Aussie Rally Grand Final

[fro]

From a thread over at bmsc.com.au (http://www.bmsc.com.au/forums/australian-rallying-discussion/12259-australian-rally-grand-final.html):

And complaints about class winners not getting recognition are fair enough, I reckon. Hence, I'd suggest something more akin to:


- Top 3 crews from each State Championship
- Top State P6 crew*
- Top State P4 crew*
- Top State P3/N3 crew*
- Top State P2/N2 crew*
- Top State P1/N1 crew
- Top One-make Series contender (Excel Series for NSW/Vic/SA, Gemini/Pocket Rocket for Qld - additional P2 crew for WA/Tas)
- 1 "wildcard" entry nominated by the relevant RAP (eg. Clubman winner/up & comer)


* - that isn't in the top 3 of the State Championship.

So, what's the thoughts on Excel's being included in the "still theoretical" Grand Final? Obviously, it makes sense to me, I suggested it, but what are the Excel competitors thoughts?

[Crazy Dave]

It all depends on how it gets set up in the end and what the final focus is. As discussed elsewhere and verbally when we have been getting together, we are looking at building the excels to having a final Australian play off. This is something that I believe in big time (most probrably realise it as I push it a fair bit - sorry all) and this is something that will make this series more than any other one make or controlled series has ever been.

The decision will be though as to whether to include it with this, to have an event that is excel only or to include it with another event of smaller nature (such as we discussed with Tumut as a possibility, or to have this as a part of an ARC event, such as South Australia or floating from state to state every year. The more this series goes Aus wide, the more it and rallying from the public view, will be benefitted by having a cheap one make series where for ten grand you can end up racing for the Australian title.

People say that you can have an unfortunate incident and blow it in one event, but so what, that is sport of any type. The series itself is not much better, you need to do 5 or 6 events and you can blow it all in 2 (I have done it 2 years in a row now). One event, one national champion. If you stuff it one year there is always the next.

[Whitey]

you need to do 5 or 6 events and you can blow it all in 2 (I have done it 2 years in a row now). One event, one national champion. If you stuff it one year there is always the next.

Hey Dave,
i wouldn't consider 13 points blowing it by any means, it certainly doesn't help, but is way better than ZERO.

[Crazy Dave]

Your right, not blown maybe but a really difficult start. 2 events in and with yourself, Faz and Andrei all holding officiating points and a round to drop up yoursleeves, where as I have a dnf (drop round gone) and a last place (13 points). We will keep charging, don't worry about that.

WHitey, you seem to have a bit more pace this year, and you were worrying about that tired old engine.

We really need to keep an eye on how they formulate this Australian Grand Final and think about what would be best for the excel series (Aus wide), to try to be a part of it or go the other options and how the other states are going to feel about which way. All the more reason why all the states need to keep focussed on keeping the same rules and maybe forming a panel with one rep from each state to have a vote in the future on the direction of the excel series and to bring all regs in line. As for that recent discusion, ach state member would discuss things with their competitors and go to the panel representing those and the panel would then put in motion with the majority of states, not the majority of noise or numbers (such as we mostly seem to be which I am trying to be conscious of).

[Whitey]

Back on topic,

I am a big fan of a national championship. Bring it on.
I think a single event makes more sense than a series as the time and expense to compete in multiple events makes it less attractive. Combining it with the "Grand Final" concept probably makes sense too. However then we would be limited to say a maximum of 3 competitors per state.

If the proposed media coverage goes ahead Hyundai may be interested in supporting it.

As Crazy Dave says if you come to the event and blow it, then you'll have to come back next year. After all rallying is a test of teamwork, car preperation and speed. Other catergories have single event championships, Karting being the one i have personally been involved with. There was one guy who has been to the nationals for 10 years, coming second 4 times after mishaps. He finally won it this year.

Competitors in each state should register their enthusiasm for the idea with their Rally Panel.

[fro]

To go on Dave's comments, I agree that it is important that the Excel rules are the same across the nation. And the more I think about it, the more important it is to stick with the formula that you currently have (but that's probably a discussion for a different thread).

The Grand Final has a lot of potential, but if the Excel's want to be a large part of it (which is what you're talking about), then you need to have someone involved to push your point. I'd be reading the Proposal (http://www.nswrally.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=16&Itemid=31), and then commenting on the Survey (http://www.nswrally.com/survey/index.php?sid=1).

The Gemini Series used to be represented on the NSWRAP by Paul Bailey... who's representing the Excel Series?

[Whitey]

The Gemini Series used to be represented on the NSWRAP by Paul Bailey... who's representing the Excel Series?

Michael Ryan used to be our representative, so right now no one is the answer, I speak with Ian Bigg regularly to keep sort of in the loop.
I have attended the RAP meeting a few times as a guest but do not have the time to participate regularly.

Would you like to volunteer?


I have read the proposal and completed the survey already.

[Col Vic]

I have known about the "Grand Final" for a while now and have already spoken to the Victorian Rally Panel (of which I am a member) about the leading Excel from each state being included in the invitations. So far the response from Ian Crook has been in our favour, but I will continue with the discussions. The Victorians have been made aware of the concept (but not the fine details yet) and are in favour of it.

Col

[Whitey]

I am a big supporter of the concept.
The only thing i don't like about the grand final concept is that most likely only one excel from each state will get to compete.

How does everyone feel about expanding the interstate chellenge and allowing all excels to enter. Nothing would be better than 20-30 excels all in the one event vying to be the National champion and also competing as a state team.

Each year a different state could host it at an event that was not part of the local series. Maybe interstate cars could be transported on a truck to save on towing costs.

The only drawback would be reluctance on the part of some competitors to travel.

[matt mead]

Whitey i think thats what we need to aim for the future, and use that as a way to promote the series. That u can be competeing for a national championship in a 10k .

If hyundai get in on the act, they may be able to assit on things like transportation and accomodation for the interstate travlers