Skip to main content
search
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

Jun 23

Bathurst to become new home for Oberon Stages

By Bathurst Rally, Events, News, Rally

North Shore Sporting Car Club has announced its annual NSW Rally Championship event, formerly known as the Oberon Stages, will move to a new home in Bathurst in 2023.

After more than a decade based in Oberon, the decision to move the rally was not an easy one but will allow the event to take advantage of the more extensive infrastructure and commercial opportunities in Bathurst.

The 2023 Bathurst Rally will be round three of the NSW Rally Championship as well as playing host to the East Coast Classic Rally Series, The NSW Clubman Rally Series and The Hyundai Rally Series.

Event Director and Clerk of the Course, Jon Thomson said that while Oberon has been a great home for the rally, the reality is that Bathurst offers some major advantages in terms of accommodation, commercial support, and some fabulous roads.

“In order to grow the rally and to deliver an even better competitor experience we believe the move to Bathurst, a town that is traditionally considered the ‘Cradle of Australian Motor sport’, is a very exciting one.”

“The stages incorporate some of the best forestry and shire rally roads in the country and will provide some adrenalin-pumping action for both competitors and rally fans,” he said.

“We have found some fantastic roads that will thrill motorsport enthusiasts from around the country, and this new event promises an unparalleled experience that combines skill, speed, and a breathtaking natural backdrop,” he added.

As the organisers prepare for the Bathurst Rally, they invite participants and spectators alike to mark their calendars for an unforgettable rally event. Scheduled to take place on Saturday 23rd September, the 2023 Bathurst Rally will bring together top-class rally drivers, teams, and fans in a
celebration of motorsport excellence.

The event will take place in the picturesque city of Bathurst, known for its rich motorsport heritage and the legendary Mount Panorama Circuit as well as a long history of hosting both NSW and Australian Championship rallies over many decades.

A unique feature of the event will be the Service Park that will be located right in the centre of the city in Russell St alongside the Bathurst Regional Council Offices and the beautiful Bathurst War Memorial Park, allowing locals to get up close to all the service action bringing the colour and spectacle of the rally to the centre of town.

“Bathurst Regional Council and also Blayney Council have both been incredibly encouraging and helpful in allowing us to bring the event to their region and we’d like to thank them for all of their help and assistance,” said Thomson.

Competitors are set to take on a challenging course that will cover around 150km across 11 competitive special stages around Bathurst and Blayney. The rally will weave through some stunning countryside, offering a unique blend of great shire gravel and technical forestry roads. Competitors will be able to showcase their skills, teamwork, and strategic nous on some varied and challenging roads.

This year’s rally is sure to feature a diverse line-up of participants, ranging from leading ARC teams, top NSW and interstate crews, top classic competitors and up and coming Hyundai and Clubman competitors. Spectators will also have the chance to witness the fierce competition and the intense battles at several spectator points throughout the event.

The Bathurst Rally promises to be an extraordinary event celebrating the spirit of motorsport, camaraderie, and the thrill of speed in a controlled environment. Whether you’re a passionate fan, a rally aficionado, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, this rally is not to be missed. Join us on the 23rd of September for an exhilarating adventure in the iconic Bathurst region.

Organisers are looking for volunteers to help with official duties at the Bathurst Rally and can contact bathurst@nsscc.com.au if they would like to be a volunteer official.

May 19

Lazer Rally of the Bay to Thrill in 2023

By Rally, Rally of the Bay 2022

The 2023 Lazer Rally of the Bay is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive rally events of the year. With drivers from all over the country set to compete in this iconic Australian event, spectators are sure to be in for a treat.

Organised by the North Shore Sporting Car Club, the Lazer Rally of the Bay is a gravel rally event that takes place in the beautiful Eurobodalla township of Batemans Bay, New South Wales. The event attracts some of the best rally drivers in the state, all vying for the coveted top spot on the podium.

This year’s event promises to be even more exciting than previous years, with several new drivers and teams entering the competition. One driver to watch out for is Richie Dalton, who has won the Rally of the Bay in past. Dalton will be driving his Toyota Yaris, and he’ll be hoping to add another victory to his already impressive rally career.

In addition to the professional drivers, the Rally of the Bay also features a number of amateur and semi-professional drivers, all competing in a variety of classes. This allows drivers of all skill levels to participate in the event and adds an extra level of excitement to the competition.

One of the most unique aspects of the Rally of the Bay is the scenic location. The rally takes place on the gravel roads of the beautiful Eurobodalla Shire in South Coast region of New South Wales, providing a stunning backdrop for the high-speed action. Spectators are encouraged to come out and enjoy the scenery as well as the rally, with vantage points and viewing areas available on the course.

As with any rally event, safety is of the utmost importance. The organisers of the Lazer Rally of the Bay have implemented measures to ensure the safety of both drivers and spectators, including strict speed limits and safety barriers in certain areas.

Overall, the 2023 Rally of the Bay promises to be an exciting and thrilling event for all involved. With the State’s best drivers, a beautiful location, and a passionate community of rally enthusiasts, this event is not to be missed.

The Lazer Rally of the Bay takes place on the 29th of July and includes 10 special stages (5 stages repeated).

Sep 29

Businesses show support for Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint

By Events, News, Rallysprint, Tarmac Rallysprint

The 2022/23 Season of the Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series will feature a longer course of approximately 4.5km, taking in the new D2 Carpark constructed late in 2021, the braking area of the dragstrip and the dragstrip access road.

Whiteline has renewed their support of the event and will continue as the naming rights partner, with GFB and DBA also renewing their support as Major Partners. The North Shore Sporting Car Club, organiser of the popular event in Sydney also announced that Sparesbox would join the event as a Major Partner for this Season.

“We are very lucky to have such great brands supporting us”, said Brett Middleton, Event Director and NSSCC President. “Whiteline has been part of this event for many years, and we just love having them on board again. It’s also great to have Sparesbox join us for this season, they’ll be alongside GFB and Disc Brakes Australia as major partners.”

“We feel really privileged to have Shannons Insurance and Premier Pools, who have supported the club for many years, signed up again. They’ll join Haltech and Prospeed Racing as Platinum Partners”, concluded Middleton.

Gold partners include ProDriver Australia, Ryde Nissan, Transvent, BG of Australia, SRT Constructions, Lazer High Performance Lighting, Evolution Racing Spares, Lithiumax Batteries, UniFilter, TME Motorsport and Race Brakes Sydney. Silver Partners are Premier Panel Beating and Motorsport Race Gear.

GFB and Transvent will provide prize money for junior competitors.

Entries for the event are open, with 60 teams currently signed up. There are 50 entries still available, and competitors can enter online at http://tarmacrallysprint.com.au

Sep 13

Longer Track for Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series

By News, Tarmac Rallysprint

The Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series will feature a longer track for this season with the new D2 car park added last season featured again. The exciting news from NSSCC is the reintroduction of the dragstrip as part of the course.

“I am so excited about this season” said Brett Middleton, NSSCC president and event director.

“We have been working closely with Sydney Dragway and they have confirmed the drag strip is back in the track. It has been a fantastic experience working with the Dragway management and they are also excited to see us with a 4.5 km course, much longer than we’ve ever had before.”

“I have already had conversations with many past competitors and the’re all excited to hit the new track. We’re expecting that the first round will be fully subscribed and predict a bumper field for the series”, he added.

“The great thing about this event is that almost any car can enter as long as it’s safe, so bring your race car or your mums Corolla! The track is 100% asphalt with plenty of room in the service park to work on vehicles between runs”, concluded Middleton.

The Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series takes place on a weekday evening on the access roads around Sydney Dragway and is an S1 Motorsport Australia rallysprint. Entries are open to NSSCC members only but a discounted summer membership is available to members of other Motorsport Australia affiliated car clubs.

The first round of the series is the 13th October with Supp Regs available and entries opening this week.

Spectating at the event is free with food and coffee available onsite.

Event dates:

  • Thursday 13th October 2022
  • Tuesday 8th November 2022
  • Thursday 15th December 2022
  • Thursday 9th February 2023
  • Thursday 9th March 2023
Aug 15

Thrilling Result for the Lazer Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2022

The Lazer Rally of the Bay has ended in thrilling circumstances with a dead heat declared for the top step of the Podium. The Mitsubishi Lancer team of Clayton Hoy and John Allen shared the event win with the Shamrock Motorsport team of Richie Dalton and Mac Kierans.

The roads in the Eurobodalla Shire are in the best condition they have been in for several years and driving conditions were ideal with a small amount of rain on Friday evening settling the dust.

A large crowd had gathered at the spectator point on the Dog Trap Stage, SS1, ready to cheer on their favourite teams and catch some of the exciting action. And they were in for a treat, as a mammoth battle was about to begin for the win in the 2022 Lazer Rally of the Bay.

Dalton set the early pace in his ProDriver Yaris AP4, winning the first stage on Dog Trap Rd by a margin of just 2 seconds over Hoy in the older Lancer Evolution 6. Dalton then extended his lead by a mere 1 second in the Buckenbowra stage, and then took another 4 seconds in the 25km Clyde Long stage to be leading by an overall margin of just 7 seconds.

But Hoy would fight back in the next stage, taking the win in the 10km Big Bit stage by 8 seconds to move into the lead. With one stage to go in Heat 1, and just 10km of competition left for the first pass over the stages, Hoy was quickest again, taking another 3 seconds off Dalton to win the first heat of the rally by 4 seconds.

Going into the Service break, Dalton felt he’d made a few wrong choices.

“Yeah, huge battle from stage one”, Dalton quipped. “We tried something different. We went on soft DMack tyres , which was a completely wrong choice for the first two stages and they were destroyed, especially as there was a lot of road cleaning in the second stage. I was speaking to Clayton afterwards and he actually went on a soft Hoosier tyre, so we changed over to the Hoosier’s for the last three stages and they worked well.”

“But we were as committed as we could, and he still took eight seconds off us. I don’t know where he got eight seconds in 10km’s, but good on him.”

Hoy also felt like tyre choice was a key factor in the morning stages.

“We put the pedal down a bit”, Hoy said. “But I think we had too soft of a tyre on the first two stages and we were rolling around a fair bit. But I’m quite surprised to be at Richie’s pace. It’s been a long time out of the seat and I’m quite happy. You can’t ask for anymore.”

“The roads suit the car,” Hoy continued. “You don’t need much suspension travel here, and I’m only driving at 90%. But hopefully we can go a bit quicker on the second loop and put a bit of pressure on Richie.”

The second loop around the stages was as just as thrilling as the first. Hoy won the second pass over Dog Trap and then Dalton won Buckenbowra. Dalton then took the win in the Clyde Long stage to take back the top position on the score sheet and was now leading the rally by 2.4 seconds.
The final stage was the repeat run over Big Bit in the dark, and with such a small margin, it was going to be a nail biter. Dalton was first into the stage and set a time of 5 minutes and 56 seconds, two seconds quicker than his previous pass in daylight.

At the end of the final stage, Dalton would need to wait for Hoy to arrive to see the time set.

“We gave it everything”, Dalton said. “I’m actually surprised Clayton took 8 seconds off us on the first run here today, because every other stage is 1 or 2 seconds either way. We had a really good run the last time, so we gave it everything. If it’s not enough, it’s not enough, but man, what a brilliant day.”

“The roads were just the best I’ve ever done. It was a really, really fast rally and it took massive commitment. What an enjoyable day and a big thanks to Mac for stepping in. We had a mighty time. So, I’m really, really happy. Whether it’s a win or not,

“I would like just want to thank all the organisers and volunteers, what a super day.” Dalton concluded.

But when Hoy arrived at the final control, he was faster by 2.8 seconds and that was enough to seal the win.

“Awesome,” Hoy exclaimed. “That was great. No doubt at all. Awesome.”

“This is only the fifth rally I’ve ever finished. And for sure, this tops it all. Finishing third in the Australian Rally Championship is nothing compared to this.” Hoy said.

But the competition conditions don’t allow for 10ths of a second timing, making the final result a dead heat.

Former NSW Rally champions, Tony Sullens and Kaylie Newell, finished the rally third in their Subaru WRX and were the only other crew to win a stage, taking the Buckenbowra 1 stage win by a 3 second margin.

Jul 28

Route Changes for Lazer Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2022
Mick Harding in the Subaru WRX in wet conditions at the opening round of the NSW Rally Championship
Photo: Roy Meuronen

 

With less than three weeks before the Lazer Rally of the Bay, organisers have had to make several changes to the route.

“It’s not ideal to be making changes, but sometimes the weather can affect the condition of a road, so it makes sense to change it”, said Road Director, John McCredie.

“Runnyford Road has been impacted the most and Eurobodalla Shire Council made the decision that it was not suitable for our use. There are parts of the road that are fantastic, but then there are sections that are so wet, it’s impossible to use it for a rally. The Council are also doing road works in several sections and it’s just unsuitable for us to use.”

“We’ve extended the Buckenbowra stage by 6km. We’ve also changed the Clyde Long stage to avoid an area where there has been significant timber harvesting operations”.

“The changes mean the event is now 134km for the State teams and 124km for the Clubman competitors. We purposefully made the original route longer because we anticipated some weather events may play a part in the final route”, McCredie concluded.

With a full entry of 70 cars, there has been additional teams who wanted to enter. The revised route can now accommodate those extras and Event Manager, Nigel Bland is excited about the opportunity to allow more cars to enter the event.

“It’s fantastic to have a full field two weeks before entries close”, said Bland. “Plus, it’s great to be able to give a few more teams the opportunity to experience everything the Rally and the Eurobodalla Shire has to offer.”.

The Lazer Rally of the Bay is set to take place on Saturday the 13th of August in the forests surrounding Batemans Bay on the NSW south coast. The rally cars will be flagged away from Corrigan’s Beach Reserve in Batehaven. Lazer High Performance Lighting is the naming rights partner.

The 2022 Lazer Rally of the Bay is a round of the NSW Rally Championship and East Coast Classic Rally Series (ECCRS), and also incorporates the NSW Clubman and NSW Hyundai Series.

Jul 20

Entries rolling in fast for Lazer Rally of the Bay

By Rally of the Bay 2022

In less than a week, the Lazer Rally of the Bay has had a flood of entries with almost 50 teams signed up for the August 13th event.

“What a great response”, said Event Manager, Nigel Bland. “It’s really encouraging to see so many entries coming in so quickly.”

“It’s a great looking field, with Richie Dalton entered in his Toyota Yaris and Former Australian Rally Champion, Nathan Quinn in his Hyundai i20”, Bland continued.

“Peter Dimmock will also be running his Toyota Yaris, so we’ll have a great contingent of modern rally cars in the forest, as well as plenty of classic rally cars like the crowd favourite Mk2 Ford Escort of Sean McAloon”, Bland concluded.

Several new partners have also joined to be part of the Lazer Rally of the Bay, with Cavallino Motorsport and Simpson Race Products joining with the other partners for the 2022 edition of this classic event.

“With a full field of 70 cars expected, it’s difficult to predict a winner,” said Club President, Brett Middleton. “There are potentially a dozen drivers that could easily win, and I can’t wait to see the battle develop for the top step of the podium”.

“The local Eurobodalla community are looking forward to the positive economic impact, with significant spending generated for the Batemans Bay area”, Middleton concluded.

The Lazer Rally of the Bay is set to take place on Saturday the 13th of August in the forests surrounding Batemans Bay on the NSW south coast. The rally cars will be flagged away from Corrigan’s Beach Reserve in Batehaven. Lazer High Performance Lighting is the naming rights partner.

The 2022 Lazer Rally of the Bay is a round of the NSW Rally Championship and East Coast Classic Rally Series (ECCRS), and also incorporates the NSW Clubman and NSW Hyundai Series.

Close Menu