With vital championship points on the line, the 2018 Bulahdelah Classic certainly lived up to its name.
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A capacity field was welcomed by pristine conditions for the 151 kilometre challenge.
When the dust settled, it was Nabiac’s Scott McCloy alongside co-driver Ronald “Snow” McMahon who had sealed the win.
“It was a good result,” Scott said.
“We haven’t had the car long (a Subaru WRX), only used it in three events before so it’s certainly ticked a few boxes.”
With two stages left, Scott held a one minute lead over the Mazda RX2 entry of reigning Australian National Champion Nathan Quinn and Alexander Eadie.
Nathan clawed back but still fell short of Scott’s time by 39 seconds.
“He’s the man to beat but it’s also nice to keep the young ones honest,” he laughed.
Scott’s result also ensured victory in the open category while Nathan was named champion of the classic category.
Jayke Skeffington and Mark Patroni rounded out the podium.
The classic was held over eight stages with various surfaces for competitors to tackle.
“It had a bit of everything- fast, slippery, grotty and technical stuff,” Scott said.
“For a driver, it was really good.”
Scott was seeded third heading into the event.
AMSAG president Michael Bannon was thrilled with the event.
“We had a great turnout and great weather,” Michael said.
“A few cars had issues but we had 36 finish.”
In the midst of his final series on track before taking up a director role in 2019, Michael finished an admirable fifth overall alongside cousin Mark Bramble in their Mitsubishi Galant.
“I didn’t expect to be that far ahead,” he said.
“We were fourth but got a puncture on the last stage.”
He added that track conditions improved as the race wore on.
It had a bit of everything- fast, slippery, grotty and technical stuff
- Scott McCloy, Bulahdelah Classic winner
“The forest help grade a few rough areas,” Michael said.
Michael was pleased with the introduction of a seeding system but conceded there were a few cobwebs.
“We felt that a few cars were seeded too low,” Michael said.
“It’s a learning curve so we’ll try and sort the numbers out a bit.”
The classic was the fourth round of the 2018 Australian Motorsport Action Group Southern Cross Rally Series.
Matthew Byron retained his lead in the classic category championship after a ninth place at the event.
Mick Pinckham finished 13th overall and is set to remain second on the standings.
Fellow frontrunner Michael Valentine will drop several places after rolling his car at the event.
“He’s okay and most of the damage to the car has been panel beated out so that’s great news,” AMSAG president Michael Bannon said.
Manning driver Peter Neal was unable to compete at the event but is still one point adrift of Chris Jacques at the top of the open championship.
Kevin Ashby and Brian Newton are still within earshot of the lead with two rounds of the championship left.
The penultimate round of the series will be at Orange on Saturday, September 1 before the finale at Oberon on Saturday, November 3.
