|
East Coast Classic |
|
|
||
| Following a following a postponement of the
planned 1999 event, the inaugural East Coast Classic was conducted
successfully in March 2000. Reports
on previous event may be found on this site. Entry Forms and
Supplementary Regulations when available can be accessed via the 'Download'
or 'Quick Access' pages.
Now in 2003, following the conduct of three successful events, the East Coast Classic has made some significant changes, viz:
These changes should not only appeal to competitors who are pretty stretched with events at the beginning of the year, but also enable a broader cross-section of the tarmac-rally community to participate. The general structure of the event however remains the same. The East Coast Classic is conducted over over four days (Thursday to Sunday) and is similar in some respects to the Classic Adelaide - whilst there is no >Parade= group, there is a ATour@ and of course a "Competition" group. To be eligible for the event, cars (Competition or Tour) must have been built before 1978 or be identical model run-ons. There are no modern classes. Preference is given to sports, classic and historic cars and the Eligibility Committee invites those cars which it feels best suit the style of the event. Categories and classes within the >Competition= or >Tour= components of the event are influenced by the entries, but are based on engine capacities (and induction systems) and age. Like Classic Adelaide the event is not be subject to some of the more stringent aspects of the FIA rules, that dominate the FIA Targa Tasmania. Cars entering the Competition section are required to have roll-over protection and crews in flameproof suits. Pace notes are banned. Those entering the 'Tour= section are not be required to fit roll cages. Tour participants complete the closed road stages at published average speeds. At the circuits (see later) they compete under the same rules as for historic regularity trials and are rewarded for consistency in lap times. The event commences with a Prologue on a Wednesday to establish a starting order for Day One. The >Tour= participants are be able to use the Prologue for practice at achieving average speeds. The event starts and finishes in Sydney. However for practical purposes it is based in the Bathurst area of the state, well away from Sydney. Bathurst is the base for the event so participants do not have to pack up and check out during the course of the event (similar to Classic Adelaide/Rally Tasmania). With its base in Bathurst the event includes time at Mount Panorama. Participants drive entirely on sealed roads and cover no more than 300 km on any one day. Navigation utilises large easy to read tulip diagrams familiar to those who have entered closed-stage events in the past. As well as competitive stages on closed roads, there are activities at dedicated racing circuits. In total over the four days of competition there are about 30 special stages on closed public roads, all of which as noted are on sealed tarmac roads. The closed road special stages vary in length from 450 metres to 22 km. Most stages are between 7 km and 10 km. As noted, tulips are used and pace notes banned. At each of the race circuits, cars do five laps. Those participating in the >Competition= category compete purely on the basis of elapsed time from one control to the other. Those in the >Tour= cover the same special stages but are required to achieve published average speeds. The organizers, East Coast Classic Pty Ltd include the following personnel: Tom Morrison (Chairman), Gerry Lister, John Flower, Greg Richard, Jim Searly, Stephen Knox (Event Director) and John Pearson. Wayne Kenny is Clerk of Course. Commenting on the inaugural event Stephen Knox, the then Event Director, had this to say: AAn event of this kind has been a long time coming to the east coast and we are delighted with the level of support so far. CAMS is right behind it as are Tourism NSW and all the local councils have been in favour. We would love to see a strong contingent from Victoria.@ For further information you can contact John Flower on (02) 9410 2411 or fax him on (02) 9410 2909. The e-mail address is: eastcoast@ozemail.com.au and website: http://www.eastcoastclassic.com
|
||
 |
||
