2012 Classic Outback Trial winners Matt Swan and Paul Franklin in their Holden Commodore VL lie 2nd after today’s 5 stages from Parkes to Condobolin, 29 seconds behind leaders Andrew and David Travis in their veteran Datsun 1600. Long distance specialists Ashton/Nixon (Galant) who have twice finished 2nd in this event are currently 3rd, 56 seconds further back.

Cars were flagged away in bright sunshine from the main street of Parkes by the Mayor after all crews were photographed under the starting arch. First car away was the Datsun 200B of Cuthbert and Runnalls. The team changed the entire rear suspension overnight and then had to change an engine control module this morning, making the start with only a few minutes to spare. Clearly there is quite a lot of fine tuning to be done to this brand new car before it’s where they want it. After today’s stages, the crew has dropped back to 4th on provisional scores, a mere second from Aston/Nixon. Continue reading →