The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally, organised by Vroom Events, was held on 23 and 24 August. The event was Round 4 of the EROAD Australian Rally Championship and day 1 was the 4th round of the DRC 4×4 Victorian Rally Championship.
Hayden Paddon and John Kennard in a Hyundai i20N were clear winners, their third successive ARC round victory. After a strong day 1, they were over 1 minute ahead of Harry Bates and Coral Taylor in a Toyota Yaris. Day 2 saw them drive a little more conservatively, protecting their lead without extending it. Ultimately the winning margin was 1 minute and 7 seconds. A close third were Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin, 35 seconds further back.
In the VRC, victory went to Brendan Reeves and Aidan O’Halloran in a Subaru WRX STi, 1 minute and 35 seconds ahead of Danny Traverso and Anthony Carr in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9 (who also participated in the ARC component of the rally). Kevin Millard and Pat Hughes, also in an Evo9, were third a further 2.36 back.
Rally Headquarters was again in Heyfield. A new short stage just south of Lake Glenmaggie was included this year to provide ready access for spectators. The rest of the stages were in the forests west and north-west of Heyfield. The Mt Moornappa area, previously used for day 2, was unavailable this year due to uncompleted repair works following a bushfire.
To visit the event website, click here.
