The Alpine Rally of East Gippsland, organised by the Historic Rally Association, was held on November 27-29. The Road Director was Stuart Lister and Clerk of Course Owen Polanski.

Listers last Alpine to Monkhouse

In a break from the previous years the Alpine started with a sole tarmac “Town Stage” in Lakes Entrance on Friday evening, but no prologue. With a competitive distance of 431 km, the route took in many areas previously used but used two new stages to the far east of Cann River. Sunday also included more use of the area north of Bairnsdale, including the wonderful Tabberabbera Road.  Sunday also included a run around the spectator-friendly Bairnsdale Speedway. The weather was kind but one stage was cancelled and Saturday afternoon.

The popularity of the event continued to grow with a bumper entry and a full field of 100 starters or which 71 completed all stages. The ever spectacular Jack Monkhouse was always in the top few stage times but it was Kade Barrett in the Plymouth Fire Arrow that lead through to the end of Saturday. Earl on Sunday he put the car on its side at a spectator point and their event was over. Alan Friend briefly took the lead but Monkhouse chased him down to win by just 29 seconds. Luke Sytema completed the podium in the Escort 2½ minutes back.