South Australia was well represented, with John Taylor / Graeme West ( Austin X6 ) and Tom Barr-Smith / Rob Hunt ( R12 Gordini ) both doing well initially in the dry and sandy conditions north of Wagga and in the forests around Forbes, Parkes and West Wyalong. That was until a dry creek bed claimed the two SA crews, together with eight other cars who deeply bogged.

Renault Australia had entered a two car team, for Bob Watson / Geoff Thomas in the totally standard Peugeot 504 and Mal McPherson / Jeff Beaumont in the Renault R12 Gordini.

Stewart McLeod / Jack lock ( XU-1 ) won the “ most punctures “ award, with a total of seven during the five day event.

At the finish control at Bendigo, after a difficult final run through the Huntly Forest, the winner was not initially clear. Double checking of scores sheets by the LCCA scoring team, led by President John Ould, confirmed that Bob Watson had achieved one of his most cherished ambitions and had won the BP Rally by a scant couple of minutes from team-mates McPherson and Beaumont.

It was Geoff Thomas’s third victory in this major event, confirming his status as one of Australia’s best rally navigators.

The HDT Torana of Bond / Jessup finished on the podium in third place, followed by Bruce Wilson and Mike Mitchell in the little Datsun 1200.

For a comprehensive report on this and all of the BP Rallies, please head to Ross Runnalls’ excellent website:

BP Rally of South Eastern Australia