Well, thought I'd just chuck in my two cents on the Corsa errr...Course.
I've been out with Paul Tams, as Checker, checking the roadbook and the stages for the 9 unique stages that make up the Corsa during the last two weeks. A really BIG thanks to Jason (Jamar) for the loan of his 180B while he's been away on holiday.
Ray (FF) wrote most of the roadbook I think with some input from younger Tams - no offence meant to either of them. The course is different to what I'd generally expect in Canberra.
Basically, it's as technical as a big friggin technical thing. Don't rely on rhythm as a guide. The length of the event and some of the stages must be almost unprecedented in Canberra (except if you could run Mt. McDonald to the top of Champagnes) with over 42km competitive for two different stages. Quite a few stages will see 180kph on the clock. You'll also see a fair number of hairpins which should slow down the 4WD's.
Sparrows and Bluetts are going to be awesome with some damn fast parts in there. Sparrows in particular is going to be a fun filled fast roller coaster ride with fast blind crests. That's going to be a very rewarding stage if you get it right. It'd be even better if we can bulldoze out four drainage humps.
Tidbinbilla has a bit of everything in it.
A lot of the stages have some Hard To See turns off the main road but that is going to make it the marathon that it is and going to reward the precise crew who follows the road book to the letter. When it says Caution, it means Caution.
I thought I knew most of Pierce's East but there were some roads we went on that I had no idea where we were!
Looks like Forestry have just graded a fair few of the roads as well. They're not too soft but a lot wider and consistent than before.
There are also a few roads here and there that are just surrounded by deep bush and reminded me of the old school Oberon (turn left around the third bush on the right) when I started out in '00.
East/West and Tidbinbilla has two very nice starting locations. I don't think East/West has started where it has before.
And there is a stage in a forest section that I've never heard of or seen before and I don't think Paul Tams had seen it either.
One things for sure, the competitors are going to get their moneys worth. The event is longer than RoC for crying out loud!
enjoy.
Mark
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