Entries roll in for Round Australia Adventure

More than two thirds of starting places have already been spoken for, with the event's 120 vehicle entry ceiling governed by the availability of accommodation in remote inland centres during the Trials' 12 days from September 8-20. Those committed to competing include 1979 Repco Reliability Trial runner-up Barry Ferguson, former Australian Rally Champions Geoff Portman and David 'Dinta' Officer, London-Sydney Marathon participants Steve Ashton, George Bevan and Michael Blakiston and leading rally competitors Graeme Alexander, Ian Swan and Steve Coad. Created by former Australian Rally Champion Bob Watson to capture the spirit of the previous great Round Australia Trials, the 2008 Red Centre to Gold Coast Trial will take participants on a 7,000km Outback roller-coaster ride from Alice Springs to the Gold Coast via Normanton, Cairns, Longreach, Birdsville and Bourne.

Befitting its classic trial nature, the event is designed for Historic, Classic and Production rally cars built prior to 1986, while there are also categories for traditional (not sedan-based) four wheel drive vehicles and former London-Sydney Marathon cars. Other vehicles expected to participate include a Porsche 911 and a replica of the Chamberlain tractor nicknamed 'Tail-end Charlie' that followed competitors in the 1957 RedeX Reliability Trial as a promotional 'sweep' car. Unlike some of the early Trials, the 2008 Red Centre to Gold Coast Trial will not be a car breaker, opening up the possibility for tarmac rally entrants with suitable cars to participate in the adventure. Entry costs $5,500 for the Trial category and $4,250 for the less competitive Challenge. Details: www.redcentretogoldcoasttrial.com.au