News

David McKenzie – the Multi Purpose Man

The 1973 GB Chrysler Galant may have been in nearly 50 rallies in its 20 year career but Melbourne’s David McKenzie is determined to “have a real go” in the 2020 Classic Outback Trial.

McKenzie, a retired financial consultant has experienced rallying on both sides of the gear stick, having navigated for such rally luminaries as Geoff Portman (Queensland ARC round in 1984) and also Brian Smith, when they won the 1985 Tile Supplies Rally in South Australia, a round of the Australian Rally Championship that year.

Continue reading →
News

Andrew Travis going for a fifth COT win.

Son and father rally team of Andrew and David Travis are out to win the Classic Outback Trial – again.

Andrew, a 36 year old financial planner from Bathurst and his father, David, 63, a dentist also from Bathurst, have proven to be a formidable combination in long distance rallies for over eight years.

If the Travis team wins this year’s Classic Outback Trial, it will be their fifth victory in six COT starts.

Continue reading →
3rd OR: Ian and Val Swan, 1974 Volvo 242 DL
Media, News

Swan’s Swansong

Long time Victorian rally driver, Ian Swan will be hanging up his long distance driving helmet after this year’s Classic Outback Trial.

Swan, a 73 year old from Frankston South in Victoria, will line up in his trusty 1975 Volvo 242 with his “new” co-driver – long-time mate Colin Gow of Wonga Park –  in an attempt to beat a previous third place in the 7 day, 2,300 kilometre Special Stage Rally.

Continue reading →
News

Toyota Altezza for the 2020 Classic Outback Trial

Melbourne’s Paul Lahiff, who finished 50th in a Holden in the 1979 Repco Reliability Trail, has chosen a 1999 Toyota Altezza to take on “allcomers” in the 2020 Classic Outback Trial.

Paul started his rally career in 1973, driving a Holden FC. Most recently, he competed in the 2019 Alpine Rally of East Gippsland where he finished a creditable 46th out of 110 starters in very tough conditions.

Continue reading →