The Overture Rally was held on 30 January.
1977 LCCA Overture Rally
The first “ warm up rally “ for the year was the Light Car Club of Australia’s Overture Rally. The rally was conducted in warm conditions in late January and was well directed by Simon Brown. With 42 starters, the rally consisted of ten short stages, with quarter minute timing and over a total distance of 150 kms. Conditions were dry and dusty
The event started at Merton in hot weather and headed up through the Strathbogies.
The Brad Boyden Datsun 1600 of Chris Power and Mick Brasier opened proceedings with a quick run on the first nine km stage, finishing just seconds ahead of Hugh Bell. As they headed further into the forest, Gil Davis / David Long hit the front, with a quick time, equal with Chris Brown / Steve Hollowood, both in Datsun 1600’s.
Roger Bonhomme / Ian Baldock lost substantial time when a rear brake hose blew out, forcing them to limp out and effect repairs.
The two Datsuns of Gil Davis and Chris Brown continued to set the pace, with quickest on the 13 km loop towards Barjarg. Chris Power had a front strut Issue, which was repaired at the half way point, with minimal time loss.
At the finish at Lake Nilhacootie, Gil Davis and David Long were declared winners, from a tie for second between Garry Harrowfield / Geoff Boyd and Chris Power and Mick Brasier, with all podium finishers driving Datsun 1600 models.
