With drivers scrambling for vital championship points, the Bulahdelah Classic is set to shape the outcome of this year’s Australian Motorsport Action Group Southern Cross Rally Series.
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The Classic will be held on Saturday, July 28 and will attract a capacity field of 55 entrants.
In a first for the series, a seeding system will be introduced.
AMSAG president Michael Bannon said drivers will now start on the grid based on data results.
“In the past we have worked off a historical system where we’ve slotted them in based on previous results,” Michael said.
“The intention is to use it for future events.”
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The event has attracted so much interest that reigning Australia National Champion Nathan Quinn is on the reserves list.
“That shows the strength of the field,” Michael said.
Known to be a technical track, drivers will tackle the 151 kilometre course over eight stages.
“It’s a fantastic road,” Michael said.
The intention is to use it for future events.
- Michael Bannon, AMSAG president
“There is a mix of conditions and we’ve got an extended, long stage to finish it off.”
He added that Ian Hill will be a top contender to take out the event.
“He’s been competing for a number of years and won another series at Bulahdelah not long ago,” Michael said.
“I’d say his biggest challenger would be Michael Valentine.”
Michael said a number of North Coast and Newcastle based drivers will be keen to impress fans.
“They can certainly mix it up with the best,” he said.
The Southern Cross series has welcomed strong entrant numbers across the year.
Matthew Byron leads the classic series and will be on track at Bulahdelah.
“He’ll be looking to maintain his lead at the top of the championship,” Michael said.
Open Class championship leader Peter Neal won’t be able to build on his 27 point lead at the round.
“Kevin Ashby is running second so a good result at Bulahdelah could see him go into first place,” Michael said.
Visitors to the event are advised to review the Spectator Instructions on the AMSAG website before attending.
The penultimate round of the series will be at Orange on September 1 before the final at Oberon on November 3.
