1987 High Country Trial

The High Country Trial, organised by the North Eastern Car Club, was held between 24 and 26 April.

The event was won by David Officer, David McKenzie and Kate Officer.

The High Country was the third of Ross Runnall’s epic trials that visited far flung parts of Victoria that were otherwise overlooked by the rally community. Each offered challenge and an opportunity for adventure. All night drives were a feature!

The first two were George Derrick Memorial Trials. In 1981 Ross took crews to the deserts of NW Victoria. In 1984 we visited the very far east of the state (with a skirmish into the NSW plantations) on so many magnificent roads.

This time it was the Victorian High Country to the NE of the state, which apart from the very start and finish was conducted in the true alpine country, above the winter snow line.

In Ross’ post event reflections he noted that he felt sorry for those who missed out as it  “was a once only opportunity”. He also suggested that this one would be the last of his epic events, history might tell a different tale….

Steuart Snooks and Ron Jay at the division finish control at Lake Omeo (Steve Weste)
Steuart Snooks and Ron Jay at the Division 2 finish control at Lake Omeo (Steve Weste)
Competitors on Lake Omeo (Steve Weste)
Competitors on Lake Omeo (Steve Weste)
Steuart Snooks and Ron Jay - John Drzymulski from Tayell in white (Steve Weste)
Steuart Snooks and Ron Jay - John Drzymulski from Tayell in white (Steve Weste)
Benambra service (Steve Weste)
Benambra service at sundown. (Steve Weste)

Results and entry list

Placing O/RDriverNavigator #1Navigator #2CarPoints Lost
1stDavid OfficerDavid McKenzieKate OfficerPajero174.25
2ndSteve SmithBob BuckStuart ListerEscort Mk II191.75
3rdPat RyanJim MaudeDatsun 1600231
4thBruce DillonJoe BrickDatsun 1600319.25
5thMurray MackenzieGeoff ByronMazda RX3328
6thSteve AshtonRo NixonMazda 323 4WD368.75
7thSteuart SnooksRon JayDatsun 1600415
8thRichard Campbell-DuryStephen RenshawDatsun 1600442.5
9thSteve KaitlerColin HaycroftNissan Silvia??374.75
10thPeter FultonIan FultonDatsun 16006M 369.25
11thTerry NaishGeorge DavidsonLancer9M 331.5
12thRichard MasonR WilliamsLancer??9M 380.5
13thRoss McPhersonAndrew McArthurGary DamonDatsun 16009M 418.25
14thRod ThomsonGreg HannahDatsun 160021M 503.5
DNFAhmet UzunogluEdgar HainsCortina Mk IRetired Div 3
DNFB ReysT HollenkampS LiewMazda RX4Retired Div 3
DNFNeil CuthbertGlenn CuthbertDatsun 1600Retired Div 1
DNFGraeme PalmerRod BeetCelicaRetired Div 1

Detailed Results

Director’s Report

Route

Other event documents