The BP was
the brain child of Donald Thomson who directed the first ten of the sixteen
editions. The directing team and the
outright winners for each event are listed here.
A list of all competitors from 1958 to 1973, their state of
origin and the years they competed are recorded here.
This site is initially anyway, not a florid history, but contains a brief summary of each year’s event and lots of scanned copies of event documents including Regulations, Route Instructions, Results, Media reports and some photos, sourced from a range of contributors.
We look forward to adding copies of any relevant documents missing here, plus any photos as well as adding personal recollections, not necessarily from direct experience, but even as a partner, child or grandchild of a competitor, official or service crew or resident of rural South-eastern Australia that witnessed the BP circus.
It is unfortunate that it has taken so long for this project to eventuate, as we only begin to appreciate what a unique event it was as the competing and organising participants reduce in number. The BP was celebrated after 1973 with Ye Olde BP Rallies in 1979, 1984, 1989, 1998, 2004, 2008, 2010, and 2013, which copied many aspects of the original BPs. Those events have now been added here.
Latest Developments:
The existence of this website was first promoted in early October 2020. While substantially developed at that point, further additions and improvements are anticipated as more people with information and stories view the site.It is intended to provide progress reports here on major new additions of documents, photos and more importantly personal stories, so check here each time you check in!
Not sure how often this guidance was given
