The BP Ultimate Rally of South Eastern Australia was organised by the Historic Rally Association and directed by Ross Runnalls, with the assistance of Geoff Boyd and Ian Ellis. It was conducted on May 6-9.

Ross Runnalls summarises the event …

White and Smith take out a tough one

This year saw the shortest interval between Old BPs as the organisers felt that competitors, like them, were getting old and could not wait four or five years for the next go. Almost half the competitors were over the age of 55, and only 6 were under 30 years old.

A similar format event to 2008 was planned, starting in Pakenham on Thursday night 6 May with an assembly stage to Stratford in Gippsland, then over the mountains, up to the Mallee and back to Ballarat.

The Navigators Guide was supplemented by a session coinciding with pre event scrutiny where further confidence could be gained in what lay ahead. Competitors received the now standard guarantee that it would be memorable for both driver and navigator.

45 starters fronted, including the unique 1936 MG SA on a practice run for the Peking to Paris Rally.

Division 1 took in Stockdale, Bairnsdale (refuel), Bullumwaal, Tabberrabbera, Dargo, St Bernards, Carboor Upper, Toombullup on the way to Benalla for a breakfast break. First timers Wyatt / Allen led on 10, to Upton / Laidlay 15 and White / Smith 23. Five crews with mechanical issues headed straight to Swan Hill.

Division 2 headed out to Boho South, Murchison (refuel), Anguston, Kamarooka, Bridgewater, Wedderburn (refuel), Wychitella, Boort and Goschen to the overnight break in Swan Hill. Upton / Laidlay moved up into the lead on 20, to White / Smith 47 and Harper / Snooks 70.

Division 3 commenced Saturday morning going via Annuello, Cramenton, Hattah (refuel), Raak Plain, Walpeup (refuel), Patchewollock, Bronzewing and Nandaly to a dinner break at Sea Lake. A tough day in the sand ripped the points off, but the leaders remained Upton / Laidlay 133, White / Smith 154 and Wallis / Nicholas 164.

Division 4 went south to Birchip, Berrimal, St Arnaud (refuel), Emu, Stuart Mill, Barkly and Amphitheatre to the now traditional Ballarat Light Car Club rooms finish. Upton / Laidlay lost their grip on the lead, being overtaken close to the finish by Derrick White / Dave Smith, 165 to 174, while Wallis / Nicholas remained third on 207.

11 crews of the 45 starters did not finish.

Report in HRA News July (includes recollections from many crews)