Skip to main content
search
Nov 28

Excitement Builds for the 2024 Rally of the Bay

By Events, News, Rally

Photo by Roy Meuronen Photography

The North Shore Sporting Car Club is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the 2024 Rally of the Bay, set to take place on the 27th of July. This exhilarating event will once again showcase the breathtaking landscapes of the Eurobodalla Shire, with its headquarters stationed in the picturesque town of Batemans Bay.

Rally enthusiasts and motorsport aficionados can expect an unforgettable experience as the event navigates through the traditional roads that have been an integral part of the rally’s history. The Rally of Bay has always been a thrilling spectacle, weaving over the scenic and challenging forest and shire roads that the Eurobodalla has to offer. The popular event providing both participants and spectators with a truly unique rally experience.

The organising team is hard at work, meticulously selecting the roads that will challenge the skills of the drivers and thrill spectators. The NSW South Coast has proven to be a perfect backdrop for this high-octane event, and the Rally of the Bay continues to be a highlight in the Australian motorsport calendar.

With Rally Headquarters based at the Batemans Bay Marina Resort in Batemans Bay, the event promises not only thrilling rallying action but also a celebration of the local community. The Rally of the Bay brings together competitors, officials, supporters, spectators and locals for a day filled with excitement and some of the best rally cars the country has to offer.

“We are excited to be organising the Rally of the Bay again this year” said Brett Middleton, President of the North Shore Sporting Car Club. “This year’s event promises to be another great event, with a stellar field of competitors expected to tackle the challenging roads that have become synonymous with this iconic rally.”

The North Shore Sporting Car Club welcomes back Ian Bigg as event Clerk of the Course and encourages all motorsport enthusiasts to mark their calendars for the 27th of July and join them for a day of thrilling action and unparalleled excitement. Anticipation is building for what is sure to be an amazing Rally of the Bay in 2024.

About the North Shore Sporting Car Club

The North Shore Sporting Car Club is a passionate community of motorsport enthusiasts dedicated to promoting and organising high-quality motorsport events. With a rich history and commitment to excellence, the club strives to provide memorable experiences for competitors and fans alike.

Nov 24

Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Round 2 Culminates in Thrilling Victory for Weston and Hancock in Mitsubishi Lancer

By Tarmac Rallysprint

Photo: Roy Meuronen Photography

Round 2 of the Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Round delivered a spectacular showcase of skill, speed, and adrenaline as seasoned competitors Tim Weston and Jake Hancock emerged triumphant in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. The event, held on the 16th of November at Sydney Dragway, drew motorsport enthusiasts from far and wide to witness the exhilarating competition.

Weston and Hancock navigated the challenging course with precision, showcasing the capabilities of their Mitsubishi Lancer. Their impressive performance earned them the top spot on the podium, highlighting the winning combination of skill, teamwork and machine.

Not far behind, the dynamic duo of David Isaacs and Paul Pritchard secured a commendable second place in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. The competition was fierce, with just 5.7 seconds separating Isaacs and Pritchard from the lead, demonstrating their expertise in navigating the rallysprint course.

Rounding out the podium, Josh Muggleton and Blake Stokes claimed third place, bringing the excitement to new heights in their Yaris GR. The battle for supremacy was intense, and Muggleton and Stokes proved their mettle against a field of formidable competitors.

In a spectacular display of prowess, Richard Kimber and Daniel Kimber dominated the 2WD class, triumphing in their Porsche 996 GT3. The precision and speed exhibited by the Kimbers highlighted their mastery of the challenging Rallysprint course, securing them not only class victory but also an impressive 8th place outright.

Event organisers expressed their satisfaction with the turnout and the high level of competition witnessed throughout the evening. A small shower of rain during the third run of the night not dampening the competition. The Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Round 2 showcased the diverse skills of drivers in a range of wet and dry conditions and also the capabilities of the participating vehicles.

“We are thrilled with the success of Round 2 of the Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint. The competition was fierce, and the drivers demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. Congratulations to Tim Weston and Jake Hancock for their well-deserved victory, as well as to all the participants who made this event truly unforgettable,” said Clerk of Course, Rhiana Froome.

As the Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint series continues to captivate motorsport enthusiasts, anticipation is building for future rounds that promise even more excitement and nail-biting competition. Stay tuned for updates on the next thrilling instalment of the Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint series.

Entries are open for all the remaining events of the 2023/24 season:

  • Round 3 – Thursday 14th December 2023
  • Round 4 – Thursday 8th February 2024
  • Round 5 – Thursday 7th March 2024
Nov 01

2023 NSSCC Annual General Meeting

By News

When: From 6pm Monday 11th December 2023, meeting to start at 7:00pm

Where: Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club,17 Ryedale Rd, West Ryde NSW

Have your say in the club’s future – all committee positions are open:

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Membership Secretary
  • Up to seven (7) General Committee Members

All financial members over the age of 18 can vote.

Nominations close 5pm 6th December 2023.

Download the Nomination Form

 

Oct 31

2023/24 WTRS: The Redhead Brothers Triumph in the Mitsubishi Evo V

By News, Tarmac Rallysprint, Wheelspin

Photo: Dave Oliver Photography

The Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series, one of the most anticipated motorsport events of the year, opened its 2023 season in spectacular fashion on the evening of October 12th. With a strong 60 car field, the scene was set for a display of skill and speed at the Sydney International Dragway at Eastern Creek, NSW.

The 2023 season’s first round was a night to remember, filled with unexpected twists and heart-pounding action. As the night unfolded, it was the Redhead brothers, Josh and Matt, who emerged as the stars of the event, piloting their Mitsubishi Evo V to a stunning victory.

In a gripping display of precision driving and determination, the Redhead brothers overcame fierce competition to claim the top spot on the podium. Their performance solidifying their status as dominant forces in the Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint.

Securing second place was the dynamic duo of Tim Weston and Jake Hancock, who showcased their driving prowess in a Mitsubishi Evo X and they emerged as formidable contenders for the season ahead.

Rounding out the podium was the team of David Calabria and John Calabria, who steered their Mitsubishi Evo 7 to a well-deserved third-place finish. Their skill and determination under the challenging conditions added to the excitement of the evening.

The Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint also provided a surprise element to the competition. Halfway through the night, a sudden and unexpected freak storm descended upon the raceway, unleashing a deluge of rain and wild winds. This unpredictable weather added an extra layer of challenge and excitement, testing the mettle of the drivers and their machines.

Event Clerk of the Course, Brett Middleton, expressed his admiration for the participating competitors and their ability to adapt to the ever-changing conditions. Brett also praised the North Shore Sporting Car Club volunteer team who braved the wild weather to keep the event running. “I am proud to be a part of the North Shore Sporting Car Club organising team and I thank the volunteers who always go above and beyond to make these events happen,” Brett said, “This is my last Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint event as the Clerk of the Course and I am excited to pass on my skill and knowledge onto the younger generation, particularly Rhiana Froome who will be the new Clerk of the Course from Round 2 and beyond.”

As the first round of the Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint concluded, the stage is now set for a season filled with high-speed thrills and intense competition. Racing enthusiasts eagerly await the next round, set to take place on the 16th November, 2023 where more daring drivers and incredible performances are expected.

Entries are open for all the remaining events of the 2023/24 season:

  • Round 2Thursday 16th November 2023
  • Round 3Thursday 14th December 2023
  • Round 4Thursday 8th February 2024
  • Round 5Thursday 7th March 2024

To Enter the events and for all event information, please visit
https://nsscc.com.au/twilight-rallysprint/

Follow us on the NSSCC Social Media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthShoreSportingCarClub

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nsscc_au/

 

-END-

 

For more information, please contact:

Brett Middleton on 0408 261 043 or email president@nsscc.com.au

John McCredie on 0413 042 763 or email john.mccredie@ohmgroup.com.au

 

Sep 28

The Dilemma of a Driver Trainer

By Wheelspin

If you are a mechanic, everyone asks that questions, “my car does this thing when it’s cold, what do you think it is?” Or if you are an Accountant, you get the question, “hey, how can I reduce my tax bill?”

As a driver trainer, I often get the question, can my learner driver do your defensive driving program? I am grateful they think of us for starters, but I also know that a defensive program for a learner driver is just too advanced for where they are at. This question comes from a good place, just like anyone talking to a professional, people want the right advice.

As you can appreciate, I find it difficult to switch off, as is my nature I am always thinking of how to improve, how to extend and how to make a bigger difference.

I can be sitting at the traffic lights watching drivers turning in front of me and all I can do is see driving faults. Everyone different and everyone completely avoidable, these observations repeat over and over again to the point where we can see some common patterns.

This leads me to wonder why are there so many drivers making so many mistakes?

It might be their hand position on the wheel, or their visions (we look for this during training), distractions, poor practice, laziness, or simply rushing for no valid purpose.

This past month we have been delivering intensive heavy vehicle driver training to 350 heavy vehicle drivers for a company that is willing to invest in their employees. Chain of Responsibility COR is particularly onerous on anyone who influences the operation of heavy vehicles. Hence their need for an intensive training program.

As part of this program, we have been systematically coaching every driver, from theory to practical on-road training. Early starts, combined with different types of heavy vehicle has allowed us to observe many different driving habits. While most drivers demonstrate a good level of competency that is acceptable, we are still able to impart new ideas, techniques, and strategies to improve driver safety.

One of the main issues we see are outdated steering techniques that simply have gone by the wayside due to modern vehicle technology (airbags and power steering) and a better understanding of driver ergonomics.

But this isn’t the limit of common driving mistakes, back to our traffic watching and we see everything from children in the front passenger’s seat (airbags), to tailgating and everything in between. It seems that roadwork speed limits are just thrown out the window and stopping on the amber light is almost out of fashion.

The problem is how do we improve our drivers? How do we maintain our standards when there are so many problems to fix?

As a driver trainer I know the solutions, but how do we reach everyone? The fact of the matter is our roads are getting busier, drivers are frustrated and largely untrained. This leads to some of the problems we have outlined here.

The 350 drivers we are currently working with are all showing huge signs of improvement with nearly all of them embracing the changes. It’s almost like they are hungry for the information. Perhaps we are filling the void that has been present for so long and like cold air into a warm room that information is all consuming. At least the feedback from these drivers is reflective of an appreciation for the information they have learned.

Training works best when drivers are motivated to learn, and our fear is that the majority of the driving public feel they don’t need to change. We call it being unconsciously incompetent (sounds harsh, doesn’t it?), but the facts remain, we don’t know what we don’t know. How can you possibly know something like your hand being in the wrong position on the steering wheel can cause you terrible facial trauma from the airbag unless you are informed of such things?

Just like a mechanic that laughs at a driver who is unable to change a flat tyre, we tend to shake our heads at drivers that hit potholes, they are completely avoidable and if we are doing everything right should never pose a problem. Driving is risky, it is complicated and there lies the issue.

Authorities have tried to reduce the risks through road improvements and vehicle safety features, but human nature is to always find the path of least resistance, meaning we take shortcuts.

So, while most of you can enjoy your dive to the Hunter Valley or to your favourite holiday destination, spare a thought for us trainers that can never not see the obvious faults in the driving public. In one sense if everyone was perfect, we would be out of a job, but our observations only inspire us to do better and be better at what we do.

Stay safe and take care.

Stewart Nicholls
Managing Director – Steer Safely
www.steersafely.com.au

Sep 28

Quinn Dominates the 2023 Bathurst Rally

By Bathurst Rally, News, Rally, Rally of the Bay 2023

Photo: Roy Meuronen Photography

The 2023 Midstate Bathurst Rally was held on Saturday the 23rd of September and was the first time in many years that a rally has been based out of the heart of Bathurst. With 11 stages in the Blayney and Bathurst locality, the roads were a mixture of shire, country and forestry, providing a real mixture of surfaces and conditions.

The rally started in the main street of Bathurst and the main midday service was also held there, providing a great spectacle for locals in Russell Street, right outside the courthouse.

The event format was a little different too, with two remote services. The first in the historic town of Carcoar, south of Blayney allowed service crews the opportunity to get out and see the action with a spectator point located just 600m from the Service Park.

Nathan Quinn and Ray Winwood-Smith took the first stage win and went on to win every stage in the event, taking the overall win in the rally by just over 2 minutes and 40 seconds. They dominated all day and showed no signs of slowing down, despite the huge margin.

Josh Redhead and Holly Kilbride in an older Lancer GSR were the only challenger to Quinn, they finished second but couldn’t quite match the pace of Quinns Hyundai i20.
The fight for third place on the podium was a real battle between Richie Dalton/Dale Moscatt in the Toyota Yaris AP4 and current championship leader Timothy Wilkins/Katie Giddins in a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO. The margin between the two was just 11 seconds at the final time control with Dalton taking 3rd.

Unfortunately for Wilkins, a time penalty would drop him from 4th down the 5th and elevate Riley Walters/Andrew Crowley up into 4th. Wilkins bagged enough points to extend the championship lead, with Dalton now in 2nd, 39 points behind.

In the East Coast Classic Series, Tom Dermody and Eoin Moynihan would take out the 2WD section.

Alex Neill and Pete Helwig took out the Clubman series in their Subaru WRX. The 2wd open Hyundai Rally Series (HRS) was won by Luke Jamieson and Wil Jamieson and the Excel HRS was won by Lachlan Moore and Paul Bailey.

All results for the event can be found on Chrissport at https://www.chrissport.kiwi/events/

Aug 15

2023 Lazer Rally of the Bay – Many Rallies in One

By News, Rally of the Bay 2023

The 2023 Lazer Rally of the Bay was not only a round of the NSW Rally Championship, but it was also a round of the Clubman Rally Series, Hyundai Rally Series, East Coast Classic 2WD Rally Series and East Coast Classic 4WD Rally Series.

The East Coast Classic 2WD Rally Series (ECCRS) attracted 11 classic cars and it was expected that the Ford Escort of Sean McAloon with Muireann Hayes would be the car to beat. But an off-road excursion in the first stage would sideline McAloon. Tom Clarke with co-driver Ryan Preston was McAloon’s biggest competition and Clarke showed form in the Datsun Stanza, winning every stage of the rally.

PJ O’Keefe with Patrick O’Sullivan co-driving placed second in the ECCRS in their Ford Escort and in a Datsun Stanza, Gary Stewart with Stephanie Stewart co-driving finished 3rd.

The Clubman Rally Series caters to the grassroots competitors and attracts a diverse range of participants. The Clubman series section of the rally was called the “Bay Ramble” and featured the first 8 stages of the event. Alexander Neill with Ryan McKinnon co-driving took out the 4WD category in a Subaru WRX and won the “Bay Ramble” event with a convincing lead. Coming in second was Doug Neill with Cath Neill co-driving in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6. In third place was PJ O’Keefe with Patrick O’Sullivan co-driving and they also took out the Clubman Rally Series  2WD category in the Ford Escort.

In the Hyundai Rally Series, the battle was drawn between the Hyundai Excels of Lachlan Moore with Co-driver Paul Baily and John Brophy with co-driver Tierna Lambert. The Hyundai series, like the Clubman Series, was contested over just 8 of the 10 stages and the two drivers scored the same time in the first stage, Dog Trap. Brophy would go on to win the next 5 stages and take a lead of just over a minute. In the penultimate 34km Buckenbowra stage, Moore would take the win by just half a second, and in the last stage Brophy would be on top again to claim the win in the Hyundai Series.

Aug 01

2023 Lazer Rally Of The Bay: Richie Dalton Claims Victory While Tim Wilkins Maintains Lead In The Championship

By News, Rally of the Bay 2023

Batemans Bay, 29th July 2023 – The 2023 Lazer Rally of the Bay concluded in a thrilling display of skill and determination, with seasoned driver Richie Dalton and co-driver Jarrod Hudson emerging as the triumphant winner for the fourth time. The event, held in the Eurobodalla Shire on the NSW South Coast, showcased the true spirit of motorsport, drawing in a large crowd of adrenaline-fueled enthusiasts.

Richie Dalton, known for his exceptional driving prowess, navigated through the challenging stages to secure his well-deserved victory at the Lazer Rally of the Bay. Dalton’s commitment to precision and speed earned him a significant edge over his competitors throughout the event, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with on the Batemans Bay Roads.

“A very enjoyable rally”, Dalton Said at the end of the final stage. He had won heat one by 39 seconds and was ecstatic with the rally win.

“I think we got the heat two win as well. I just got to check the second last stage time. The second bend in on that stage was a really tight first gear right hander, we slowed down in time to use the handbrake to get around it, but I turned in too early and hit the bank and we’re just up against the bank and I couldn’t find reverse for a while. So, I think we lost about 20 seconds.

“That last stage in there, I drove worse than my granny just to get it home. But all in all, what a fantastic weekend and a big, huge thanks to Jarrod. He’s only 19 and he’s done an unbelievable job all weekend. To come all the way from New Zealand to do his first Australian rally, hats off to him, he’s going to go places”, Dalton concluded.

Another standout performance during the rally came from Tim Wilkins and co-driver Katie Giddins, who finished an impressive third. Despite the fierce competition, Wilkins’ strategic approach allowed him to amass enough points to maintain his lead in the championship.

“We backed off a bit for the second half the day thinking it’d be good just to bag some points and finish the event. We let a few people go ahead of us in the afternoon run, but I believe we’ll probably still be good enough to maybe get third for this afternoon, so that was really good”, Wilkins said.

The battle for the championship title is undoubtedly intense, and fans can expect even more heart-stopping action in the upcoming rallies.

Wild card and Western Australian competitors Daniel Gonzalez and co-driver Bernie Webb finished the event second.

In the East Coast Classic Rally Series, Tom Clarke and co-driver Ryan Preston secured the win, finally coming to grips with the Datsun Stanza, a car they have not yet had much luck with.

“We made changes to the engine and finally had a nice clean run. We took it easy at first and then turned it up for the afternoon. We pretty much had a faultless run, I’m really happy with the result”, Clarke said.

The Lazer Rally of the Bay has solidified its position as one of the favourite motorsport events on the NSW rally calendar, attracting participants and spectators from all corners of the state and country. The rally’s challenging route, combined with the picturesque scenery, provide the perfect backdrop for showcasing the skills of these remarkable drivers.

Event organisers would like to extend their gratitude to all participants, partners, and the many fans who contributed to the overwhelming success of the 2023 Lazer Rally of the Bay. Their unwavering support ensures the continued growth and success of this incredible event.

Jul 03

Official Accommodation for the 2023 Lazer Rally of the Bay at Batemans Bay Marina Resort

By News, Rally, Rally of the Bay 2022

The organisers of the highly anticipated 2023 Lazer Rally of the Bay are pleased to announce that the official accommodation for this year’s event will be at the Batemans Bay Marina Resort. This stunning waterfront resort has once again been selected to provide a convenient and comfortable stay for the rally participants and their teams.

The Batemans Bay Marina Resort, located in the picturesque town of Batemans Bay, New South Wales, offers a range of luxurious cabins that provide the perfect retreat for rally teams. With breathtaking views of the marina and easy access to the rally Service Park, this resort is the ideal choice for those participating in the Lazer Rally of the Bay.

Teams are advised to book their accommodations early to secure their cabins so that teams can ensure they have a comfortable and convenient base during the rally.

One of the significant advantages of the Batemans Bay Marina Resort is its ample parking space, which includes parking for trucks and car trailers. This ensures that participants have secure and convenient parking facilities for their vehicles and equipment throughout the duration of the rally. The resort’s commitment to providing a comprehensive experience for rally teams sets it apart as an ideal accommodation option for the 2023 Lazer Rally of the Bay.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Batemans Bay Marina Resort for the official accommodation of the 2023 Lazer Rally of the Bay,” said Event Director, Nigel Bland. “The resort’s stunning location, comfortable cabins, and excellent parking facilities make it an ideal choice for our rally participants. We encourage all teams to secure their cabins early to guarantee a fantastic stay during the event.”

The 2023 Lazer Rally of the Bay is expected to draw participants and spectators from across the country. The event promises exhilarating rally action, showcasing the skills and expertise of the best rally drivers in the region.

To make reservations or for more information about the Batemans Bay Marina Resort, please visit their website at www.batemansbaymarinaresort.com.au

About Lazer Rally of the Bay:

The Lazer Rally of the Bay is an annual rally event held in Batemans Bay, New South Wales, showcasing the skills and thrills of rally drivers from across the region. It is known for its challenging forest stages and exciting competition, attracting participants and spectators alike.

About Batemans Bay Marina Resort:

Batemans Bay Marina Resort is a premier waterfront resort located in Batemans Bay, New South Wales. Offering comfortable cabins, stunning views, and excellent amenities, the resort provides an exceptional accommodation experience for leisure and event guests alike. With its parking facilities for trucks and car trailers, the resort caters to the needs of motorsport enthusiasts and rally teams.

Jul 01

The Current State of Driving is a Concern

By News, Wheelspin

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that as a professional driver and driver training subject matter expert, that my observations of current driving standards are very concerning. It really is hard to switch off when I must drive on public roads, and I know there is a standard or practice everyone should keep.

Now I am not forthright in this regard, and I do know that mistakes are made, after all we are only human. But it’s the type of mistakes we are seeing that is really starting to concern me. My fear is we are relying too much on technology in vehicles and then luck to keep us safe when we are navigating our way to the shops, or to the sporting events or to visit loved ones.

I recently installed a Dashcam on my Triton Ute, that was a mission, as it has a canopy on the back, and I wanted to have both front and rear vision captured. Luckily, I found a great solution and made a YouTube video about the project as I thought it would be useful to others in the same situation.

When I installed the camera, my primary reason was to capture any incidents that may occur so I could defend myself if anything were to take place. Now I am not expecting to have a crash and you probably aren’t either, but simply if you haven’t got a Dashcam recording your journey, then you are leaving yourself vulnerable to all sorts of potential insurance scams and false accusations. Yes, this does occur!

However, I started to witness some truly awful driving behaviours that my camera was capturing also, and it was very simple to cut these clips (takes less than 5 mins) and upload them as a story on our Instagram page ‘Steer Safely’. The first one was a driver tailgating a truck and trying desperately to overtake, ducking and weaving all over the place, total impatience, it received 600,000 views and comments both for and against this driver. The next was a van that while in bumper-to-bumper traffic, overtook a vehicle and then pushed back in front gaining exactly 1 place in the line. This received 1.1m views with some people making all kinds of excuses for his actions. The fact that people supported these drivers is what is concerning, because it’s a standard they are willing to overlook.

But wait it gets worse, I captured another driver crossing double lines, driving on the wrong side of the road for over 100m to turn right at an intersection, then another person instead of turning at a left turn only lane, went straight ahead and caused a learner driver to take evasive action to miss them. It seems two vehicles into one lane simply won’t fit without someone making an adjustment, especially when you don’t expect that, it just so happened that someone was a learner.

This is just a small sample of what was worthy of an upload, all with the intent of teaching what bad behaviours are being portrayed in this footage. I haven’t bothered with the countless redlight runners, the lack of people using an indicator, the tailgaters or the drivers weaving all over the road while being distracted.

Road tragedy isn’t going away, we saw the horrific bus crash in the Hunter region recently and steady reports of fatalities coming in showcasing the reality that driving is actually still dangerous. We are sharing the roads with these people and the standards we overlook are the standards we accept, and why shouldn’t we expect a higher standard?

I have been involved in motoring for over 38 years now, starting when my brothers raced Speedway when I was just 12, and me doing my first Super Sprint at 15. My parents who are both Motorsport Australia Stewards were attending Bathurst in the 1960’s, while they never raced, motoring was a big part of our family. In all this time, I have never seen the driving standards slip so low as to what we are seeing right now.

I’m sure you are seeing it too, we have all had our own experiences with this and the one message I want to get across is, never trust another driver, always expect they will do the exact opposite of what you are thinking and therefore take that into consideration when practicing your safe driving.

Feel free to email me your thoughts on this, it shapes our training programs and I do love hearing from you on this subject, it’s time we all raised the driving standards and never accept that this is the way it is now.

Steer Safely out there.
Stewart Nicholls
Managing Director
STC Education
0414923471
Stew@stceducation.com.au

Close Menu