A reality check will see a shorter event and the Classic Outback Trial return next year to NSW.
Described as the 21st century equivalent of the classic Round Australia trials, director Philip Bernadou has announced that after a sojourn in Alice Springs in 2016 and 2018, the 7th Classic Outback Trial will return to its original roots from August 8-15, 2020.
Bernadou said the spirit of the old Round Australia trials that began with the REDeX Trial in 1953, lives on, but the practicalities of modern life mean that people can no longer afford to spend three weeks away from work and families driving around Australia.
In contrast, the Classic Outback Trial offers an opportunity to relive the legendary adventures of the REDex, Ampol, Mobil and Repco trials in a realistic time frame.
The 2020 Classic Outback Trial will run for 7 days, starting at Parkes in central NSW on August 8, before finishing in Australia’s motor sport capital of Bathurst on August 15.
There will be multi-night stopovers in Parkes, Orange and Bathurst.
Bernadou said the decision to move the event from Alice Springs back to Central NSW was made for several reasons:
“The 6-day round journey to Alice Springs from the major Eastern State cities robbed the event of competition time and added to expenses,” he said.
“As another plus, there are more competitive rally roads available in a more compact area in NSW.”
The field for the 2020 Classic Outback Trial will be limited to 60 cars, with 27 nominations already lodged.
As well as competitions for Classic and Modern rally cars, there will be a Regularity event for cars that do not wish to fit full CAMS safety equipment, plus a casual Tagalong tour for standard SUV vehicles.
For further information, check the website: https://classicoutbacktrial.com.au or contact Event Director Philip Bernadou by email philip@classicoutbacktrial.com.au or phone 0412 498 602.
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