Re-live the action from 1949
The established clubs continued to conduct several trials during the year. The Victorian Sporting Car Club conducted its first Midnight Trial. Branches of the Light Car Club became established in the regional areas, most prominently Ballarat with the formation of the Ballarat Light Car Club, which became a strong supporter of rallying. Several of its members would go on to become state and national champions.
We have details on only a few rallies in 1949. If you have any information, please let us know! Here are a few of the events for which we have some information.
The Light Car Club conducted a trial to Ballarat on May 25th. Comprising a “reliability” trial followed by a hillclimb and a sprint, it appears that at least on the trial the winners were Bert Chalmers in a Standard Vanguard and Bill Patterson in a Ford, both losing no points, while Bib Stillwell in a supercharged MG TC lost no points on the trial but was penalised for lateness at the start.
The Victorian Sporting Car Club ran their first Midnight Trial on July 9th. There were 59 starters but only 17 finishers! Wal Feltham in a Ford V8 tied on points with R. Kerr in a Singer, but Feltham was declared winner after a sub-event.
Two weeks later on July 23rd the Light Car Club ran their third Experts Trial. It was won by Bill Patterson in a Ford V8.
Several clubs were active running trials and rallies, particularly the Light Car Club, the Victorian Sporting Car Club and the Victorian Amateur Drivers Club, but we have no details of close/club events conducted.
We do not yet have a calendar of events from this year.