Classic Outback Trial returns to NSW in 2020

The 21st Century equivalent of the classic Round Australia trials was held in the Northern Territory in 2016 and 2018, but a return to NSW for next year’s 7th Classic Outback Trial will see the event go back to its roots, according to Event Director Philip Bernadou.

“The 6-day round journey to Alice Springs from the major Eastern State cities robbed the event of competition time and added to expenses,” Bernadou explained.

“As another plus, there are more competitive rally roads available in a more compact area in New South Wales.”

To rally people, the spirit of the old Round Australia trials that began with the REDeX Trial in 1953, lives on, but the practicalities of modern life mean that people can no longer afford to spend three weeks away from work and families driving around Australia.

In contrast, the Classic Outback Trial offers an opportunity to relive the legendary adventures of the Redex, Ampol, Mobil and Repco trials in a realistic time frame.

The 2020 Classic Outback Trial will run for seven days, starting at Parkes in central NSW on 8 August, before finishing in Australia’s motor sport capital of Bathurst on 15 August. There will be multi-night stopovers in Parkes, Orange and Bathurst.

The field for the 2020 Classic Outback Trial will be limited to 60 cars, with 27 nominations already lodged at press time. As well as competitions for Classic and Modern rally cars, there will be a Regularity event for cars that do not wish to fit full CAMS safety equipment, plus a casual Tagalong tour for standard SUV vehicles.

For more info on the route, how to enter and further details, go to: classicoutbacktrial.com.au