RALLY QUEENSLAND

Imbil Meeting

13 & 14 July 1996

The Lead Up

This years event was a 4 day affair for some club members, being Queensland's first pace noted C10 rated event it required 2 extra days work than past years. It was a busy few days to the lead up of the rally. With the last minute time change to Possum Bourne’s club visit, plus the rally itself, things were a little hectic. The plan was to set off on Thursday morning and meet up with Rik and Lorne C at the rally's media day, held at Beerburrum. We had to put start and finish signs in place for the special stage. John P and young Trent (L Series Turbo Wagon) followed me up as they had overnighted at my place after the rally night. Most of the top teams were there, although Possum Bourne did not arrive as some of his team were still on their way from NZ. The only other Subaru there was the Group N WRX lmpreza of Canberra's Michael Thompson.

Our own Adrian Bukmanis (Eddie) and navigator Ryan Parker in their Future Team Honda Civic were there in full rally trim. Adrian gave his boss and other work mates, plus Lorne C a ride of their life. John, Rik and myself went for rides in one of the RV Corollas and the Digga sponsored Laser. These rides were good fun, they were trying hard as they did not back off much. We were hoping to get rides in some of the 4WD's but quickly discovered sponsors and media came first.

From the media point we continued on to Caloundra as John wanted to call in on Peter K's workshop. Also Rik and Lorne had to pick up more gear from their home. Rik's wagon was still in full Conondale trim, including the mud and half the exhaust system strapped on to the roof rack. At the Imbil turnoff we said goodbye to John as he was continuing north back home. We eventually arrived at our special stage start just west of Imbil. Our plan for the rest of the afternoon was to drive through the stage putting up most of the bunting and directional arrows for the recce on Friday.

Because the roads could not be closed until Saturday, some of the bunting was left down, numbered arrows were used instead, these numbers and the tulip numbers in the crews road book. It was a good backup to stop the crews from getting lost and enabled them more time to pace note the course. The idea was started in the earlier rallies this year and because each rally is rated by CAMS, Queensland followed. The special stage length was 15.3km, it consisted 2 shallow rocky creek crossings, linked up with good forestry roads and 2 rougher twisty loops.

It was dark by the time we reached lmbil, where we stopped for dinner. We then headed back to the stage start where we set up camp. Friday dawned cold and foggy. Martin G and Dale C arrived from Brisbane around 6.45am, they got an early start at 4.30am. Our job for the day was to man the stage starts, as the competitors could only travel each stage 3 times. Rik, Lome and myself did the club's stage, while Dale and Martin looked after other stages near by, we were all in radio contact. Competitors could only recce from 7.00am to 5.00pm in standard road cars, they could use rally tyres, only with written permission. We thought Possum Bourne had the best machine a 555 blue left hand drive old model RS Liberty, it had rally tyres fitted. Adrian Buckmanis was driving his lifted MY 4WD sedan, a good choice of vehicle. Other teams such as Neal Bates used Landcruiser wagons, while some used their 2nd car, probably their wives shopping trolley. A lot of interstate teams used rent a cars. As the day progressed cars began to loose exhaust systems and other bits and pieces, they were not to exceed the forestry speed limit, but I think some did in places. Ed Ordinski put a hole in the sump of a new V6 Magna and had to ride with Michael Guest, as they organised another car.

The Club's Sentimental Favourite - Possum Bourne

Big John McK arrived on Friday night with all the plastic poles, ropes and steel saddles and spikes for the start bunting to make the job easier, he had made all the gear himself. Friday night was spent relaxing around the camp fire. By Saturday morning the weather was a little warmer.

The first job was to set up the start, the finished result looked impressive, with the new poles, there was even a high flag pole for the club's banner. Big John had also bought along 2 portable generators - 1 for the start and the other for the finish. Martin and Dale set off through the stage doing the final bunting check and to set up the finish. Rik, Lome and myself decided to head back to the Kawana Shopping Centre to see the start of the rally, we only had time to see the first 6 cars.

By mid morning the control officials and road blocks began arriving. For road blocks we had John P, Cosmo H and friend, Wayne M and Steven W, Trent B, Ralph and Marilyn C and Danny and Beth W, Cherrie Van D and friend. Start control officials were Keith P and Jenny P on time control, Riki C and Big John did the flag start. Dana P was kept busy supplying everybody with tea, coffee and cakes.

Lorne C was positioned mid stage to catch the action on film. The finish control officials were Dale C and Helen F on flying finish, Martin G, Simone M and Darrell B did the stop point. Another first for this year were the 'SOS' radio points spaced about 6km apart through the stage. At each stage start was a FIV (First Intervention Vehicle) equipped with a doctor and safety gear in case of an accident as with past year 2 other radio operators were based at the start and finish to transmit times. By mid afternoon everybody was in place waiting for the action to start.

Official 'Car Zero' At Race Speed

The Rally

The running of the rally ran smoothly but thick dust was a problem for the crews on Saturday night. On John P's corner there was some action, a Suzuki GTI rolled over. John and helper were able to push the car back on its wheels and the crew continued on. At Ralph C's corner an old Galant rolled a tyre off a rim, causing the car to roll on its side, they also were able to continue. Cosmo H reported Possum Bourne had a big spin on his corner. At that stage he was in about 12th place and having gearbox problems. At the start and finish the Subaru left pools of gearbox oil on the ground.

The Golden Arches At High Speed - Fast Food !

On Sunday the dust was not a problem, by the time sheet most cars were faster. There were no major breakdowns or spin-offs. Possum Bourne set the fastest stage time. Neal Bates finished in 1st place - Toyota, Ed Ordynski in 2nd - Lancer and Possum Bourne in 3rd. Michael Thompson - Impreza finished in 10th place. The Scotts RS Liberty from Gladstone was running high up in the field until gearbox problems slowed their progress.

Our Champ In Action !

Overall it was a great weekend and a big thank you to everybody who helped out.

Author : David Martin SC180

Photos : Danny Williams SC412