So here is a ?? for the aussies

[Rallying83]

I have begun doing research on the Australian Rally Championship and have noticed that there are no tarmac rallies. Its like this in the SA rally championship also. So the question is do you consider tarmac to be rallying?

[wayno]

Sort of. I like to see a variety of surfaces, but would prefer only one or at the most two tarmac rallies a year.

[tumbo]

I don't think that Australia has the correct roads for Tarmac rallies. We specialise in having good dusty gravel surfaces and mix that with other types of gravel surfaces, in Ireland they have a national tarmac championship cause they have some of teh fatest tarmac roads. As we only have a small number of rallies- 8 including Aus the diversity in the gravel allows for different styles of rally already, additional is the fact that none of the teams have tested or set up for tarmac in yrs, this would put a lot of strain on some of the budgets, including the privateers, and w/ a lack of tarmac practice could be dangerous w/ some competitors....just my 2c though

[Lita]

It's an interesting subject. I like tarmac events-I think the contrast works well in the WRC.
Here, as has been previously mentioned, we really don't have the capacity to run a tarmac event-we don't have the right location. Downunder is well known for it's dust, dirt and gravel-that's what were all about. Tarmac, although very interesting, wouldn't have the same showing here.
That's not to say they couldn't come up with a location for tarmac or that it's impossible-I just don't see it getting the same regard or appreciation as the gravel we currently work with. Also, it's a good point tumbo brings up-the cost factor?? Our cars are set up for these dirt, gravel conditions-for tarmac it's a whole new ball game-more setup strategys would have to be brought in to configure a car for this surface. More dollars spent.
But, I do definately like tarmac events.
-LITA

[tumbo]

having thought about the matter further since my earlier post I believe that the possibility for a tarmac event would lie in its location. A run through some of the newer estate areas prior to bldg commencement would be fantastic, problem being the event would continually be on the move. Alternatively if funds were injected a purpose built course could be made, designed in the outback between areas?? Or even in the moutain regions of Tas, NSW or Vic for a monte style atmosphere

[Lita]

I think Vic or NSW would be prime candidates for that style of rally-but, the possibility of constantly moving locations is a real danger. If there was a way to make it work-perhaps targeting a region just on the outskirts of a major capital, with slow 'developing' growth and good as you say 'monte' roads-could even be a slightly industrial area. It may work-at the very least it would be an interesting gamble.

[Rallying83]

Very interesting replies. Just curious more than anything. Its just interesting to talk to some people who do consider it and some people don't. The only tarmac rallying we have in SA in on the superspecial stages but strangely enough tarmac is one of my favorite surfaces(Germany!).

[Lita]

Hmmm-Germany is great-love to go to that!