The 1973 VRC was won by Bob Watson and Jeff Beaumont. The first part of the season was in the factory Renault R12 Gordini and the second part in a Holden Dealer Team HQ Kingswood V8.
From the outset, 1973 looked like being a most competitive VRC season, with a very strong bunch of intending crews ready to take on the seven events that would make up the Championship. The closeness of the finishing points in each event during 1973 certainly confirmed this. Ultimately the championship was decided over six events after the North Eastern Rally was cancelled.
Favourites would be the 1972 Victorian Champions Gil Davis / Peter Haas, driving a 180B SSS for the newly formed Datsun Rally Team.
Bob Watson / Jeff Beaumont in the factory Renault 12 Gordini were expected to be fighting for honours, as well as Matt Philip / Roger Bonhomme in Mollison Motors XU-1 Torana.
However, drama was to occur mid-season when Renault Australia withdrew from the Championship series, leaving their crew to look for another rally vehicle.
The talented young pairing of George Fury / Monty Suffern could possibly spring a surprise, particularly since fitting a 2 litre Pinto engine in their lightweight Cortina.
With three wins and a second placing, Bob Watson and Jeff Beaumont ran out clear champions. It was Bob Watson’s fourth state title.
To see what else happened during 1973 in Victorian rallying, go to the 1973 year page.
To see other years of the Victorian Rally Championship, go to the VRC page.
