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Outback challenger getting practice at AMH Automotive Group Rally Of The Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Michael Ward at the Classic Outback Trial in 2018 – PHOTO Ian Smith

Michael Ward Rallysport is looking forward to getting back out in the dirt at the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay.

Driver Michael Ward and Co-Driver John Fraser will be using the event to start preparations for this year’s Classic Outback Trial scheduled for later this year in November.

“It’s great to be able to get back into the driver’s seat,” Ward said. “We’re using this event to start our preparations for the last Classic Outback Trial (COT) which has been moved to early November,” he added.

Because the COT is a ‘blind event’, the team will be running the Rally of the Bay using the Roadbook rather than choosing the pacenote option.

“Seat time, and practice reading the road at competition speed is what’s needed for us leading up to the COT. With limited events this year, we’re grateful the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay is on schedule,” Michael said.

Co-Driver, John Fraser teamed up with Michael for the 2016 running of the Classic Outback Trial where they finished first in class. Fraser was then back for the 2018 running of the outback event, as well as the Alpine Rally of East Gippsland in 2017 and 2019.

The team will be running their venerable 1976 Toyota Corolla TE37 replica built in 2013 specifically for long distance rallies. The 1600cc 2TG engine has a ‘poor man’s close ratio’ gearbox from a Lexus IS200 allowing the correct ratio for any situation. However, the smooth roads at the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay won’t be giving the MCA Gold suspension its usual workout!

Ward, based in Melbourne, started rallying back in the late seventies, ‘retired’ in 1986, having completed the State Bank Discovery Trial, and then returned to the sport in 2010. He has always had a keen interest in trials and long distance rally events.

Fraser, from Orange, NSW, has been navigating since his late teens, guiding many notable drivers. He is also an accomplished driver, winning the NSW Rally Championship class N2 twice, was second in the 1996 ARC to the works Daihatsu team (by 1 point!) and won his class in the 1996 Playstation Round Australia Trial.

The AMH Automotive Rally of the Bay will be conducted in the Forest surrounding Batemans Bay on the 4th of July.

Marco Jansen adds AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay to his bucket list

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

The Central Queensland pairing of Marco Jansen and Cameron McIntosh are making an epic 19-hour journey to compete at the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay.

Jansen has been competing in rally events for many years, starting in a Golf Mark 1 and progressing through VW competition cars until purchasing his current car, an ex-works VW Polo. Having now owned this car for several years and with work commitments that have kept him out of the driver’s seat, the Rockhampton driver is keen to get back into racing.

After putting the VW Polo back together and desperately needing a rally inspired rush of adrenalin, the goal of getting to the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay was set.

“I’ve travelled through the Batemans Bay area over recent years,” Jansen said. “I’ve serviced for other competitors at rally events, so I’ve definitely put the Rally of the Bay high on my bucket list of things to do.”

“The quality of the roads used for the rally, plus the organisation of the event itself and the general comradery helped me make up my mind that I wanted to do it,” Jansen said.

The horrendous end of 2019 and terrible start to 2020, with fires, rain and COVID having a huge impact on people in the area, this was the ideal chance to give back and at the same time get some competitive miles under his belt.

“We’ve got a few extra challenges in the way for us having to travel all the way down from Central Queensland. For us to attend the event and be able to meet all the restrictions related to COVID, like social distancing, border securities, plus all the systems and controls put in place by the rally organisers hasn’t really dampened my enthusiasm at all,” Jansen said.

“Even with all these new requirements to rally, it isn’t putting me off at all. Bring on the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay 2020.” Jansen said as he packed ready for the long drive to Batemans Bay.

Teaming up with co-driver Cameron McIntosh, from Gladstone in Central Queensland, the team are looking forward to some good roads, tall stories, and great competition.

The AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay will be held on Saturday the 4th of July in Batemans Bay, NSW.

NSSCC to donate a Colorado Ute to the bAy Team

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Did you see the NSSCC video where Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor Liz Innes spoke about how the Rally of the Bay can help the local Community?

If not, watch now below…

In the video, NSSCC featured three people who were severely affected by the devastating summer bushfires. There was no explanation of who they are and why they were in the video, but it is now time to reveal their stories.

But first, during the bushfire crisis, many organisations raised money to help those affected and NSSCC was one of those organisations who raised funds to assist with the recovery.

The Sydney based Car Club has a special connection with Batemans Bay and the Eurobodalla Shire because of the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay, a motorsport event held in the Forests of the Eurobodalla Shire each year for the past 30 years.

The Car Club wanted to use the money raised by NSSCC members and friends to help a great cause close to the Bay. NSSCC President, Brett Middleton, discovered a group of people calling themselves “The bAy TEAM” who had been helping people recover from the bushfires by building much needed accommodation. And what a story it is, but before we get into that, let’s meet the people from the Video.

Magenta – Magenta and her family live in Mogo, about a kilometre from the flying finish marker in “Run to Mogo” special stage. During the bushfires, her house was completely destroyed by the fires. Her partner Damien stayed to fight, but he had to leave because the intensity of the fire was so fierce that he had no hope of saving the house and risked losing his life if he stayed. And, he was well prepared.

Their family still don’t have a new house built and their beautiful ‘picture postcard’ block of land still looks like a bomb has hit it. They are living in their shed, that somehow managed to be saved.

The Bay Team came in and fit out the shed, lining it with Plasterboard and making it liveable. Much of the labour was provided at well below cost and many volunteer hours were spent completing the fit-out.

Joe – Joe lost everything in the fires and is now living in a very second-hand caravan close to where Magenta’s home used to stand. The caravan leaks very badly and is covered with a tarpaulin to help keep rain out. The Bay Team will be building a new place for Joe to live and he’s looking forward to moving out of the Caravan.

David – David lost his house, possessions and all his work equipment in the bushfires. But instead of focussing on his own recovery, he immediately went out and helped others fight the fires, helping to save many properties from destruction. In the aftermath of the fires, he has gone above and beyond to help people in need, assisting those who couldn’t get to the relief centres and doing whatever he could.

David has a passion for helping people and started to assist those who had lost everything start the rebuilding process. He formed the bAy TEAM and together with a small group of trades people and skilled workers has helped rebuild people’s houses… and lives.

The bAy TEAM is a business, but it’s focus has been on helping people and not making a profit. David has put his effort into getting the job done and not making the business profitable. He and his team have put in many hours of their own time, resources and skills to rebuild the Batemans Bay and surrounding community, whilst ignoring their own needs.

Colorado Ute Donation

North Shore Sporting Car Club wanted to do more than just donate some money, so it was decided that the club would use the funds raised to purchase equipment for the bushfire recovery. It was decided that NSSCC would purchase a $12,990 second-hand Colorado Ute to donate to the bAy TEAM.

AMH Automotive Group gladly assisted the club to secure the vehicle and their contribution towards its purchase reflects the fantastic relationship NSSCC has had with AMH as naming rights partner for the Rally of the Bay.

The Coachhouse Marina Resort and the Village Centre & Bridge Plaza shopping Centres has also assisted with several yet to be revealed gifts and the vehicle will be on display in the Village Centre this week.

The Colorado will be given to the bAy TEAM on Friday the 3rd of July at 1pm in the Village Centre by several representatives of North Shore Sporting Car Club. The club would like to thank those who donated to the fund over Christmas.

Stanford Motorsport to contest Clubman Series at AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Stanford Motorsport are preparing their Datsun Stanza and getting ready for the Techworkz Automotive NSW Clubman Rally Series, which kicks off this weekend at the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay.

Driver Dennis Stanford from West Nowra will be joined by Sydney based Co-Driver, Tim Woods for the 2020 running of the Rally of the Bay and the team are hoping for a good result in their first event for the season.

“We won the Clubman Rally series in the same Datsun Stanza that we run now, back in 2010,” Stanford said. “This year we’re looking to do the full Techworkz Automotive Clubman Series in the Stanza, and hopefully we’ll do well again,” he said.

“It’ll be good to get back out there again after these COVID restrictions,” Stanford added.

Stanford has been involved in rallying for over 30 years and it’s not just him that loves motorsport, his whole family are involved, being active members of the local car club, the Shoalhaven and Kiama district Automotive Club (SKADC).

The Team were last at the Rally of the Bay in 2019 and this rally is a favourite for the team. Stanford enjoys the well maintained and flowing forestry roads and particularly enjoys the long, 44km ‘Run to Mogo’ stage.

Stanford’s best recent result was finishing the 2018 Narooma Forest Rally in 10th and believes the LA Lancer team of Ron and Steve McKinnon as his biggest rival at the Batemans Bay event.

Stanford puts the success of his rally team down to consistency and reliability with the car being tuned by Datsun specialist, Stewart Wilkins from SW Motorsport. The team is also supported by Ausdeck Nowra, Fair Dinkum Removals Nowra, and Balance Motorsport Australia Rally Light Pods.

“I’d like to thank Tim Woods for stepping up and co-driving for me at the Rally of the Bay and also a special thanks to Steve Barry from Sanitar Shoalhaven and his family for putting their hands up to service for me,” Stanford concluded.

The AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay will be held on the 4th of July, starting at 8:45am in Batemans Bay.

Rebuilt Subarus lighter and faster for 2020 season

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Victorian Rally Champion, Arron Windus, will finally get his season underway on Saturday when he competes in the Rally of the Bay in NSW.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the sport on hold this year, and with no events in Victoria until at least September, Windus and co-driver Daniel Brick have been forced to head to the NSW coast to get their first motorsport fix of the year.

Windus’ Western Victorian Crane Trucks team will field two Subaru Impreza WRXs in the rally, with his father, Darren, also competing in the first round the NSW Rally Championship.

Arron took the Victorian title in convincing style last year, but isn’t resting on his laurels as he continues his push to make rallying more than just a hobby.

His title-winning Subaru has undergone a full rebuilt since the end of last season, and will be faster and even more competitive in 2020.

“We’ve got a lot better package than we had in 2019,” Arron explained.

“The car now us upgraded suspension, has been on a decent weight loss program, and also has a few more ponies (horsepower) underneath the bonnet.”

His car will feature a gorgeous new blue and yellow livery that pays tribute to the late Possum Bourne’s 1996 Australian Rally Championship winning Subaru WRX.

“The car has come up an absolute treat and is in pristine showroom condition,” he added.

“My uncle (a panel beater) and the Activ Rallysport team really put solid time and effort into the rebuild and the finished product speaks for itself.”

Darren Windus also has a fully rebuilt Subaru at his disposal for the 2020 season.

He’ll drive the same WRX that he used at the end of last season, but it has been upgraded with more horsepower, and a suspension package that brings it to a similar spec as Arron’s Subaru.

The team’s unique ‘father-son’ combinations continue this year, with Daniel Brick’s father, Joe, co-driving for Darren.

Both teams will get their first chance to try out their rebuilt Subarus this Thursday, at a test day near Canberra.

“We’re extremely excited to test these newly built rockets and see first-hand what improvements have been made,” Arron said.

“The field of 90 cars for the Rally of the Bay is just about the strongest seen in Australian rallying for many years, and we’re both looking forward to putting our best foot forward.”

The rally will run out of the tourist town of Batemans Bay on Saturday, with drivers tackling seven competitive stages over a distance of 140km.

Hatton ‘Super Excited’ As Rallying Returns

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

PHOTO: Sydney rally driver JJ Hatton is back in action this weekend.

By Team Release

JJ Hatton is back behind the wheel of his Hyundai i20 rally car this weekend, when the sport resumes after the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s been a long time between drinks for the Sydneysider, but this weekend’s Batemans Bay based ‘Rally of the Bay’ will finally see him raising the dust against a top class field.

The rally is the first round of the NSW Rally Championship, but with the Coronavirus break this year, it has also attracted the cream of the crop from the Australian Rally Championship.

Hatton will team with regular co-driver, Nathan Long, for the one-day event, but will also have a chance to test the car on Thursday to get back into the feel of things.

“I haven’t driven the car since a test day in Victorian back in February, so it’s been a long time between drinks,” Hatton said.

“I’m super excited to get in the rally car again as, like everyone, I’ve really missed the sport and have done nothing but work over the last few months.”

His Hyundai i20 is based in Melbourne where it is maintained by the Activ RallySport team, which means Hatton hasn’t even had the chance to sit in the car for many months.

“The test day will be really important to get back into the groove of things and see where the car is at,” he added.

“We’ll be testing with the Toyota factory team and a few others, so it will be a good opportunity to fine-tune a few things and get the car dialed in for the Bay.”

Following testing on Thursday, Hatton and Long will spend Friday driving the rally stages and writing their safety notes for the seven competitive stages that will cover nearly 140 kilometres.

Not only will it be great to have rallying back again, but the Batemans Bay region is also eagerly awaiting the arrival of the rally after a horrid 2020. After devastating bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic has really hurt local tourism.

A full field of 90 cars is expected for the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay, which has implemented strict safety guidelines to meet the ever-changing needs of the pandemic.

Holloway gaining traction and ready for AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

PHOTO: Holloway and Hood at the Alpine Rally

Geoff Holloway and Rick Hood are gaining traction in their bid to take on Australia’s best at the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay.

After a 37-year break from rally driving, Holloway purchased a Hyundai Excel in 2019 in a bid to return to the sport he loves. The bright green pocket rocket had previously served five different owners across three states and one territory before finding a new home with Holloway in the Melbourne suburb of Templestowe.

Rick Hood stepped forward to co-drive for the 2019 season, bringing considerable recent experience to the team.

“We had a pretty bold plan for 2019,” Holloway said. “We competed in, and finished, nine events and at each event we were steadily gaining confidence, speed and reliability, generally finishing mid pack. I reckon the very fast tracks at the Rally of the Heartland in Burra, South Australia were one of the highlights of the season” Holloway recalls.

“There’s always close racing amongst the Excel gang in the stages. So much great camaraderie and support between the teams. It’s the little things make it great, like borrowing a radiator from another team so we could finish the Australian Rally Championship round at the Eureka Rush rally” Holloway added.

The 2019 season ended with the very wet and shortened Alpine Rally in Victoria, where the crew were seeded 106th in a field of 106. Undaunted by the horrendous track conditions, the team slithered through the stages to finish a highly creditable 45th.

During the extended off-season, the Hyundai Excel has had an extensive makeover featuring new paint and some fancy artwork added to the bonnet.

“Kermit, as all green cars are named, is looking pretty spruced up. Bring on the Rally of the Bay,” Holloway joked.

The AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay is set to take place on the 4th of July with a field of over 80 cars set to take to the roads of the forests surrounding Batemans Bay.

PHOTO: Holloway and Hood at the Heartland Rally in South Australia

Cooper Tyres join High Country Motorsports

By Rally, Rally of the Bay 2020

The team at High Country Motorsports are busy preparing for there much anticipated return to motorsport next month at the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay.

With the last event for the team being well over 9 months ago, there has been a lot going on behind the scenes.

High Country Motorsports is excited to announce they will be partnering with Cooper motorsport tyres to launch the brand new Cooper Discoverer DG1 gravel rally tyre in Australia. They will be making the most of a pre-event test day being run in the Kowen forest just outside of Canberra in the week leading up to the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay.

Due to COVID-19 this will be the team’s first chance to become familiar with the brand new Cooper Discoverer DG1 gravel rally tyres and reacquaint themselves in the car. The team are excited to bring another tyre brand into the Australian market and with the well regarded reputation of Cooper tyres it’s sure to give them the confidence they need on the roads around Batemans Bay.

High Country Motorsports is made up of Driver Chris Higgs and co-driver Daymon Nicoli.

Behnke Rallying to be back in the Driver’s Seat

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Following a five-year hiatus from being behind the wheel, the Rally of the Bay on the 4th of July is set to see the return to the driver’s seat for Canberra rally competitor Mike Behnke.

Over the past few months, Mike’s revitalised Honda Civic, which is undergoing a ground up refurbishment, has rapidly taken shape thanks to the help of members of the Light Car Club of Canberra and the Qirx Motorsports team. The group of enthusiastic teammates and supporters has been working late nights, early mornings and weekends to transform the Civic from what was a freshly painted shell just two weeks ago, into a car ready to take to the start line.

Mike is no stranger to club level motorsport. Since stepping back from rally driving in 2015 he has remained active in local car clubs, has dabbled in circuit racing, and continued competing on the dirt from the passenger seat, co-driving for drivers such as Blake Stevens, Meng Chung, Matt Thompson, Anna Ritson and Hannah Stevens.

“I enjoy navigating and contributing in other ways to the sport I love” Mike said. “But I’ve known for some time that it was time to get back into the driver’s seat in my own car. I think many others have felt the same and have been encouraging me to do so,” he continued.

“It’s been incredibly humbling for me to have so many people from the rally community come out in force and help us get back into the forest. To have people actively seeking to help, and willing to take on any tasks, from rebuilding the engine to cleaning and preparing suspension components, is just so appreciated.”

“In my role as President of the LCCC I have witnessed first-hand the hard work and dedication of LCCC members, so I shouldn’t be surprised. Members of the rallying community are always willing to assist each other, not just with their own cars, but to get other people to events, and keeping them going at events.”

Mike also pays tribute to both Denis Stevens, owner of Qirx Motorsports, and his son Blake, both of whom have shared the highs and lows of rallying with Mike over the years.

“Denis and Blake have an unwavering enthusiasm for rallying, and we have achieved so many personal and competitive successes over the years. I look forward to contributing to our list of achievements as a team once again,” Mike added.

The thought of competing again as a driver was already on the radar for Mike when he and his driver Matt Thompson were incredibly fortunate to escape a serious crash at the Alpine Rally of East Gippsland in November last year. The crash destroyed the car, and seriously injured Matt. An awareness of the level of safety gear that saved their lives has been a key aspect of Mike’s preparation of the Civic, and no expense has been spared in the preparation of the car.

“We were very lucky that Matt’s car stood up so well to what was a massive hit” Mike recounts. “Since the crash, it has been widely publicised that we’d been supplied with counterfeit safety harnesses, and mine failed on impact. So I’m very lucky.”

Mike has dealt with the emotional recovery from the incident by reflecting on the lessons learnt, rather than the accident itself.

“It just goes to show that spending money on safety gear is really an investment in your future. Trying to save a few bucks is meaningless if you’re not around to enjoy it. Buying equipment from a reputable supplier is critical as there are some very passable counterfeit equipment doing the rounds,” he said

Ellie Yates is Mike’s partner and co-driver for the upcoming rally, but does Mike believe the car will be ready?

“We still have a fair way to go to get to the start line for the Rally of the Bay, but each day I am more confident that we’ll make it. I may just not be getting much sleep between now and then! I’ve said to Ellie that it should all come together for the event. Hopefully, it’s not just me trying to convince myself!” he laughs.

The AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay is the first ACT/NSW rally event to be held in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a bumper field is set to take on the challenging forest roads around Batemans Bay on the 4th of July.

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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