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| Lewana Stages 2005 |
Lewana Stages
Unfortunately the rescheduled Lewana Stages rally
will not be able to be run on the 13th August 2005 as was hoped.
With the short lead time following the cancellation of the event earlier in the year it
has not been possible to put together a new event in time. The organising committee
regrets the need to abandon the event for this year but will be working on establishing
the event again next year.
Karen Nelson
Clerk of Course
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| Lewana
Stages cancelled. |
To meet the early April deadline for the Lewana Stages rally, many teams had
worked long hours and poured thousands of dollars into their teams and machines.
In the last week before
the event, many teams were scrambling to complete cars. Some had discovered head gasket
failures, transmission problems, suspension problems and one very dedicated team had even
changed a blown engine to be ready.
For most teams, the
scheduled Wednesday night scrutineering had also gone smoothly. Discussions with the Clerk
of Course in regards to the weather looked posotive. Scattered showers had filtered
through to the Balingup area yet, the roads were still quite dusty.
In the final days leading
up to the rally, that all changed. Heavy rains coupled to logging in the area had
destroyed all but a few roads. The rally organisers had found some stages were virtually
impassible even in a Landcruiser.
The rally organisers had
to make a tough choice. The decision was not made lightly. In the interests of safety and
the possible damage to competing cars the 2005 Lewana Stages Rally was cancelled.
It's the first time in recent memory that a rally has had to be cancelled before it could
even start.Rally organisers are now looking at the possibility of rescheduling the event,
a decision will be communicated in due course.
For the moment, this
leaves 4 rounds in both the Clubman Series and WA State Rally Championship. The next round
in the state competition is the Quit Forest Rally, due to run in Busselton & Nannup
from the 13th to the 15th of May.
Supplementary regulations
and information is now available on the WA Car Club website: www.wacarclub.com.au
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| Lewana Stages Rally - April 2nd 2005
The long break
since the end of last season has given teams the chance to formulate their plans of attack
for 2005. Some teams have made changes to their line ups for 2005, including changing
cars. Many are tipped to be mounting a serious assault on this year's championship which
will make for an action packed season. The 2005 WA State Rally Championship & Clubman
Rally Series will kick off on Saturday the 2nd of April. Round one of both competitions is
the Lewana Stages Rally, hosted by the Ascot Motor Club.
Set in the town of Balingup in the state's southwest, the 2005 event will see competition
returning to the Lewana and Dalgarup plantations south of the town. Competitors will face
the challenging hills of the Blackwood Valley, contesting 9 special stages at State level
and 5 special stages for Clubman. During the 140kms of competition (70 for Clubman), cars
will return to the central service park three times (once for Clubman) for all important
adjustments, repairs and fuel. The service area, rally headquarters and the presentation
ceremony will all be located at the Balingup Recreation Centre.
Up to date results on the event will be supplied by Due Time results. Results will be
posted during and after the rally outside of Rally Headquarters
The first car is due to start at 12:00 PM and finish at approx 19:15 PM.
Spectators are well catered for this year. Not only will spectators be able to see Service
Crews, Competing cars and teams in the service area, they will be able to watch sideways
rally action in the forest. The main spectator point is located at the Lewana Cottages and
Cheese Factory on the Nannup - Balingup Rd, approx 15kms from the service area. Ample
parking is available at the spectator point with access via sealed roads.
Spectators will be able to see competitors passing the point on two occasions, once on SS4
at approx 14:25 PM and again on SS8 at approx 18:10 PM. A sausage sizzle will be conducted
at the spectator point on the first run through.
Immediately after the finish of the rally, the presentation ceremony will be held, to keep
the atmosphere going. Hot food and drinks will also be available at the recreation centre
during the evening.
As always officials are sought for the event with numerous vantage points available
offering great viewing whilst assisting the event. If you would like to help please
contact the organisers on 9420 3361wk or 9405 2563 ah or
by e-mail to richard.yeates@bigpond.com.
The organisers are very grateful to the Town of Balingup for their support and assistance
of the Lewana Stages Rally.
Supplementary regulations, entry, official, and spectator information will soon be
available.
For info on all rounds of the WARC and Clubman Cup, photos, results and
contact details go to: www.rallywa.com
www.lightcarclub.com.au or
www.wacarclub.com.au
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