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Jul 09

2024 Lazer Rally of the Bay Cancelled Due to Unforeseen Circumstances

By Events, News, Rally, Rally of the Bay 2024

Photo by Roy Meuronen Photography

It is with great disappointment that North Shore Sporting Car Club announce the cancellation of the 2024 Lazer Rally of the Bay. Unfortunately, recent landslides and severe weather events have rendered two of the major stages unavailable, making it impossible to proceed with the event as planned.

The organising committee have explored every possible avenue to keep the rally on track, including a significant re-route. However, given the current situation and the limited time frame available, the team have found no viable options to move forward. Postponing the rally until later in the year is also not feasible, as the committee must consider other scheduled events and the impact on all participants and stakeholders.

This news is devastating for everyone involved, from the dedicated and hardworking volunteers and sponsors, through to the competitors and fans who loyally support the event. Despite this setback, NSSCC are committed to regrouping and starting the planning process for the 2025 Lazer Rally of the Bay, and are determined to make it an even bigger and better event!

The Event Secretary will be in touch with all competitors to organise refunds.

The organising team and NSSCC committee deeply appreciate the understanding and support during this challenging time and look forward to seeing you in 2025 for an unforgettable rally experience.

The Lazer Rally of the Bay, organised by the North Shore Sporting Car Club, is one of the premier events on the NSW rally calendar, attracting competitors from all over the state and beyond. Known for its challenging stages and breathtaking coastal scenery, the rally has become a favourite for both drivers and spectators alike. This year’s event was set to include stages through the stunning forests and along the beautiful riverfront, promising an exhilarating experience for all.

For further competitor information, please contact:
Adriana Pallister on adriana.pallister@nsscc.com.au

See you in 2025!

Jun 20

The Lazer Rally of the Bay will include a Regularity Rally – but what is it?

By Events, News, Rally of the Bay 2024

Would you like the opportunity to spend a weekend in the beautiful town of Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast surrounded by many of the states fastest rally car drivers and their amazing cars … and driving your car on the same closed roads?

The North Shore Sporting Car Club will be running a Motorsport Australia permitted Regularity Rally as part of the 2024 Lazer Rally of the Bay on Saturday 27th July 2024.

This competition, the Bay Meander, presents an opportunity for people to “try” 8 stages of gravel rallying based on the event roadbook without requiring much more than a road registered vehicle, basic apparel, and a Motorsport Australia Speed licence (which needs to be arranged BEFORE the event!)

How does the event work?

This event is all about having the opportunity to drive on roads that are closed to the public so you can use the full width of the available road, preferably without going outside the lines.  Of course, not having all the safety equipment and car modifications that go into a full rally car means the organisers have to manage aspects like maximum speeds.

The event sets a target time that the crew has to try and ‘match’ as closely as possible.  Differences between your time and the target time earn you ‘points’ (the winner of the event will be the crew with lowest number of points).

5 points are allocated for each second ‘less’ than the target and 1 point for each second ‘over’.  If you are more than a minute under you will earn a “strike” – 3 strikes will mean it is time to pack up & go home.

The target times will be set to require an average speed of no more than 70km/h (some stages might have lower average speeds set), you cannot stop or drive under 20km/h, and you must not go over 110km/h.

How will we know your speed?

Every car in the Rally of the Bay has to fit a RallySafe tracking unit that, as well as letting us see where you are and respond if there are any issues, reports vehicle speed during the event.  While you would normally need to have a RallySafe fitting kit installed before the event these do have some parts that need to be attached to the outside of the car so you will be able to hire a suction cup mounting bracket/antenna/power lead if preferred.

What do you need to have?

A car – well that’s pretty obvious but it does need to have:

  • Registration of some type to allow it to drive on public roads.
  • 3rd Party Insurance.
  • A solid permanent roof structure.
  • Working lights (it will be dark by the time you finish the 8 stages).
  • A reasonable amount of ground clearance (you will be driving on gravel forest roads and they are not as smooth as your local road!) and there is at least one creek crossing …
  • A first aid kit as per the Rally Standing Regulations – Vehicles General (RSR-VG) section 5.3.
  • 2 seatbelt cutter/window tools; and
  • A well mounted minimum 2kg hand held extinguisher.

Licences:

  • Both members of the crew must have at least a Motorsport Australia Speed Licence.
  • The driver must have a suitable licence to drive on public roads.

Safety equipment, at a minimum:

  • A safety helmet that meets the Motorsport Australia Level B standard (AS/NZS 1698 standard and above).
  • Clothing from ankles to neck to wrists. Clothing of flammable synthetic material, such as nylon, is not acceptable.
  • Shoes with leather uppers that cover the foot. Shoes which have a leather upper but which include elasticised ankle regions are acceptable (e.g. elastic-sided work boots.

How much will this cost?

The entry fee for this part of the event is great value at just $450 (a third of the “full event” entry fee, and just under half of the Clubman event – which runs on the same 8 stages).  If you need to hire the RallySafe kit for the day that will add $35, or you can purchase and fit an install kit BEFORE the event, and, of course, unless you live around the Batemans Bay area you will probably need to find some accommodation for at least the driver, co-driver, and some friends to help with the ‘service’ break.

How long is it?

The total competitive distance for the day is 127km (4 stages, service, repeat 4 stages) with total distance for the day being 269km on what we think are some of the best roads in NSW.

You will NOT be permitted to look at the course prior to the day – you have to compete using only the event official roadbook!

Photo: Roy Meuronen Photography

Find out More:

To find out more, email the Event Secretary at adriana.pallister@nsscc.com.au

To Enter the event, visit: https://nsscc.com.au/rally-of-the-bay/

May 21

Exciting Khanacross Junior Development Event Comes to Sydney Dragway

By Events, Khanacross, News

Rev up your engines and mark your calendars! On June 15th, 2024, Sydney Dragway is set to host an exhilarating Khanacross Junior Development event.

Khanacross, known for its challenging off-road courses, offers budding motorsport enthusiasts the perfect platform to hone their driving skills and experience the thrill of racing in a safe and controlled environment. This event specifically caters to junior participants, providing them with a unique opportunity to showcase their talent and passion for motorsport.

What sets this event apart is its venue – the renowned Sydney Dragway. To get to the Khanacross grounds, access the venue via the Speedway/Dragway South entrance off Ferrers Road, then turn left at the roundabout and head North, look for the NSSCC signs which will direct you to the new khanacross grounds.

Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a newcomer to the world of motorsport, the Khanacross event at Sydney Dragway promises a fun experience for all.

For more information about the event and to enter visit: https://nsscc.com.au/khanacross/

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this action-packed event and witness the future stars of motorsport in action!

Event Clerk of the Course – Rhiana Froome: rhiana.froome@nsscc.com.au

Jan 02

Lazer High Performance Lighting Returns as Naming Rights Partner for the 2024 Rally of Bay

By Events, News, Rally of the Bay 2024

The Lazer Rally of Bay, one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Australian motorsport calendar, is thrilled to announce the return of Lazer High Performance Lighting as the prestigious naming rights partner for the 2024 edition. This marks a continuation of the successful partnership that has elevated the rally to new heights in recent years.

Scheduled for the 27th of July, the Lazer Rally of Bay promises an exhilarating showcase of modern and historic rallying, with participants navigating through the scenic and challenging shire and forestry roads that have defined the event in previous years. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Eurobodalla shire, this year’s rally headquarters will once again be stationed at the Batemans Bay Marina Resort, offering a picturesque setting for both competitors and spectators.

Lazer High Performance Lighting, the leading name in motoring lighting technology, has been an integral part of the Rally of Bay’s success story, and their commitment as the naming rights partner underscores the brand’s dedication to supporting the motorsport community. The partnership continues to enhance the rally’s profile and contribute to the overall excitement surrounding the event.

“We are delighted to have Lazer back as our naming rights partner for the 2024 Rally of Bay,” said Brett Middleton, President of the North Shore Sporting Car Club, the organisation behind the event. “Their unwavering support has been instrumental in the growth and success of the rally, and we are confident that together, we will deliver yet another unforgettable experience for competitors and fans alike.”

The Lazer Rally of Bay has earned a reputation for attracting a diverse and competitive field with a great range of cars from the modern R5 and G4 specification, right through to historic classics like the Ford Escort and Datsun 1600.

Anticipation is already building for the 2024 edition, with a strong field of participants expected to compete in this challenging rally. Motorsport enthusiasts are urged to mark the date on their calendars and witness the thrilling action unfold on the traditional roads of the Eurobodalla shire.

 

Bethany Cullen and Mel McMinn in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo preparing for the night stages lit with Lazer Hight Performance Lighting.

Jan 02

Redhead Brothers Triumph in 3rd Round of the Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint

By Events, News, Tarmac Rallysprint

The third round of the Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint at Sydney Dragway delivered an exhilarating night of motorsport action, culminating in a well-deserved victory for Josh and Matt Redhead in their formidable Mitsubishi Evo 5.

Facing stiff competition throughout the night, the Redhead brothers showcased their skill and determination, fending off a relentless challenge from runner-up Phil Heafey in the Evo 6. The crowd was treated to a gripping battle between the Evo rivals, with the Redheads ultimately claiming the top spot on the podium.

Tim Weston secured the third-place finish, piloting an Evo 10 and rounding out the impressive lineup of Mitsubishi contenders. The intense competition under the hot and windy conditions added an extra layer of challenge, making the victory even more commendable for the Redheads and their fellow competitors.

One of the standout moments of the night came from Steve Coad, who drove his HQ Monaro all the way from Melbourne to participate in the event. Coad’s dedication to the sport and impressive performance in the iconic Monaro added a unique touch to the rally, highlighting the passion and camaraderie within the motorsport community.

In the 2WD Class, Jack Hills and Louise Taylor dominated the under 2-litre category in their Holden Astra, showcasing their precision and speed. Meanwhile, James Keene and Shane Fowler claimed victory in the over 2-litre class, piloting the nimble Mini Cooper S to success.

Aris Caine emerged triumphant in the Junior category, displaying exceptional talent and promising prospects for the future of rally racing. Dimitri Agathos secured victory in the single-driver category, navigating his Nissan Pulsar with skill and precision throughout the challenging course.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, participants and spectators alike had a fantastic night, celebrating the spirit of rally racing and the diverse range of vehicles on display. The third round of the Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint at Sydney Dragway will be remembered as a thrilling showcase of skill, dedication, and passion for motorsport.

Photo: Roy Meuronen

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.

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.

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

Aug 17

AMH Rally of the Bay Cancelled

By Events, Rally, Rally of the Bay 2021, Wheelspin
Photo: Tim and Peter Joass at the 2020 running of the AMH Rally of the Bay – Photo by Bruce Moxon

Organisers of the 2021 AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 event due to COVID restrictions and lack of a suitable date to reschedule the popular Eurobodalla based event.

The event was due to run on July the 17th and was rescheduled to the 28th of August when NSW Government ‘Stay at Home’ orders were announced. With the likelihood of further restrictions and an extension of the orders, the event was again postponed with the hope that November 13th could be a new lucky date to run the Rally.

Event Manager Nigel Bland said that several innovative ideas were considered before making the difficult decision to cancel the event.

“We really wanted the event to happen”, Bland said. “We originally wanted to re-schedule the event into November, but with such a tight calendar in place already, and with other events also looking to reschedule, it became quite difficult to really plan on a November rally.” he added

“We also asked our customers and commercial partners for their feedback, and it was a mixed bag of responses. Some teams said they’d support a November date, whilst others thought it was too difficult to contemplate maybe three or four events in a six-week period”, Bland continued.

“So, we started to think outside the box and came up with a plan. We asked the NSW Rally panel if they would consider extending the NSW Rally Championship into 2022, with the AMH Rally of the Bay running around the end of February or beginning of March. We knew it was something a bit different, and the NSW Rally Panel were supportive of the idea. Unfortunately, the NSW Regulatory Body who needed to approve the plan didn’t agree it was the right approach, so we were left back at square one”, Bland continued.

“So that has really left us with no choice, and like many other events this year, we have no other option than to cancel the 2021 event,” Bland concluded.

Brett Middleton is the North Shore Sporting Car Club President and also the rally’s Commercial and Partners Manager. He was dissapointed that the event has not been able to proceed, but was very positive about the events future and also praised the organising team.

“The team have worked extremely hard”, Middleton said. “We’ve been planning and re-planning this event since January and to have to cancel the event is tough on everyone, very few people know the volunteer effort required to run an event like this. But we’ll start planning for the 2022 event straight away and we even have a few new ideas to make the event even better.”

“I really feel for the Community of Batemans Bay and the Eurobodalla region”, Middleton continued. “They’re doing it tough down there and they were looking forward to our event giving the local economy a real boost. We have some great partners, including the Eurobodalla Shire, Batemans Bay Marina Resort and the Village Centre and Bridge Plaza Shopping centre, but despite the event not proceeding, they know we’ve done our best at promoting the event, the shire and our partners”, Middleton continued.

“The team have applied to the NSW Rally Panel for a July 30th date for 2022 and we hope that this gets the go ahead. The team has a great event leader in Nigel Bland and a media team lead by John Mccredie and despite the cancellation, next year looks to be an even better event”, Middleton concluded.

The 2021 AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay was a round of the NSW Rally Championship, East Coast Classic Rally Series, Hyundai Rally Series, Clubman Rally Series, ACT Regional Rally Series and a promotional round of the Australian Rally Championship.

Aug 10

Midstate Freight Oberon Stages Rally Cancelled

By Caves Classic, Events, Oberon Stages, Rally, Wheelspin

Organisers of the 2021 Midstate Freight Oberon Stages Rally have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 event due to COVID restrictions and increased Forestry Operations.

With ongoing restrictions in Sydney and beyond, North Shore Sporting Car Club (NSSCC) is not confident that travel constraints will change sufficiently to allow the event to proceed on the 18th of September.

Event director Jon Thomson said the decision was extremely difficult.

“We’re really in a no-win situation, even if we see changes to the lockdown in Sydney, September is likely to see travel restrictions into regional NSW,” Thomson said.

“On top of that, we haven’t had the opportunity to check and write roadbooks, meet with stakeholders or assess road conditions and suitability.”

“Forestry has also increased their operations in the area and many of the roads we’d originally selected are now in sections that are being harvested, meaning we’d need to look for new roads and change many of the stages we had originally planned on using”, Thomson added.

The event organising team looked at moving the event to October, but the calendar is crowded with events and access to volunteers and particularly securing Rallysafe for the event was proving difficult.

“We really have been left with no choice but to cancel the event altogether”, Thomson said.

“It is a great pity as we had some absolutely terrific roads and stages selected for this year’s rally, but we will be back with an even better event in 2022,” he concluded.

The Midstate Freight Oberon Stages Rally was a round of the NSW Rally Championship, East Coast Classic Rally Series and Clubman Rally Series. The organising team is planning on running the event in 2022 and will seek a date from the NSW Rally Panel in due course.

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