouse navigated for Stilling in the 2019 season taking out the 2019 NSW Development Series Co-Driver award. Logan Waterhouse, navigated for Chris Stilling’s father, Trevor Stilling, at the 2019 Narooma Rally.

Chris Stilling is following in his fathers’ footsteps, Trevor Stilling. “Chris is very measured in his approach, taking the time to learn from more experienced drivers and continuously developing his skills” said Trevor Stilling, former Australian rally classic champion.

Jun 18

National Title starts at AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

NSW based competitors who aspire for an Australian Rally Championship (ARC) award, can now register and score points towards the ARC4 award by competing at the Batemans Bay based, AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay event.

Motorsport Australia has updated the Sporting and Technical Regulations for the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship and the ARC4 award includes the Rally of the Bay.

The ARC4 award is open to competitors who are not supported by a manufacturer and are not competing in an AP4 or R5 rally car. The structure of the award means that any NSW team entered in the Rally of the Bay and who then goes on to compete in their home state ARC round and one other ARC event can win the award.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who’s entered in our Rally to score some points in the national competition”, said Nigel Bland, Rally of the Bay Event Director. “The Australian Rally Championship ARC4 category is a great initiative and we’re really fortunate to be one of the State Rounds nominated for points towards the award.”

“There are plenty of teams entered in our event that will likely do a few ARC rounds, like the National Capital Rally and the possible NSW North Coast ARC round, so there’s no doubt they should consider this opportunity, as they could easily find themselves winning ARC4,” Bland added.

There is no fee to register for the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship, but teams considering the ARC4 award must register with the ARC Managers and nominate the events they wish to compete in. Full details of the conditions, including contact information for the ARC Managers can be found in the Sporting and Technical Regulations.

Jun 17

Green Light for AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

The 2020 running of the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay has now received a ‘Green Light’ from Motorsport Australia. The final approval was given to North Shore Sporting Car Club (NSSCC) based on the event falling within the Motorsport Australia ‘Return to Race Strategy’, which is approved by the NSW State Government.

Whilst NSSCC has been pushing ahead with plans for the Rally, there was always the possibility that further restrictions could have been put in place had the COVID-19 situation in Australia worsened.

“It’s a great relief to get the final approval through” said Event Director, Nigel Bland. “The entire team had a little celebration on hearing the news, albeit by email. With all the extra requirements, and therefore extra work, due to the pandemic, it’s fantastic to know that all that hard work will mean we can get back to rallying” Bland added.

NSSCC President, Brett Middleton, was also pleased to see the final approval given.

“The team putting together this rally have gone above and beyond”, Middleton said. “They have worked tirelessly on getting the Rally off the ground in such difficult circumstances. The amount of extra work that was needed to get the event to fall in line with COVID requirements was enormous, but the team rose to the challenge and here we are with the green light.”

The AMH Rally of the Bay has attracted a record number of entries, with many teams using this event as a shakedown for the start of the Australian Rally Championship (ARC) season later in the year.

“We have 87 entries so far, and whilst there’s plenty of ARC teams entered, the competition to watch will be the teams entered for the first round of the MTA NSW Rally Championship. With such a big field, it’s pretty hard to predict a winner in the state championship, with the likes of Nathan Quinn, Tom Clarke and Gavin Croker all entered” Middleton added.

The AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay will take place on the 4th of July. The rally will start at Corrigan’s Beach Reserve, Batehaven and then move to the Forests surrounding Batemans Bay.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, no spectators are permitted at the event, however there are volunteer positions available by visiting the NSSCC website – https://nsscc.com.au/officials/

Tom Clarke is a contender for the MTA NSW Rally Championship PHOTO: Roy Meuronen

Jun 11

FELK Rally Team ready for Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Photos by D&S Photography

The two car FELK Rally Team is looking forward to the start of the 2020 rally season and have entered their two Subaru WRX STI’s in the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay.

Riley Walters will be driving the lead car and is just 17. He kicked off his rallying career in 2019 driving the Subaru in the AMSAG rally series. It was a successful start with Riley taking home three trophies in his debut year, winning the Junior division and four-wheel-drive driver category and was also placed third outright driver in the AMSAG series.

This year, Walters is looking to step up and take on the best in NSW by competing in the Motorsport Australia MTA NSW Rally Championship, with Jeffrey Williamson sitting in the co-drivers seat calling the notes.

In the second car will be relative newcomer, Michael Stewart who will be joined by co-driver Matthew Portus. Stewart also began his rally career in 2019, competing in the Rally NSW Development Series. Whilst Stewart is only a rookie, rallying has been part of his life since birth, with his late great uncle Doug Stewart heavily involved in Rallying as a former Confederation of Australian Motor Sport President, and owner of the Mitsubishi Ralliart team in Australia. Michael’s father, Wayne Stewart, is also a rally competitor and has been a regular part of Victorian Rally Championship. Wayne has had a great influence on Michael and has mentored him on his entry into the sport.

“It’s been great to get started in rallying last year and at every event I’ve been learning more about this great sport. We’ve been cooped up with this whole COVID thing, so I’m really looking forward to getting out in the forest and having a run in the car at the Rally of the Bay” said Michael Stewart.

“It’s also great that we’ve been able to get behind Riley with our FELK Engineering business and give him support in this extremely competitive sport. He’s a real go-getter and I expect him to do very well. Yes, he’s young, but he’s got some real talent and I’m really looking forward to seeing his results” added Michael.

The AMH Automotive Rally of the Bay will take place on Saturday 4th of July in Batemans Bay, NSW.

Jun 09

Motorsport businesses get behind AMH Automotive Group Rally Of The Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

This year’s AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay will feature 7 fantastic stages, Including the ever-popular River Road and a marathon 44km stage that utilises sections of the smooth and fast Runnyford Road out of the township of Mogo. Despite the devastating bushfires over the summer season, the forest and shire roads in the Bateman’s Bay area are in the best condition they have been in years and rally crews are in for a real treat, with the best of the best selected for the course.

Rally stage names will reflect the businesses that have put their support behind the rally, with some familiar, and also new businesses getting involved. The stages will be separated by two service opportunities back in Batehaven at the Hoosier Service Park which will be setup in Corrigans Beach Reserve. The Hoosier Service Park will have a different layout compared to previous years to ensure the event aligns with COVID-19 requirements.

Throughout the rally, results will be fed directly from Rallysafe and be available on the Chris Sport website, provided courtesy of Techworkz Automotive.

Event Itinerary

  • Rally start in the Hoosier Service Park at 8:45am
  • SS1 – TME Motorsport – Old Highway – 10.37km
  • SS2 – Specialised Brake and Clutch Service – Sproxtons – 12.99km
  • Premier Pools Remote Refuel
  • SS3 – MRF Pinnacle Tyres – Drury – 26.02km
  • SS4 – Shamrock Haulage – Follow the River – 9.45km
  • Hoosier Service Park
  • SS5 – SW Motorsport – Run to Mogo – 44.57km
  • Hoosier Service Park
  • SS6 – SSS Automotive – Drury 2 – 26.02km
  • SS7 – Premier Panel Beating – Follow the River 2 – 9.45KM

About the Partner Businesses

Hoosier Tire Australia

Hoosier Tire Australia is the sole Australian agent and distributor for the Hoosier Racing Tire product range, widely regarded as one of the best tyres available for street, strip, rally and oval track competition.

The giant US Hoosier Racing Tire manufacturing plant is in Plymouth, Indiana, USA and produces race tyres 24 hours a day. The plant was first opened in 1979 and was the world’s first facility dedicated to the exclusive production of racing tyres and has grown to be the world’s leading producer.

Hoosier Tire Australia can supply a wide range of Hoosier tyres for several different racing divisions as well as Hoosier apparel, track wear and pit accessories for racers and fans alike. From speedway to drag racing to street, Hoosier Racing Tires are designed for champions and will help racers get to the finish line first.

Shamrock Haulage

Shamrock Haulage started in 2009 as one man with a Twin Steer Hiab Crane Truck and a vision to create a company with a focus on streamlined heavy lift service for clients. Shamrock Haulage has grown into a booming, privately owned company, dedicated to exceeding its client’s expectations with a focus on achieving the highest safety, quality, and production results-based culture possible.

Shamrock Haulage offers an Integrated Management System, incorporating a highly refined Health, Safety and Quality suite. Fully licensed, insured and nationally accredited, Shamrock Haulage is equipped to service any Crane Truck needs.

Transformance Mechanical Engineering (TME)

Transformance Mechanical Engineering (TME) is an Automotive Engineering workshop that provides clients with optimal solutions for their automotive needs. TME’s Springwood facility includes a vast array of equipment, meaning they have the right tools for the best possible result. As well as the usual mechanical tools, the workshop includes specialist equipment such as Corner Weighting Scales, AC/DC TIG Welder, Hydraulic Press, Pipe Bender, Lathe, Mill and an All-Wheel-Drive Mainline Chassis Dynamometer.

Having the correct equipment is one part of the automotive engineering puzzle, TME also have the engineering expertise needed to utilise the equipment to its full potential to provide clients with the best possible result.

MRF Tyres

MRF Tyres are available from Pinnacle Tyres who also has a great selection of the world-renowned Speedline Wheels. The business is made up of Tony Sullens, who has been involved in the Sport of Rallying for over 30 years. He has competed in the Australian Rally Championship, as well as Targa Tasmania. Tony has a great knowledge of cars and setup, and how to get the most from your MRF tyres.

Darrin Trigg is a very highly regarded Automotive Mechanic and has had many years of experience in all facets of the automotive industry and is also a part time teacher to the mechanical trade.

Together, Darrin and Tony make a great team to help you get the best performance and the right tyre for your application.

SW Motorsport

SW Motorsport specialise in historic Datsun and Nissan vehicles and have more than 20 years’ experience in the preparation and modification of high-performance cars. SW Motorsport, under the direction of Steward Wilkins, offer an extensive range of high quality and hard to get parts for rally, race, street and historic motoring.

Premier Pools

Premier Pools was created by John Long and Klaus Christochowitz in 1983. Both John and Klaus are still directors in conjunction with sons Damien Long and Justin Christo and they take pride in being responsible for the business’ daily management. Between them all they have over 130 years’ experience in the swimming pool industry.

Premier Pools has designed and constructed over 6000 pools in 35 years. Some of Australia’s largest and best known commercial and residential builders choose Premier Pools to design and construct their pools, as they are recognised as industry leaders.

Specialised Brake and Clutch Service

Specialised Brake and Clutch Service (Penrith) began operating in St. Mary’s in 1968 and are currently located in Penrith. SBCS has a vast knowledge of the Brake and Clutch industry and are able to provide a high level of expertise to the trade in the form of quality products and services.

SBSC stock more than just brake and clutch products, they also have fuel injection components, power steering pumps and racks, shock absorbers, radiators plus much more. They also offer a large range of services including disc, drum and flywheel machining as well as brake hose and cable manufacturing.

Techworkz Automotive

Techworkz Automotive was founded in 2010 in Tuggeranong by owner Michael Harding. Over the years he has developed Techworkz into a well-known workshop to the Canberra Subaru scene. After almost 10 years in Tuggeranong, Techworkz has now ventured to bigger things, moving their workshop to Fyshwick.

Techworkz as a team, has over 30 years’ experience in Subaru’s with knowledge in maintaining, building, racing and driving them. They expand their knowledge everyday with new technologies being brought out by Subaru and other manufacturers. The Techworkz team take pride in the work they do, so you can be sure your vehicle will be treated with the highest care, using only the best quality parts.

The Techworkz Rally Team has competed in events supporting local Canberra car clubs such as Brindabella Motorsports Club and the Light Car Club of Canberra and has sponsored the ACT Rally Championship and the Rally NSW series since 2013. Highly regarded within the rally community as well as the local community, Techworkz can be your go to for car servicing, repairs and maintenance.

SSS Automotive

SSS Automotive is a specialist parts importer for Japanese vehicles, stocking high performance, standard and hard-to-find parts for imported and locally delivered vehicles. This includes Nissan Syline GTR, GTS and GTST, Nissan Silvia, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Isuzu, Daihatsu and Mazda.

SSS Automotive has an established yard and reliable buying networks in Japan. Their experience in Japan benefits customers enormously. They travel there regularly and hand-pick and pack the stock, including low kilometre engines and half-cuts. This ensures that the parts are of the highest quality and means SSS can confidently stand behind the warranty to customers. SSS Automotive stock performance engines (turbo and non-turbo), half cuts (front and rear), wheels in a variety of sizes, and thousands of used parts and panels to suit a variety of applications for street, rally and race use.

Premier Panel Beating

Premier Panel Beating is a family owned business that has been trading for over 30 years and is a major vehicle repairer and one of the most respected in the Bankstown area. The combination of quality repairs and the latest in smash repair technology has ensured their continued success. Premier Panel Beating operate a very efficient business and will guarantee a professional job at a competitive price. The business’ focus is to deliver a personal and friendly experience to all customers and provide the highest quality and service possible.

Premier Panel Beating has 10 full time staff members who have each been with the business for a long period of time and are constantly being trained and retained to ensure the best possible outcome is met at all times.

Keith Byrn is the proprietor and Kelvin Smith is the manager. They have both been in the repairs industry for over 45 years. Both are experts in all different aspects of smash repairs. Premier Panel Beating has been a Motor Traders Association (MTA) members for the past 30 years.

Jun 04

Bumper field lining up for the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Over 80 entries have so far been received for the 2020 AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay, just two days after entries were officially opened by the Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor, Liz Innes.

The event has a maximum field of 90 and with many outright contenders on the list, the rally is going to be a spectacular opening to the rally season for 2020.

With the COVID-19 Pandemic forcing event organisers to cancel their events earlier in the season, the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay will be the first opportunity rally teams will have to get their cars back into the forest.

The rally is the first round of the MTA NSW Rally Championship and the ACT Regional Rally Series, however there are also many Australian Rally Championship teams using the event as a test before their first championship round gets underway later in the year.

The list of outright contenders is headed by the Factory Toyota team of brothers and team-mates Harry and Lewis Bates in a Toyota Yaris AP4.

Nathan Quinn is a former Australian Rally Champion and the 2019 East Coast Classic Rally Series winner. He will be lining up to take on the Toyota Team in a Lancer EVO 10 and with his recent win at the Alpine Rally late last year, he is one of the favourites to win.

Another contender for outright victory is Richie Dalton and Dale Moscatt in a Ford Fiesta G4. The pairing from Sydney have won the event for the past two years and are looking to make it three in a row.

In the MTA NSW Rally Championship, Tom Clarke and Ryan Preston in a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO are favourites, but they will have last years two-wheel drive champions, Tony Sullens and Kaylie Newell snapping at their heels in a Citroen DS3.

Darren Windus at Last Years Rally of the Bay
The Activ Rallysport Team from Melbourne is sending a contingent of drivers including JJ Hatton and Troy Dowell, both driving Hyundai i20 G4’s. They will be joined by father and son Darren and Arron Windus, who will both be driving in Subaru WRX’s.

Classic rally fans are also in for a treat with the welcome return of Tom Dermody in a Ford Escort RS1800, Clay Badenoch in a Toyota Celica RA40 and Mal Keough in an Audi Quattro S1 set to headline the East Coast Classic Rally Series.

The 2020 AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay will take place in the Forests surrounding Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast on the 4th of July. A full unseeded list of the current teams entered follows.

1 Taylor Gill / Peter Harris – Subaru WRX 1999
2 Bethany Cullen / Mel Mcminn – Mitsubishi Evolution 6.5
3 Tony Sullens / Kaylie Newell – Citroen DS3
4 Graham Wallis / Brian Ward – Peugeot 309 GTI
5 Mitch Garrad / Taylah Murphy – Hyundai Excel
6 Chris Higgs / Daymon Nicoli – Mitsubishi Evo 6
7 Michael Stewart / Matthew Portus – Subaru WRX STI
8 Riley Walters / Jeffery Williamson – Subaru WRX
9 Adrian Stratford / Kain Manning – Ford Fiesta
10 Andrew Carrigan / Larisa Biggar – Mitsubishi Magna
11 Arron Windus / Arron Windus – Subaru Wrx Sti Gc8
12 Ben Vanzyl / Nadine Bucher – Hyundai Excel
13 Michael Ward / John Fraser – Toyota Corolla TE37 Levin
14 Brian O Neill / TBA – Ford Escort 1978
15 Chris Stilling / TBA – Datsun Stanza
16 Brian Newton / Ryan Price – Honda EG6
17 Tristan Carrigan / Neill Woolley – Alfa Romeo 147
18 Craig Jarvie / Aidan O’halloran – Holden Commodore
19 JJ Hatton / Nathan Long – Hyundai i20
20 Phil Thomas / Phil Thomas – Ford Escort Mk2
21 Mark Wills / Kam Baker – Subaru WRX STI
22 Matthew Ruggles / Matthew Ruggles – Triumph TR7 V8
23 Clay Badenoch / TBA – Toyota RA40
24 Andrew Penny / Rhys Llewylln – Subaru Impreza
25 Nathan Quinn / Ray Winwood-Smith – Mitsubishi EVO X
26 Troy Dowel / Bernie Webb – Hyundai I20
27 Veronica Stack / Jason Browne – Hyundai Getz
28 Mal Keough / Andrew (Pip) Bennett – Audi Quattro S1
29 Tim Joass / Peter Joass – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 2
30 Paul Brennan / Paul Bailey – Subaru Legacy RS
31 Ron Moore / Jo Moore – Mitsubishi Evolution VI
32 Charlie Drake / Lachlan Drake – Mitsubishi EVO
33 Dean Mullen / Paddy Kelly – Hyundai Excel
34 Ryan Williams / Brad Jones – Mitsubishi Mirage
35 Ron Mckinnon / Steve Mckinnon – Lancer LA
36 Joel Wald / Tony Robinson – Datsun Stanza
37 Harry Bates / John Mccarthy – Toyota Yaris AP4
38 Lewis Bates / Anthony Mcloughlin – Toyota Yaris AP4
39 Robert Burke / Matthew Burke – Toyota AE71 Corolla
40 James Price / TBA – Ford Escort MKII
41 Michael Curtin / Pierce Lennon – Datsun 1600
42 Peter Dimmock / Leigh Brimson-Pierce – Ford Fiesta
43 Richie Dalton / Dale Moscatt – Ford Fiesta G4
44 Stuart Collison / Lance Arundel – Subaru WRX STI
45 Thomas Dermody / Eoin Moynihan – Ford RS 1800 Escort
46 Darren Windus / Joe Brick – Subaru WRX
47 David Stephens / Lynda Leigh – Subaru WRX
48 TBA / TBA – Hyundai Excel
49 Sean Mc Aloon / Sean Mc Aloon – Escort Ford
50 Peter Thompson / Ken Hind – Toyota Celica RA23
51 Jake Bramble / TBA – Datsun 1600 1968
52 Terry Gunter / Stephen Newell – Ford Escort Mk2
53 Tom Clarke / Ryan Preston – Mitsubishi Evo 9
54 Brett Wright / Rob Edwards – Datsun Bluebird
55 Russell Dixon / Jack Dixon – Subaru Liberty
56 John Sparkes / Nigel Walters – Nissan Silvia
57 Clayton Hoy / TBA – Mitsubishi Evo 6
58 Joshua Hilton / Rodney Vanderpoel – Toyota Corolla
59 Richard Carter / TBA – Datsun Stanza
60 Aaron Casmiri / Sam Hill – Mitsubishi Mirage
61 Geoffrey Holloway / Richard (Rick) Hood – Hyundai Excel
62 Marco Jansen / Cameron Mcintosh – Vw Polo
63 Richard Houghton / Andrew Houghton – Subaru Wrx Sti
64 Timothy Reynolds / Lachlan Reynolds – Datsun 180B
65 Nicola Testa / TBA – Nissan 240RS
66 Nick Seymour / Ogi Jovanovic – Ford Fiesta
67 Chris Giddins / Katie Giddins – Mitsubishi Evo IX
68 Mark Fitton / Carol Fitton – Holden Commodore
69 Dennis Stanford / Timothy Woods – Nissan Stanza
70 Hilary Evans / TBA – Datsun SSS 1600
71 Chris Vanzyl / Michelle Chard – Hyundai Excel
72 Simon Jamieson / Luke Jamieson – Mitsubishi Evo 7
73 Mick Patton / TBA – Mitsubshi Evo 10
74 Michael Valantine / Timothy Valantine – Datsun 1600
75 Peter Ewing / Anna Ritson – Volvo 240
76 Mike Behnke / Ellie Yates – Honda Civic
77 Luke Anear / Andy Sarandis – Ford Fiesta
78 Katrina Dunn / Peter Dunn – Subaru Sti Spec C S204
79 Richard Knight / Russell Hannah – Datsun 510
80 Gavin Croker / Brad Fitzgerald – Mitsubsihi Evo 3
81 Stewart Reid / Jennifer Cole – Ford Escort Mk2

 

For more information, please contact:
John McCredie – Media and Public Relations Manager on 0413 042 763 or email john.mccredie@ohmgroup.com.au
Brett Middleton – Club President on president@nsscc.com.au

Jun 01

SHOPPING CENTRE AND RESORT TO PARTNER WITH RALLY OF THE BAY

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

The Coachhouse Marina Resort has again renewed its support for the North Shore Sporting Car Clubs, AMH Rally of the Bay. Joining them in 2020 is the Village Centre and Bridge Plaza shopping centres, located a short walking distance from the traditional start line for the exciting motorsport event.

In announcing the partnerships, North Shore Sporting Car Club (NSSCC) President Brett Middleton said “We’re glad to have the Coachhouse back on board as one of our major partners this year. They are a great supporter, and they provide affordable and comfortable accommodation for the vast majority of rally teams that attend and compete in the event.”

“It’s also really great to welcome the Village Centre and Bridge Plaza shopping centres as a new major partner. The two shopping centres are an essential part of the rally. Most teams will shop locally for their supplies, rather than bring it with them, so having forged this relationship is just more good news for the rally and also the Batemans Bay and local community” added Middleton.

The rally of the Bay Event Manager, Nigel Bland expects up to 100 rally teams to descend on the Batemans Bay township on the first weekend in July.

“It’s fantastic to have these two local businesses on-board” said Bland. “The Coachhouse Marina Resort has been a great venue for us to base our rally headquarters over the past few years and we’re really looking forward to their great hospitality again this year. It’s also great to have the Village Centre and Bridge Plaza supporting the event. We know our event will bring a much-needed boost to the local Batemans Bay economy and we’ll be encouraging them to spend locally”

“This will be the first Rally to take place in a post COVID-19 restricted world” said Bland. “We’re expecting a bigger turnout than normal as the rally is turning into a great test run for teams looking to participate in the Australian Rally Championship later in the year. And whilst our event isn’t part of that series, we’ve had plenty of interest from the top level of the sport” added Bland.

The 2020 Rally of the Bay forms part of the MTA NSW Rally Championship, East Coast Classic Rally Series, NSW Clubman Rally Series, Hyundai Rally Series and the ACT Regional Rally Series.

  • Coachhouse
  • Peter Dimmock and Pete Hellwig in their Datsun 240Z (2WD/C3) at the 2019 Rally of the Bay
  • Shopping Centre
  • Tom Clarke

About the Village Centre and Bridge Plaza shopping Centres

The Village Centre and Bridge Plaza shopping centres in Batemans Bay feature Coles, Kmart, Woolworths and Aldi plus over 50 great specialty stores. The shopping centres feature wonderful fashion, delicious food and an upbeat atmosphere delightfully located in the heart of beautiful Batemans Bay. Undercover parking and easy access from the Princes Highway make shopping a breeze.

About the Coachhouse Marina Resort

The Coachhouse Marina Resort is a beautiful resort style property overlooking the ocean and tidal lagoon. The Batemans Bay holiday villas are perfect for accommodating families, corporate travellers, groups, conferences, weddings, special events or even for longer stays.

All 89 villas offer full kitchen facilities including oven and microwave plus full fridge, lounge/dining room and a veranda with outdoor setting. For people looking for extra luxury, the resort also has a range of waterfront villas with ocean views, spas and private BBQ. Corrigan’s swimming beach is just a few minutes stroll away and boat enthusiasts and fisherman benefit from direct access to the boat ramp through the rear of the resort.

The Catalina championship 27-hole golf course and 7-day a week bistro is conveniently located directly across the road. The town centre of Batemans Bay is only a 15-minute harbour side walk away or just a two minute drive. The Coachhouse Marina Resort has a 16-metre swimming pool with separate wading pool, full sized tennis court, children’s playground and gaming area.

About North Shore Sporting Car Club

The North Shore Sporting Car Club was created in December 1952 by a small band of die-hard rally fans. 68 years later and the club has grown from this small group to over 500 members. We are responsible for organising 10 events per year, covering dirt, tarmac and other timed rally-type events. Club members are from all over Sydney and beyond with a myriad of cars in varying shapes and sizes. One common theme, however, is the passion of the members and the legacy of club.

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