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Rallye de Bordeaux |
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Rallye de Bordeaux has not been conducted since 2000 |
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The Rallye de Bordeaux will not be conducted again for some time. However the description below will provide some indication of the event proposed for 2001, but subsequently cancelled. 2001 will see the sixth running of The Rallye de Bordeaux. It is the first event of its type in the year and is a popular and well supported event. 2001 will be no different. Expertly run by Ian and Val Swan under the umbrella of the Historic Rally Association the event has developed a devoutly loyal following in its short history. It is also an event which attracts quite a number of Maserati Club members and in 2001 there will be a special incentive for members. Reputedly tough on navigation, outstanding on food, wine, camaraderie and enjoyment the event is limited to 60 entries in cars manufactured prior to December, 1976. In 2001 however, the event will be taking a new direction. As Event Director Ian Swan said recently, "After 5 years exploring the magnificent countryside around the North East of Victoria it has been decided to take a new direction!" The New Year will start with all enthusiasts of Classic Cars and Classic wines heading off to explore the South West of our great State. Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Great Ocean Road and the Otways will be the home to the "2001 Wine Odyssey". Following discussions with past participants and some research of the area in question (hard job!) the choice of a new locale for the event will no doubt stimulate further interest in the event. "The encouragement of previous entrants of the Rallye de Bordeaux has led us to explore new wine regions of Victoria and we believe that next years event will prove that we have the best wines & wineries, the best roads and the friendliest people in Australia! Now of course theres no forgetting the best Auto Tests in Australia!" "The 2001 Wine Odyssey is a 2 day rally with the opportunity for Interstate crews to leisurely drive home the morning after the finish, or like the Melbourne crews, become tourists and enjoy the beautiful coast of the South West at a slightly slower pace". The Rallye starts in Melbourne from the classic Chifley on Flemington Hotel (better known to older Melburnians as the "Old Melbourne") on the morning of 26th January 2001 (this is the Australia Day holiday!). The Rallye then travels over some of Victorias great roads to a 2-night stay at the 4 Star All Seasons Ambassador Hotel in Geelong. "The idea of racing around the Docklands and then the Police Driver training complex should appeal to most!" Ian said. From the All Season Ambassador Hotel in Geelong, which should be familiar to those who ventured to Adelaide with the Grand Prix Rally, the 2001 event will begin exploring the new pastures of South West Victoria. "How does an afternoon at the Anglesea Proving Ground trying out some of Jeff Beaumonts exciting Auto Tests or racing around the streets of Geelong in the peak of the Summer holidays or testing your skills on the track at the Geelong sporting complex appeal?" asked Ian. The main Dinner & Function for the 2001 event is to be held at Spray Farm on the Bellarine Peninsula "dining on the front lawn in a marquee with the magnificent lights of Melbourne and Geelong turned on especially for us, a sight not to be missed!" Ian commented. The 2001 event will feature at least 8 driver events and Maserati Club member Jeff Beaumont as Director of these events has been given the task to ensure they are both interesting and challenging to competitors and in keeping with the reputation and history of the event. Given Jeffs considerable experience as both a driver and navigator at the highest levels of rallying, this I suspect should not be too much of a problem. Commenting on the 2001 event, Ian Swan said, "The Directing Team of the Bordeaux has a number of guidelines that we have stuck to since its inception in 1996 and I believe that we have always come close to upholding these."
"The Rallye de Bordeaux first started in 1996 out of a desire of the Directors to fill the need for an event under the above guidelines and the success of the gastronomic motoring event of the decade, & now the millennium, has been very satisfying." To add further interest to the event in 2001 the Rallye de Bordeaux will be offering awards to teams from nominated clubs. In particular " ... we will be promoting entries from Club members with more emphasis on this than class awards. We will be encouraging a team of 3-4 from the Maserati Club with a trophy going to the Club and to each team member." Ian said. Based on previous events, finding a club team with 3-4 members in the event should not be too much of a problem. When asked about the competitive aspects of the event Ian said, "One of the attractions that we believe should be highlighted is that everyone can feature in the results of the Bordeaux whether it is for Outright or Class placing. The structure of the event is such that a well-driven car with a good navigator can win the event against the most exotic vehicles available. It is an event for every enthusiast!" It is anticipated that the Entry Fee for the 2001 Rally de Bordeaux will be $710 + GST and whilst this had not been finalised at the time of printing this newsletter, it is not anticipated to vary much from this amount. The accommodation package includes Luxury Twin Share for two nights and has been negotiated at a very competitive $98.00 + GST per night. Taken overall, the Rallye de Bordeaux is not only a fun event, but good value for money as well.
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