Record Rains Cause Further Outback Trial Postponement

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – Aug 26, 2010: With heavy regional rainfalls now forecast to continue well into September, the organisers of the 2010 Frontier Services Classic Outback Trial have been forced to postpone the event for the second time – this time until 21-27 November.

The heaviest falls recorded in some parts of Central and Western New South Wales over the past 20 years have left most of the Trial’s closed-road competitive sections impassable for the field of up to 30 Historic rally cars. And

these roads and tracks are not expected to be usable without major damage until well into October.

The second postponement follows further consultation with Forests NSW, local Shires and the property owners and long-range weather predictions.

Event Director Philip Bernadou said the Trial was “ready to run” but a further postponement was unavoidable.

“Competitors and the organisers were looking forward to the event, which was originally due to have run from 22-29 August, but there was no way it could happen,” he said.

“Fortunately there is a further window in November that doesn’t rain on anyone else’s parade and when sufficient accommodation is available for the event. Fortunately our sponsors and local Shires and authorities are very supportive and endorse and welcome our decision.”

“The new date should ensure that the event will run in its original form over the planned 2,200km course, which includes an unprecedented competitive content of nearly 30 per cent.”

Because some prospective entrants were unable to make the original August Trial date, entries for the event will now close on Friday, 12 November.

As before, the 2010 Frontier Services Classic Outback Trial will still start and finish in Forbes.

In between, the field of Historic rally vehicles built up to 1996 will compete in 25 closed-road timed stages during their six-day loop of major regional NSW centres including Dubbo. An important stop will be at Coonabarabran,

where Trial entrants will stage a street display as part of the town’s 150th Anniversary celebrations.

The event will open and close with timed special stages at Forbes Showgrounds and adjoining Travelling Stock Reserve, which will be open free for the public to view.