2010 White and
Smith take out a tough one
This year
saw the shortest interval between Old BPs as the organisers felt that
competitors, like them, were getting old and could not wait four or five years
for the next go. Almost half the
competitors were over the age of 55, and only 6 were under 30 years old.
A similar
format event to 2008 was planned, starting in Pakenham on Thursday night 6 May
with an assembly stage to Stratford in Gippsland, then over the mountains, up
to the Mallee and back to Ballarat.
The
Navigators Guide was supplemented by a session coinciding with pre event
scrutiny where further confidence could be gained in what lay ahead. Competitors received the now standard
guarantee that it would be memorable for both driver and navigator.
45 starters
fronted, including the unique 1936 MG SA on a practice run for the Peking to
Paris Rally.
Division 1
took in Stockdale, Bairnsdale (refuel), Bullumwaal, Tabberrabbera, Dargo, St
Bernards, Carboor Upper, Toombullup on the way to Benalla for a breakfast
break. First timers Wyatt / Allen led on
10, to Upton / Laidlay 15 and White / Smith 23.
Five crews with mechanical issues headed straight to Swan Hill.
Division 2
headed out to Boho South, Murchison (refuel), Anguston, Kamarooka, Bridgewater,
Wedderburn (refuel), Wychitella, Boort and Goschen to the overnight break in
Swan Hill. Upton / Laidlay moved up into
the lead on 20, to White / Smith 47 and Harper / Snooks 70.
Division 3
commenced Saturday morning going via Annuello, Cramenton, Hattah (refuel), Raak
Plain, Walpeup (refuel), Patchewollock, Bronzewing and Nandaly to a dinner
break at Sea Lake. A tough day in the
sand ripped the points off, but the leaders remained Upton / Laidlay 133, White
/ Smith 154 and Wallis / Nicholas 164.
Division 4
went south to Birchip, Berrimal, St Arnaud (refuel), Emu, Stuart Mill, Barkly
and Amphitheatre to the now traditional Ballarat Light Car Club rooms
finish. Upton / Laidlay lost their grip
on the lead, being overtaken close to the finish by Derrick White / Dave Smith,
165 to 174, while Wallis / Nicholas remained third on 207.
11 crews of
the 45 starters did not finish.
Documents:
Service Instructions including Locations Map
Event Reports:
Alfa Romeo Club Blog by Greg Whyatt
Not many as heaps in the HRA News story
Videos:
Highlights (nine minutes, played at Sunday Lunch) by Darryl Reid
Full one hour story of 2010 BP Ultimate Rally by Darryl Reid
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