Australia Classic 2013 Cairns

All the colour and chrome of a classic car rally! When it is held in Cairns this month, the Australia Classic 2013 Cairns promises to turn heads with a spectacle of rare and valuable cars exceeding a cumulative value of $1.5 million. Having fielded 46 vehicles from the Far North and interstate, this year’s precision car rally will navigate some of the region’s most scenic roads from Cairns to Port Douglas, the Tablelands and as far south as the Cassowary Coast over two action packed days on Saturday, 22 and Sunday 23 June 2013.

Spectators are welcome to view the starting and finishing line action on both Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June.  The race will officially begin both days from 9am in front of the Shangri-la / Pier carpark.  Competitors are expected at the finish line from 4pm both days.

Set to make an entrance in this year’s really is a stunning line up of classic cars comprising AC Cobras, an extremely coveted and beautiful Porsche Speedster from the 50s, a modern classic Ferrari Testarossa, several varieties of the iconic Porsche 911 and a whole host of other gems like Corvettes, Trans Ams, MGs, Mercedes and Aussie muscle cars.

According to the international regulatory body FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) a precision rally (in other words a “regularity” rally) does not involve any risk taking but focuses more on maintaining speed averages and executing a series of coordination tasks while testing navigational skill.

For this year’s rally, competitors will be required to follow a roadbook, sign by sign, for a total of 600 kilometres of driving over two days. Along the way, ‘1/100 coordination stages’ will be completed and measured to the 100^th of a second in terms of accuracy. Being one 100^th of a second too fast or too slow attracts the same penalty. These challenges will be timed by the same crew that measures the RallyCross World Championship this year, international big shot Chronomoto Limited who rely on their state of the art Tag Heuer photocell system with the aid of 20 marshals.  

Founder and Australia Classic race organiser, Zoltan Vandulek, says precision rallies are hugely popular in Europe with some countries staging their own series such as the ‘Oldtimer Supercup’ in Hungary.

“Without question, the most successful competitions are those organised by Germany’s Motor Klassik magazine. The annual Eifel Classic rally takes competitors onto the legendary Nürburgring amongst other notable locations. The Silvretta Classic is another one that takes off from Austria and cuts though the passages of the Alps.  But while Motor Klassik has pioneered this style of racing, the most famous event of this kind is probably the Mille Miglia re-enactment in Italy taking place every May.

“Precision or regularity rallies are relatively new to Australia but the country has already caught the fever with last year’s Australia Classic inspiring the legendary Targa rally series to introduce its own regularity class in this year’s program. Last year’s inaugural rally was deemed a huge success with competitors loving every minute of their experience and vowing to return again to this year’s start line. And it is not all serious; drivers have their own fun with some introducing their own brand of silliness,” he said.

Last year’s precision rally raised $10,000 for the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal.  This year the race organisers have set a similar fundraising goal that will benefit Variety – the Children’s Charity.

Highlights are expected throughout the weekend of classic car action however spectators are invited to gather for the starting gun on Saturday 22 June that will be fired by Cairns Mayor, Bob Manning. As rally ambassador, Cairns local and Australia’s former rally champion Ross Dunkerton will provide all the starting line commentary.

The route, which is kept secret until the morning of the event, crosses diverse Far Northern landscapes and picturesque scenery from Cairns to Port Douglas, the Atherton Tablelands and Innisfail.

About the organisers

Founder of Australia Classic, Zoltan Vandulek, is a member of Cairns Porsche Club and in charge of recruiting participants.  Before moving to Australia seven years ago, Zoltan often raced in similar classic rallies in Europe. His partner, Kristina Jahshan, focuses her efforts on the rally’s event management and sponsorship. Formerly an organiser of major events from corporate retreats to festivals, concerts to boat parties, Kristina promoted Australia and Cairns in European media in 2002 - 2004 with the support of Tourism Australia and AusTrade.

About the sponsors

This year’s sponsors include the Shangri-La hotel, Joe Vella Insurance Brokers, Ireland’s motors, JAX Tyres, Passions of Paradise, Jenkins Rubber and Tyrepower providing either financial support or contributing to prizes and the raffle for Variety.

 

For more information:

Kristina Jahshan Mob: 0420 533 622 Email: info@australiaclassic.com.au