The main contenders this year were expected to be reigning champions, Carr and Gocentas, now in a Starion, David and Kate Officer also in a Starion, Murray Coote and Iain Stewart, as well as Wayne Bell and Dave Boddy, both in Mazda 323s, and Ed Ordynski in a Subaru RX.
A somewhat difficult year for the ARC with only four rounds. And a tricky year for some of the main contenders. Bell broke a gearbox in Tasssie and had engine problems at Bega, but had a victory in the West. Ordynki blew a turbo in Tassie and did not return until the final round. The Officers’ championship was curtailed when their car didn’t make it to the West due to a transporter breakdown. So going into the final round Coote and Carr were on equal points. Carr was favourite on his home event but he was delayed in a water crossing and then the Starion’s turbo blew, after which they limped home in fourth. The win and the title went to Murray Coote and Iain Stewart, the first Queenslanders to win the title. David Eadie and Chris Shearer had a win in Bega and second in Canberra to place third in the championship.
The Manufacturers Award was re-introduced for the first time since 1977 and went to Mazda.
Tom Snooks has provided the full story here.
To see other years of the Australian Rally Championship go to the ARC series page.
