The Bayswater Wreckers Stages, organised by the Ford Four Car Club and directed by Alan Paterson and Andrew McCathie, was held on Sunday March 3. It was held in the Korumburra and Leongatha areas, all in daylight and entirely on shire roads, including the first four stages on tarmac.
1989 Victorian Rally Championship Round 1
After a three year absence from the sport, Hugh Bell returned in fine style winning the first round of the 1989 VRC by almost two minutes. Well navigated by Geoff Floyd the crew ran a borrowed Ford Escort under the Traction Tyres banner.
Forty One entries were received, now without Group G Rally Cars in the VRC.
The event started at Korumburra Showgrounds and got underway with four tarmac sections along the spectacular rolling hills roads. Geoff Portman / Robin Smalley set fastest time on the first stage, then promptly had a big “off “ after missing a left hander over a crest.
At the end of the tarmac specials, Hugh Bell / Geoff Floyd were in front of the Escorts of Greg Hoinville / Mike Cains, Grant Walker / Denis O’Brien, then Glen Cuthbert / Jeff Lagerway.
After a service break to change from tarmac to rally tyres, the field headed off down Glen Forbes Rd and on towards the Division end at Leongatha.
At the end of the morning Division Bell / Floyd led the three Escorts from the impressive 4WD Mazda 323 of Peter Fyfe and Gerry Bashford.
The afternoon consisted of six stages in a loop north west from Leongatha and included the magnificent Ferndale – Strzelecki Road.
After a couple of stage wins, Glen Cuthbert had a slight off, which ended up with a light roll onto a fence. Two flat tyres prevented any further progress.