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The event started with a publicity start in Melton CBD. It was run in the Daylesford/Trentham areas on 13/11/99. Many of the roads were the same used in the Begonia Rally earlier in the year.
First car was away at the respectable time of 11.00 a.m. We were car 29 with our nearest championship rivals car 34. We had spared no expense for this event knowing that the State Championship was to be decided by the result. We went into hock and bought six new tyres. This turned out to be a good decision as by the time we got to the first service (after only 4 short stages) we had already worn out both rears.
There were no time boards set up at any of the finish controls like most other VRC events. The only time board was at the service park where we had two twenty minute services. Unfortunately the organisers were very slow getting each crews times on the board. In fact just as we were leaving each service our times were just being placed on the board. This meant with our main competitor being car 34 we were never able to compare our times with theirs. It wasn't until late in the day that we were able to find out we were about one and a half minutes down!
After finding this out went on maximum attack bringing the gap back to 59 seconds at the end of the day. But the damage had already been done. This gave the championship win to car 34.
We had to be satisfied with second place in the championship and a 4th place in the grade for this event. Our only solace was that once we found out our times and knew we had to go hard, we were able to beat their stage times. (pity the scoring wasn't up to scratch)
It wasn't the end of the season the team had planned but there is always next year. Speaking of that we have some plans that may see us in another brand of car but we will have to wait and see!
On that note the team thanks each and everyone of our sponsors for their help throughout the 1999 season. Without you all behind us we wouldn't be doing what we do. .
We look forward to your continued support in the new millennium. Have a Merry Christmas and a great 2000.
Shane, Colin and the team.
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