NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT: 

Automotive Events Management announced today that the Classic Rally will not take place in 2004.  After twelve years of running the event and continual development, the organizers will take a break this year, with plans to relaunch a significantly changed event for 2005. 

AEM principal Paul Blank said "The Classic Rally is the second oldest event of its kind in Australia, and has introduced many firsts in the field.  The market is always changing and to be able to keep offering the best event possible we have decided to hold over the Classic Rally until next year". He explained "AEM is in the process of developing three major new events at the moment and rather than stretch resources, we have decided to take this course of action to enable us to make all the changes we envision are necessary to keep Classic Rally at the forefront of Touring Road Events". 

First of the new AEM events was announced recently. The Ultimate Grand Prix Experience, which takes place in Monaco and the south of France next year, has received very strong interest, with several bookings in place already.  A new major local event for late this year and another new concept of motoring event for early next year are being worked on at present. 

The Classic Challenge will continue in the successful format it has been run for the past couple of years..

July 13 2004

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Classic Rally highlights over the years

1992 - The Classic Rally was a bold new style of event introduced to Western Australia, timed to be a lead-in to Rally Australia.   The vast variety of cars entered would become a hallmark of the event.  The 126 entries included exotics such as an Aston Martin DB4, several Ferraris, Porsches, two De Tomasos (one from Victoria), a Maserati Merak, XK Jaguars and a Lancia Stratos from Melbourne. Oldest car was a 1933 MG J2.  Other rarities included an Audi Quattro, a Citroen 2CV, an Alfa Romeo GTA, Lancia Integrale, TVR Tasmin, NSU Prinz and even a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. Five cars came from the eastern states to compete. Completely new competition driving courses were devised for the event. Winner was Tim Harland, with Simon Foley as navigator in a 1970 MGB Roadster.

1993 - Success of the first year saw huge interest generated for the second Classic Rally, including sponsorship from GIO Australia. The event grew to a 3-day rally. The big start was held in Forrest Place. Feature driver was Sale of the Century host Glenn Ridge, who went on to win the event in his new Nissan 300ZX.  Feature car was a stunning Lamborghini Miura from Victoria, which was one of several Eastern States entries.  The very hot Gemballa Porsche Turbo which Natasha Oberoi from Melbourne and Neil Ashmead of Adelaide entered attracted a lot of attention.  The 130 cars entered spanned a huge variety of vehicles.  One course well enjoyed was at the Rockingham forshore. A big display and street party was held in Northbridge on the Saturday night. Overnight on Friday was in Bunbury.

1994 - A record field entered, and Driver of Honour was Rosemary Smith, from Ireland.  Rosemary was the first woman to win a round of the World Rally championship, and had been a factory driver for Ford, Rootes Group and Porsche. Star car was a spectacular competition-version Ferrari F40 which was flown in from Germany by its Singapore crew. At the other extreme was a 1934 3-wheel BSA Sports.  Other highlight cars included a Porsche 911 2.7RS Carrera, a 1963 Corvette (the ultra-rare split-window model), a monster 4WD 1964 Pontiac Catalina station wagon and a magnificent 1922 Hispano Suiza, from Melbourne.  23 Porsches entered. Several new courses were designed, including the hillclimb at Wungong Dam and a road course in the old Northam Army Camp. The Fremantle Autokhana was run for the first time, and would prove a tremendously popular stage for many years.   A new handicapping system was developed for scoring, and Glenn Ridge won again, this time in a 1958 Corvette Convertible.

1995 - Driver of Honour was legendary driver Sir Jack Brabham - three times F1 World Champion.  Sir Jack had not been to WA for twenty years before his Classic Rally appearance.  Star cars were a pair of Grand Prix Bugattis, brought over especially for the event - a 1928 Type 37A and a supercharged 1925 Type 35.  Other unusual and exotic cars entered included a 1984 Dutton Phaeton, a 1926 Bentley, 1959 Borgward Isabella, 1973 Bolwell Nagari Roadster and the usual Ferraris, Maseratis, etc.  A brace of new Eunos coupes was entered by ladies from the media.  The Classic Rally was developing into a complex event, in 1995 achieving the highest yet entry, of 150 cars, in 14 classes, competing in 11 driving stages and six navigation tests. Neville Grigsby's Mini Cooper S won.

1996 - A record 160 cars made the 1996 Classic Rally a vast operation.  Rosemary Smith returned from Ireland to compete again, and the star cars was a trio of classic Ferraris from the east.  A 365 Daytona, 275GTB/4 and a 365GTC attracted attention everywhere. Not to be outdone, there was a stunning wooden boat-tail bodied 1916 Hudson, a Lamborghini Espada, and a record five Maseratis entered.  Other well-known names among the entries included Janet Holmes a Court, Peter Briggs, Eric Bana and Ross Dunkerton .  There were 9 MGs,  8 Jaguars, 14 Porsches and a Goggomobil Dart participating. This was the first year the AEM Triumph was entered by CanTeen. Overnight was in Mandurah.  Winner was Tim Harland with Stephen Fox navigating.

1997 - The City of Rockingham celebrated its Centenary by being sponsor of the Classic Rally.  Driver of Honour was Sir Jack Brabham, making a return appearance, this time at the wheel of a Jaguar XK8. Vintage cars entered included a pair of vintage Bentleys and a 1925 MG which came from Sydney.  The ex-George Fury Nissan Bluebird Turbo racing car attracted a lot of attention, and many small cars were entered, including a Goggomobil Dart, Mini Jem, Citroen Dyane, Suzuki Cappuccino and NSU Prinz.  A 1962 VW Beetle was dressed accurately as Herbie, the Love Bug, complete with flapping bonnet. A new hillclimb at South Dandalup was well-received by competitors   Winners, again were Tim Harland and Stephen Fox in a MGB Roadster.

1998 -  A fascinating and exceptionally rare ASA 1000GT came from Melbourne as star car in 1998.  Also entered was a supercharged Jeep Renagade, Lancia Stratos and a trio of classic Mustangs.  Sale of the Century host Glenn Ridge returned (with a BMW Z3 2.8) and Simon Lingford's spectacular multi-coloured Ferrari gained huge attention. Turbo 4WD cars were gaining popularity, with sufficient for their own class. A new Touring category was introduced, with a less stressful level of navigation and 15 entries. Two sprints in Two Rocks were newly created highlights among the fifteen competition driving stages.  But probably the best enjoyment was from the stages at the RAAF airstrip near Gingin.  Busselton was the overnight stop for the first time. 1998 winners were John and Tim Fowler in a 1971 Porsche 911.

1999 -  For the first time the start was outside Perth, the Classic Rally beginning in Mandurah.  Interesting cars included a Ferrari 512TR, a new F355 Spider and a Lamborghhini Espada. Among the new competition stages was an exciting  new hillclimb in Collie, where the Motorplex would be set up in years to come.  Six-times Australian Rally Champion Ross Dunkerton was Driver of Honour, and he was behind the wheel of a Datsun 260Z.  The 4WD Turbo class was gaining strength, however all the WRXs entered in the Touring category, which was also growing in popularity.  Winners were Brent Matthews and Sue Elliott in a Marcos Mini Jem.

2000 - New stages in 2000 included one in a new real estate development at Meadow Springs in Mandurah. A pair of Lamborghini Diablos helped draw crowds to spectator stages, as did the other exotic cars. The media got very excited when news got out that Hollywood actor Heath Ledger was in the support crew for his father Kim's entry.  Driver of Honour was successful lady rally driver Jacquie Dines, who entered in a 1949 MG TC. Oldest car entered was a splendid 1927 Bentley 4 1/2 litre Tourer.  The Touring class had grown to 40 percent of the field. Winners in 2000 were Stephen Andrews and Nick Gianco in a Subaru WRX STi - proving that with the handicapping system, any car could win, provided it was driven and navigated better than any other.

2001 - Australian racing legend Peter Brock was Driver of Honour in 2000, helping attract huge crowds to spectator stages in Perth and country areas.  With Burswood Casino as the new sponsor for the event, the Classic Rally began with two stages at Burswood - one inside the Dome and one on a new road.  The final stage was an outdoor autokhana at Burswood. All stages were new or very much changed from past years.  A lot of rain over the 3 days meant the officials had it tough, but the wet surfaces added an additional challenge for competitors. The Collie area was expanded to incorporate several new stages. Winners were Barry Hildebrand and Brad McDonald in a 1973 Datsun 240Z, with the Touring class won by Marc Drexel and Nigel Giles in a 1969 Porsche 911E.

2002 - John Goss was Driver of Honour for 2002, driving a 1975 Ford Falcon John Goss Special.  Sydney-based Goss had won Bathurst twice (Falcon and Jaguar), and had won the Australian Grand Prix in 1976 among many successes.  Cars of note in the event included a Sunbeam Tiger, an Audi TT Quattro and a Smart - making the competition debut for the marque in Australia.  New stages included a hillclimb in Roleystone and a long closed-road sprint near Northam.  A huge autokhana inside the Burswood Dome was a highlight stage. There were 17 competition driving stages and seven navigation tests. for the first time, there were more cars entered in the Touring class than Navigation class. Winners of the Navigation class were Nick Rahimtulla and Andrew Stevens in a 1972 Alfa Romeo 2000GTV, and Touring were the Drexel and Giles Porsche 911 combination for the second year.

2003 - Driver of Honour in the 2003 Burswood Casino Classic Rally was WA V8 Supercar driver Garth Tander.  Like many of the star drivers, it was his first foray into a Touring Road Event.  Ross and Lisa Dunkerton also entered, the first time they had competed together. An overnight stay on the Friday saw crews in Busselton for the second time in 12 years.  Several new stages were run over the 3 days.  Among these were the Auto-tests held at the Speed Dome in Midvale, and a reverse direction run at the Katrine Sprint near Northam.  Cars of interest participating included a twin-turbo Callaway Corvette, Lotus 340R and a new HSV GTO. The Touring category entries outnumbered Navigation entries considerably, with the winners being Daryl Sosa and Stirling Hamersley in a Mitsubishi Evo7 (Navigation) with Stephen Andrews and Jennifer Bingemann in a Subaru WRX STi winning Touring.

_______________________________________________________________________________

2003 Burswood Casino Classic Rally 

September 19-21 2003

WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S PREMIER CLASSIC MOTORING EVENT

Last updated September 25 2003 - check again for updates and news

Photos by Paul R Kane & Paul Blank

RESULTS

SPECIAL AWARDS

Northam Autokhana   -  Blaise Paris

Top Navigator   -  Brad McDonald 

Volunteer of the Year - Eric Astridge Award   -  Jill Banks

Noble Prize   -  Maurie Ogden

Top Driving Result Un-handicapped   -  Blaise Paris

Top Placed Ford - Pindan Realty Prize   -  John Nicholson


CATEGORY WINNERS

NAVIGATION
All up to 1985 - Bill Tomson & Gordon Henderson

All 1986-2003 - Peter Randell & Ashley Price

Turbo 4WD - Daryl Sosa & Stirling Hamersley

TOURING
Up to 1975 Up to 2-litres - John & Kirstie Nicholson

Up to 1975 Over 2-litres - Marek Rodkiewicz & Susan Venn

All 1976-1985 - Josh & Katie Hogan

1986-2003 Up to 3-litres - Paul Summers & Michael Arnold

1986-2003 Over 3-litres - Barry Baltinas & Kristan Pinner

Turbo 4WD - Stephen Andrews & Jennifer Bingemann

TEAM AWARDS

Team Award Navigation 

SubarEVO
Steve Pummer & Chris Parker,
Michael Lloyd & Stewart Lloyd, 
Daryl Sosa & Stirling Hamersley

Team Award Touring 

Euroclassics
Paul Summers & Michael Arnold, 
Barry Baltinas& Kristan Pinner, 
Rubin Sadique & Vito Forte

OUTRIGHT AWARDS

Touring 

1st - Steven Andrews & Jennifer Bingemann
2nd - Barry Baltinas & Kristan Pinner
3rd - Marek Rodkiewicz & Susan Venn

Navigation 
1st - Daryl Sosa & Stirling Hamersley
2nd - Bill Thomson & Gordon Henderson
3rd - Nick Rahimtulla & Andrew Stevens

Click HERE for more detailed results

Click HERE for Photo Gallery 1

Click HERE for Photo Gallery 2

Click HERE to view the Supplementary Regulations

Click HERE to view PDF Stick Map and Strip Chart navigation rules

Click HERE to view jpg Stick Map and Strip Chart navigation rules

Click HERE for advice on applying stickers to cars

_____________________________________________________

Cameron & Adam Shephard enjoy a 1957 Jaguar XK150 Roadster in an autokhana course

Three days and nights of challenging, fun driving and social events - September 19th to 21st 2003.

HILLCLIMBS - AUTOKHANAS - PARTIES
CLOSED ROAD SPRINTS - NAVIGATION
AUTO-TESTS AND SO MUCH MORE...

NEWS UPDATES:

Spectator Stages - September 7 2003

Automotive Events Management have now announced the locations of the Spectator Stages for the 2003 Burswood Casino Classic Rally.  Here’s your chance to see the cars of the Rally in action. Hard-charging, wheel-spinning, handbrake-turning fun!  Eight locations over the 3-days of the event give plenty of great-viewing opportunities to see the cars perform - and best of all, it’s free at all locations.

Friday, September 19
    Start & Autokhana, Burswood Dome car park - 9-10am
    Auto-Test - Barnard Park, Busselton foreshore - 3.30-4.30pm

Saturday, September 20
    Circuit Sprint - Collie Motorplex, Powerhouse Rd, Collie - 11.00-12.00pm
    Fremantle Autokhana - Beach Street Carpark - 4-6pm

Sunday, September 21st
    Speed Dome Auto-test - Speed Dome, Eddie Barron Drive, Midvale - 8.30-11am and 2.30-4pm
    Northam Autokhana - New carpark off Ensign Dale Rd, Northam - 12.30-2pm

 

Rally Australia Display - September 2 2003

Catch our displays at Telstra Rally Australia's new Gloucester Park stage.  Inside the exhibition pavilion we will have a display featuring a Lotus Cortina, Porsche 911 and an Austin Healey.  On parade on Friday night (September 5th) we will have ten additional cars which are entered in the 2003 Burswood Casino Classic Rally on track, at 7.50pm.

 

2003 Driver of Honour - Garth Tander - August 26 2003

  

V8 Supercar Hero Garth joins in WA Classic Rally

Big news announced this week is that V8 Supercar driver Garth Tander has been named Driver of Honour in this year’s Burswood Casino Classic Rally.

With girlfriend Leanne Ferrier (also a race driver) in the co-driver’s seat, Tander will be using of the awesome Monaro put together for Peter Brock and used in Targa Tasmania.  The car will be coming to WA especially for the Classic Rally.

A West Australian boy, Garth Tander’s meteoric racing career began as soon as he was big enough to drive a kart. He won his very first race, and by the time he was 17 Garth had won seven Western Australian State Karting titles and one National title, along with many, many regional titles.

After competing extensively in Karts for almost 11 years, Garth took the next step in his Motorsport career.  He enrolled at the Fastlane Racing Driver School.  After setting a new school lap record in his first day in the car, Garth decided to take the next steps towards fulfilling his dream of becoming a Racing Car Driver as a professional.

In late 1995 Garth began racing in Formula Ford. In his second only car race meeting Garth won and was considered to be one of the country's brightest new talents.

The 1996 WA title was captured comfortably and during those few National Championship races Garth showed that he had enough pace to run at the front.  Winning the 1997 Australian Formula Ford Championship, Garth was the first driver from Western Australia to win the National Championship.

His next step was straight to the V8 Supercars.  Garth gained a full time professional drive became at one of the leading teams in the V8 Supercar category, Garry Rogers Motorsport.  His fame has increased from there on, especially with the nation watching his brilliant drives on television.  One of the highlights in Tander’s career has been driving the winning 7-litre Monaro at the Bathurst 24-hour last year.

You will be able to see the Tander Monaro in action in Perth, Busselton and Northam over the 19^th to 21^st of September – a full programme will be included in Auto Trader magazine the week before.

Ford 100th Anniversary - August 8 2003

This year is the 100th anniversary of the great Ford marque.  Over the years the Classic Rally has seen a vast variety of Ford models competing - from powerful GTHOs and Mustangs, through examples of Lotus Cortina, Escorts, Capris and the memorable 'stars & stripes' Tank Fairlane which has competed several times. And Cos Sorgiovannis spectacular twin-turbocharged GTD GT40 has impressed crowds and fellow competitors alike almost every year the event has been run.

This year the organizers are hoping to have a record field of Fords, and some special Ford Awards will be presented at the Gala Presentation Night in the Burswood Ballroom after the rally.  Already a good cross section of Ford models have entered.

 

Rally Legend Enters - August 6 2003

     

Five times Australian Rally Champion, and two times Asia-Pacific Rally Champion Ross Dunkerton has entered the 2003 Burswood Casino Classic Rally.  The local legend, Ross will be driving a 2002 model Mazda RX7 turbo, which means we should see some fairly spectacular driving.  

First time co-driver is Mrs Dunkerton, Lisa, who is looking forward to donning the helmet in the passenger seat.

Ross has entered the event twice in past years, each time impressing all onlookers from behind the wheel of a Datsun 260Z.  

 

LIST OF ENTRIES BY CATEGORY

NAVIGATION 
All up to 1985 
2 Maurie Ogden / Jacquie Dunn - 1972 Alfa Romeo 2000GTV 1962 
7 Bill Thomson / Gordon Henderson - 1970 Ford Falcon GTHO 5800 
33 Nick Rahimtulla / Andrew Stevens - 1973 Alfa Romeo 2000GTV 1971 
58 Anthony List / Brad McDonald - 1978 Ford Falcon XC Cobra 5800 
61 John Fowler / Alison Fowler - 1979 Porsche 911 Targa 3.0 3000
75 Ian Wilks / Penny Crittal - 1975 Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000 1993 

All 1986-2003 
1 Chris Robinson / Neville Grigsby - 2002 Mini Cooper S 1593S 
20 Peter Randell / Ashley Price - 1999 Honda S2000 1998 
41 Paul Kluck / Marc Palmer - 1996 Nissan 200SX Turbo 1998T 
51 Jeff Ash / Glenn Campbell - 1999 Nissan Silvia Turbo 1998T 
64 Michael Boyd / Dennis Boyd - 2003 Lotus Elise 111S 1796
80 Jeff Meager / Denver Parker - 1994 Nissan Sileighty 2060T 

Turbo 4WD
8 Mark Kommer / Bob Naylor - 1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 2600T 
21 Steve Pummer / Chris Parker - 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 1994T
22 Daryl Sosa / Stirling Hamersley - 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo7 1997T 
85 Michael Lloyd / Stewart Lloyd - 1998 Subaru WRX 1997T 



TOURING 
Up to 1975 Up to 2-litres
24 Paul Trettel / Fab Rizzo - 1972 Fiat 124 Sport BC 2000 
25 Michael Healey / Oliver Calnan - 1972 Ford Escort 2-litre 2000 
56 Carl Hamilton / Elliot Williamson - 1970 Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000 2000 
70 John Nicholson / Kirstie Nicholson - 1970 Ford Escort Mk1 1993 

Up to 1975 Over 2-litres
10 Chris Flamer / Russell Lanyon - 1970 Mercedes-Benz 3.5 Coupe 3500 
12 David Moir / Vicki Titmanis - 1973 Datsun 240Z 2800 
35 Marek Rodkiewicz / Susan Venn - 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera 3000 
69 Jason Roberts / Vic Roberts - 1969 Ford Mustang Convertible 5000 

All 1976-1985
4 Michael Broughton / David Watkin - 1976 Morgan 4/4 1600 
57 Josh Hogan / Katie Hogan - 1980 Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 1993 
79 Daryl Harris / Paul Rayner - 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 1998T 
84 Melanie Ferguson / Phil Ferguson - 1984 Toyota Celica Liftback 2400 

1986-2003 Up to 3-litres
11 Leslie Yin / Paul Eftos - 1995 Peugeot 306 Maxi 1998
13 Rubin Sadique / Vito Forte - 1986 BMW M3 2302 
34 Paul Summers / Michael Arnold - 2000 Lotus 340R 1800 
82 Steve Metlitzky / Denis Conway - 1989 Peugeot 205GTi Mi16 1993

1986-2003 Over 3-litres
3 Garth Tander / Leanne Ferrier - 2002 Holden Monaro 5700 
5 Ross Dunkerton / Lisa Dunkerton - 2002 Mazda RX7 Series 8 Type R 1308RT 
6 Chris Caruso / Susan Caruso - 1985 Jaguar Van den Plas 5000 
9 Ian Coles / Steve Schelling - 2003 Nissan 350Z Track 3500 
16 Barry Baltinas / Kristen Pinner - 1997 BMW M3 3200
17 Darryl Lockhart / Craig Lampard - 1987 Callaway Corvette Twin-turbo 5733T 
18 Lea Welch / Dianne Davenport - 2003 Holden Monaro CV8 5700 
28 John Whitfield / Ron Fell - 1993 Toyota Surpa Turbo 3000T 
36 Jeff Roesner / Sue Keightley - 1990 Porsche 911 3.6 3600 
38 Kim Screaigh / Charles Parer - 1993 Nissan 180SX Turbo 2000T
42 Mark Jewell / Liz Prontelli - 2002 Holden HSV GTO 5700 
53 Ivor Cohen / Jason Cohen - 1993 Nissan Skyline GTS Turbo 2490T 
55 Mike Edmondson / Keith Gurner - 2001 Honda NSX 3200 
60 Darren House / Andrew Egginton - 2003 Ford Falcon GT 5000 
65 Allan Love / Diana Love - 2002 Ford Falcon AU XR8 5000 
67 Cos Sorgiovanni / Claudette Sorgiovanni - 1990 GTD Ford GT40 twin-turbo 5000T
77 Brendan Edwards / Jason Brotherson - 1988 Holden SS Gp A Walkinshaw 5800 

Turbo 4WD
23 Brad Chapman / Kevin Knight - 1999 Subaru WRX STi Version 5 2000T 
44 Daniel Carson / Allan Vichnivatvongs - 2000 Subaru WRX Evo4 Club Spec 1994T 
47 Blaise Paris / Peter McCormick - 1999 Subaru Impreza WRX 2000T 
50 Stephen Andrews / Jennifer Bingemann - 1999 Subaru WRX STi 2000T 
74 Doug Walker / Brian Clapp - 1992 Nissan Skyline GTR R32 2600T 

___________________________________________________________________________

Announcing the twelfth annual Classic Rally, Western Australia’s original and best Touring Road Event, to be held in Perth, Busselton, Collie, Northam and surrounds in September 2003.

Open to all vintage, classic and sporting cars, the event will offer participants 3 days and nights of unparalleled motoring fun!

With great new competition stages, choice of Touring or Navigation, special incentives for older cars, all in the one of the best Touring Road Events in Australia, you should be a part of it! 

The 2003 Burswood Casino Classic Rally is a Touring Road Event par excellence. 

The organizers are proud of the accolades the event has had over the years - having attracted famous drivers including Peter Brock, Sir Jack Brabham, John Goss and Ross Dunkerton among participants. For over a decade this event has remained one of Australia’s finest, by adding new ideas and stages every year.

The route takes in many great roads and wonderful West Australian scenery.

Entrants can choose from two different categories - Navigation (challenging) or Touring (straightforward navigation), both of which have the same exciting competition driving stages each day. This event has a great history of a fantastic variety of cars entering every year. From Bugattis to Lamborghinis to Goggomobil Darts, the Classic Rally has had everything. We always have a good representation of modern performance cars such as Subaru WRXs and Skyline GTRs.

Most sporty cars can compete, regardless of age. Sound roadworthiness is a prerequisite. Cars don’t need to be specially prepared other than being fitted with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. If you are unsure about the suitability of your car, call or email the Rally Office.

Cars compete in many categories, based on vehicle age and engine size. Additional classes are run for Porsche 911s and 4WD Turbo cars. The event is scored on a handicap basis, with our proven formula ensuring a level playing field. Regardless of age, engine size or modifications any well driven and well navigated competent car can win.

Thanks to our sponsors, very generous discounts are offered to encourage participation of older cars. For cars made before 1945 a 40% discount applies and for cars 1945 to 1955 a 25% discount applies. 

Read the report and see photos of the 2002 event below.

DETAILS ABOUT ENTERING THE 2003 BURSWOOD CASINO CLASSIC RALLY:

1. Events/stages

2. Where we go

3. Categories and results

4. Vehicle requirements

5. Entrant requirements

6. Applying to enter

1957 MGA 1500: Antony Davies/Andrew Egginton

1. THE EVENTS AND STAGES

The rally is a Touring Road Event and as such comprises a series of competition driving events linked by Navigation or Transport stages. This year there will be 2 different classes in which entrants can compete: Navigation or Touring. Competitors in Navigation will need to have a level of experience in Navigation which links the competition driving stages. People doing Touring will compete on a much easier level of navigation while still doing the same competition driving stages. 

All participants enjoy the same lovely catered lunches, Gala Presentation Dinner, Roadbook, Rally Pack, etc.

There were 23 competitive stages in 2002 - every one of which was new. For 2003 several new stages will be introduced. There are several competition driving stages each day, all on sealed surfaces. All events are run one car at a time. Some of the events are open to spectators and attract crowds of thousands of people. Autokhanas are events held around courses delineated by traffic marker cones and are generally held in large car parks. Sprints and hillclimbs are speed events usually held on closed roads, sometimes on private property. Drag events are also termed as sprints. Auto-tests fall approximately in between the autokhana and speed events.

The organizers change and add stages each year, keeping the level of challenge and interest high. In addition to some stages which have been held before, this year several exciting new competition driving stages are being introduced, all of which will be certain to thrill competitors.

2. WHERE WE GO

The event starts on Friday morning (September 19th) with a competition stage at Burswood and will head to Busselton this year where the overnight stay will be. We will have block bookings at several hotels offering different levels and configurations of accommodation. The second day starts in the Southwest and finishes in Perth, so participants can stay at home in Perth that night, after the last event. The Sunday takes cars in a loop from Perth, heading East this year finishing up back at Burswood where the final stage will be a spectator event held at Burswood.

The Gala Presentation Night will be held on Monday, the 22nd in the Burswood Ballroom.

3. CATEGORIES & RESULTS

Cars compete in many categories, based on vehicle age and engine size. Additional classes are run for Porsche 911s and 4WD Turbo cars. The event is scored on a handicap basis, with our proven formula ensuring a level playing field. Regardless of age, engine size or modifications any well driven and well navigated competent car can win.  This is a big benefit to people in older cars which cannot win in other kinds of events.

Participants can enter in one of three main groups; Navigation, Touring and Cruise. Separate awards will be given for each category. We usually present about 60 trophies on the Monday evening, including outright and category trophies. Awards are also presented for Top Navigator, Top Driver, Team prizes, Best Presented Car, Spirit of the Event, the Noble Prize and other prizes.

A detailed Results Book is posted to participants after the event and the results information can be viewed on the website.

1967 Fiat Abarth OTR Spider: Reg Howard-Smith/Ian Towart

4. CAR SUITABILITY

It is open to any car of interest, the older it is the more appropriate. Newer cars need to be sporting, rare or interesting. Modifications are acceptable. Cars need to be roadworthy and tidy in appearance. Take a look at the list of entries on from a previous years' results (elsewhere on this website) to get an idea of the kinds of cars which have been entered.

A comprehensive first aid kit must be carried in the car (AEM can supply suitable St Johns Ambulance kits at a discounted price to competitors), and vehicles must be equipped with 2kg fire extinguisher - this can be a single 2kg unit (mounted in the car), or two 1kg units, one inside the car (easily accessible by occupants), the other may be in the boot. These must be firmly attached and meet the current Australian standards and need to be checked and tagged by qualified experts every six months. 

There is no requirement for roll cages or on-board fire systems, although they are acceptable. Cars are Scrutineered the weekend before the event to check their roadworthiness, safety and compliance with the event regulations. Pre-scrutineering can also be arranged if you require it.

5. ENTRANT REQUIREMENTS

At least two people must be in the car, for all stages. These are usually a driver and co-driver, although occasionally a third or fourth person goes along (with their added weight a penalty in competition stages!). 

The driver does not need to be a professional racing driver to enjoy the event and the Classic Rally does not have the risk levels of road-racing style events.  Any crew member can drive any of the competitive stages, and some crews enjoy swapping roles throughout the event.

All crew members must hold a CAMS Licence at least Level 2S. The event is run under the regulations set by CAMS (the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport) which issues Licences for competitors through affiliated car clubs. For 2002 new types of Licences were introduced by CAMS. A Level 2S licence, which costs $91 in 2003 is the minimum requirement. No test is required. Everyone on the car must have CAMS Licences. The licences provide personal insurance cover. Further details can be obtained from CAMS - www.cams.com.au or phone the WA CAMS office on 9444 3188.

Good quality helmets must be worn by competitors during the competition driving stages. Clothing covering neck to wrists to ankles must be worn during the competition driving stages - but that does not mean you are required to have a race suit. Any such clothing which is cotton or wool based is appropriate. During navigation tests or transport sections you may wear short sleeves, etc.

We prefer any driver entered in Navigation or Touring to have some level of experience or to have completed a driving course. Recommended driving events will be available prior to the event for those who require it. A free Navigation seminar is also offered the weekend before the event.

6. APPLYING & COSTS

Brochures and entry application forms are available from late June . A limit of 100 cars will be strictly adhered to. Call or email for a brochure to be posted out. The cost for 2003 included GST and is a deposit of $300 per car, then a balance of $620 per person (limited by the legal seating capacity of the car). The price is unchanged again this year (in 5 years it has only increased by $23). 

The entry fee includes:
- All competition stages
- Catered Lunch each day
- The Gala Presentation Night Dinner
- Roadbook
- Maps and Route Instructions
- Commemorative merchandise
- Door number panel stickers
- Navigation & Touring Seminar
- Scrutineering
- and much more!

The only additional cost will be the 1 night accommodation in Busselton (various hotel options will be made available to competitors) and a CAMS Touring Road Event fee per car of $58 applies for 2003.

Unbeatable value!

Thanks to our sponsors, there are significant discounts for older cars: -

> 40% discount for cars made before 1945 and 25% discount 25% discount for cars 1945 to 1955

2002 Audi TT Turbo: Troy Barbagallo/Tony Baker

SPONSORSHIP
Individual sponsors for cars are encouraged. This is an easy way to offset part or all of the cost of participating. Stages of the rally this year will attract crowds of thousands at city locations including Burswood and country areas such as Northam, Collie and Busselton. The event also attracts considerable media attention, with entries from the media and celebrity drivers ensuring extensive coverage before and after the event.

A few hints: You have a better chance if asking more sponsors for less money each, rather than hoping for a lot from one or two sponsors. Ask people and businesses you deal with personally. A sponsor will expect you to cover some of the costs yourself, which is fair.

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? THIS IS THE BIG ONE - HAVE A GO!

If you're looking for an appropriate car to enter in the event, take a look at the selection of classic cars for sale in our "Marketplace" section on this website.

You can have your details added to the Classic Rally mailing list by contacting Automotive Events Management at info@classicrally.com.au. Advise your name, postal address and the car you propose to use. We can email the brochure and entry from to you as a PDF on request. Or click here for an entry application form.

Contact the Rally Office on - (08) 6389 0300 - info@classicrally.com.au

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2002 Burswood Casino Classic Rally

Report & Photo Gallery

2002 Navigation class winners Nick Rahimtulla & Andrew Stevens, 1971 Alfa Romeo 2000GTV

1970 Ford Escort Twincam: CanTeen entry Josh & Kate Hogan  - 1953 Austin Healey turbo: Keith Cooper/Tony Nuozzi

Western Australia’s premier classic car rally, the Burswood Casino Classic Rally has been run and won for 2002.  From all reports from participants and the organizers the event was the best run of the eleven years to date. 

As always a tremendous variety of cars entered the event and as can be seen from a look at the results, the handicapping system, which takes into account the age and engine size of each car has worked fairly, not allowing any particular type or age of car to dominate.  The best combinations of car, driver and navigator have produced the best results.  

According to Rally Director Paul Blank “It is one of the strengths of the formula we have developed that people can enter a car of virtually any kind, and if well driven and well navigated can achieve a decent result.”  

There was an excellent variety among the 24 competitive stages incorporated into the event and a minimum of  incidents made for few delays.  All the stages were new for this year.  Probably the stages most enjoyed by competitors were the sprint held at Collie on haulpack roads of an ex-mine site, a closed-road sprint held near Northam and the autokhanas inside the Burswood Dome.  

The autokhana stages held inside the Burswood Dome gave not only a great spectator opportunity, but a brilliant driving area.  This vast under-cover area has a concrete surface which surprised many drivers by being grippy, but allowing enough slip to position a car accurately. .  Some very impressive runs were put in.  Without doubt the most impressive driver on the Dome courses was Denver Parker in his Subaru WRX, who drive confidently and with enormous gusto to great cheers from the crowd.  

Another car which was cheered-on (but for different reasons) was the little Smart City Coupe, making the competition debut in Australia for the marque.  This tiny 600cc turbocharged machine was loved by all, and impressed people throughout the event.    

Driver of Honour this year was racer John Goss, famous for his Bathurst and AGP wins.  This was the first time that Goss had competed in such an event and once he got the feel for how the event runs had a most enjoyable time, keenly chatting with fellow competitors wherever they stopped en route.  He drove, appropriately, a Goss Special Falcon Hardtop. Goss was one of several Eastern States competitors participating this year.  

One area the event took in was the disused Caversham race track, now RAAF property and not usually accessible.  The area had not been used for a motor sport event since closing in 1968 and while not all of the circuit is suitable for use today, three stages were held there.  It was an appropriate historic link that saw the Classic Rally cars using the venue.

The Burswood Casino Classic Rally is run in two main competitive categories, and cars are classed into age and engine size categories.  Winners of the Touring class this year were Marc Drexel and Nigel Giles in a 1969 Porsche 911 Targa, while the Navigation category saw an Alfa Romeo in the top place for the first time, with Nick Rahimtulla and Andrew Stevens in a 1972 2000GTV.

The organizers Automotive Events Management have set a date for 2003 of September 19 to 21^st. 

NAVIGATION
1st Outright – Navigation- Nick Rahimtulla & Andrew Stevens, Alfa Romeo 2000GTV
2nd Outright – Navigation - John Fowler & Alison Fowler, Porsche 911 3.0
3rd Outright – Navigation - Anthony List & Brad McDonald, Ford Escort Mexico
TOURING
1st Outright – Touring - Marc Drexel & Nigel Giles, Porsche 911 Targa
2nd Outright – Touring - Rich & Pat Davies, Datsun 240Z
3rd Outright – Touring - Tim & Dayne Willing, Porsche 911 3.2

Spirit of the Event – Anthony & Catriona List
Noble Prize – Jill & Mike Langford
Official of the Year – The Eric Astridge Award – Colin Bonney
Sheep Stations Award – Marc Drexel
Best display "Classic Gallery" Dome Foyer - Shacks HSV Fremantle
Auto Trader Award – John Fowler, Wheels World
Town of Northam Award - First Place Northam Autokhana - Steve Pummer

1979 Porsche 911 3.0 Targa: John & Alison Fowler - 2000 Porsche Boxster S: Paul Summers/Michael Arnold

Class Awards:

NAVIGATION
ALL UP TO 1969 - Cameron Shephard / Adam Shephard 1957 Jaguar XK150 Roadster
1970-1985 - Nick Rahimtulla / Andrew Stevens 1971 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV
1986-2002 - David Lewis / Chris Robinson 1998 Lotus Elise
4WD Turbos - Steve Pummer / Chris Parker 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX Sti

TOURING
ALL UP TO 1969 - Mike Langford / Jill Langford 1966 Sunbeam Tiger
1970-1985 under 2.5 litres - John Nicholson / Kirstie Nicholson 1970 Ford Escort Mk1 2.0 litre
1970-1985 over 2.5 litres - Rich Davies / Pat Davies 1970 Datsun 240Z 2.8
1986-2002 - Rubin Sadique / Vito Forte 1987 BMW M3
Rear-Engine 6-cylinder Porsches - Marc Drexel / Nigel Giles 1969 Porsche 911E Targa
4WD Turbos - Mark Greenham / Kim Greenham 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX

1975 Goss Special Falcon: John Goss/Michael Hall - 2001 Smart City Coupe: Evan Simeon/Denis Conway

1970 BMW 2002: Barry Baltinas/Kristen Pinner - 1959 Austin Healey 3000 Mk1: John & Brayden Rowe

Top Competition Driving Score – Unhandicapped – Touring - Tim Willing (9th)
Top Competition Driving Score – Unhandicapped – Navigation - Denver Parker
Top Navigator - Brad McDonald – entirely clean sheeted
Team Awards – Navigation – The Winners:
   Thomson/Henderson - Falcon GTHO / Pollard/Wood - Nissan GTiR / List/McDonald - Ford Escort Mexico
Team Awards – Touring – Team Asset:
   Drexel/Giles - Porsche 911E Targa / Willing/Willing - Porsche 911 3.2 / Baltinas/Pinner - BMW 2002

1998 Nissan 200SX: Jason Abbott/Andrew Jordan - 1972 Fiat 124 BC Sport: Dean & Paul Trettel

1969 Fiat 595 Abarth: Wayne Pavy/Martin Jansen - 1990 GTD Ford GT40 twin turbo: Cosi & Claudette Sorgiovanni

Peter Brock in the Holden SS Utility he entered in 2001. Other photos from past years.

Photos by Paul Blank, Igor Gordon, Dean Bicknell, George Darwent