Alpine Rally 2009

[grahamthompson]

A quick review of the results of the first three rounds of the HRA championship indicate nine crews have probably guaranteed themselves a start in the Alpine; four of whom are included in the published list of 89 at 11 September. Subject of course to those five actually entering, the potential field immediately goes up to 94.

Another 17 crews can also guarantee themselves starts by competing at Bagshot on 3 October, four of whom are already in the 89. Again if the other 13 enter both Bagshot and the Alpine, the field is already 107, so even the last of the 89 are not secure, let alone those not yet on the list!

[pvda]

Isn't it great to be discussing what looks to be an oversubscribed event.

[MarkH]

Originally Posted by pvda

Isn't it great to be discussing what looks to be an oversubscribed event.

Nothing unusual down here

Spring 200 tomorrow night had to apply for a field extension last week.

[tamsey]

This event is always attracting a large field, they should do what Bega use to do and open it up to 120 or so.

I know its more pain and time in the bush but I would be stoked to have such a huge and varied field at one of my rallies.

[Datto610]

The length of the event is the issue along with trying to avoid having officials out in the bush all night long! And then have many of them out early again on the Sun morning for another full day. A higher number of competitors just physically doesn't work.
The Alpine is traditionally a long event and I for one wouldn't like to see the stages or number of stages shortened (which would effectively turn the event into "Just another rally") IMHO. Unfortunately some crews will miss out, but thats just the way it is.

[macksrallye]

All this talk of heaps of entries got me thinking. What if the HRA gave prority to Competitors (Entrants) that had officialed on either a HRA or an Alpint in the last 12 or 24 months. It means that the HRA probably wont stuggle for officials while having a clear cut way of sort out the entries.

Just a thought for the future.

[Jme]

We all know the Victorians 'stars' are a protected species in the Alpine.

You'd think they've gotta take Goldy and Jeff David after what they did in Otago regardless of whatever rules they have in place. The event will drop prestige the instant they don't accept an entry from an established driver capable of winning it.

[Dave Kelly]

Originally Posted by Jme

We all know the Victorians 'stars' are a protected species in the Alpine.

You'd think they've gotta take Goldy and Jeff David after what they did in Otago regardless of whatever rules they have in place. The event will drop prestige the instant they don't accept an entry from an established driver capable of winning it.

What utter crap JME!

Really you sometimes come out with the most ridiculous assertions.

They (the HRA) have set the criteria for acceptance of entries, and fair enough for them for doing so. It is a closed to HRA members club event, and therefore they have placed priority on those that have done the requisite number of other HRA events this year, and then made it first in best dressed for the rest. That sounds reasonable and absolutely fair to me!

The Alpine is a huge event with prestige a plenty that it matters not one iota in terms of maintaining that prestige whether any particular driver or crew combination is in it or not... and if someone misses out by being too slow with submitting their entry (no matter who they happen to be!) then surely that is a lesson in learning to get things organised sooner!

Your comments JME just read like you have sour grapes and thats a great pity.

Cheers

Dave

PS. Not a HRA Member, but more than happy to defend them for running THEIR events any damn way they choose!

[DaveTrees]

Originally Posted by Jme

The event will drop prestige the instant they don't accept an entry from an established driver capable of winning it.

In who's eyes ? ..... as if "prestige" matters anyway.

[Swill]

I have no beef with the acceptance rules. But next Alpine it would be nice if they could get the final starting list 6 to 8 weeks before the event. The HRA isn't just some little club from Victoria anymore and this being the biggest rally rally in Australia with people coming far and wide, it would be nice if there was a bit more time up ones sleeve to orgainse accommodation etc. Not that it effects me as Ive got family at Orbost, but there has been a bit or grumbling behind the scene from potential entrants about the short time frame of knowing if your in or not

[PeterO]

Originally Posted by pvda

Isn't it great to be discussing what looks to be an oversubscribed event.

The following message was posted on HRA e-group Saturday afternoon [yesterday] at 2:31pm.

Peter

The Yokohama Alpine Rally 2009 now has a full field and with some
Guaranteed entries still expected to arrive the last few entries will
probably not get a start. Anyone whose entry is received after today
and does not have Guaranteed status will almost certainly not get a start.


Gary Hodgskiss
Yokohama Alpine Rally 2009 Entries Secretary

[grahamthompson]

Re my post #166 above. A scrutiny of the full field for Bagshot posted on the HRA site indicates (by my imperfect reckoning) that only six of the potential 13 crews are entered and have guaranteed themselves as start in the Alpine (if they want it). That makes a neat 100, so the 89 on the list are probably safe. Looking better for Matty T, Swill and Tamsey who are possibly fretting a little.

[tortfeaser]

I think we're OK. Gary's message came a few days after he confirmed our entry. I'm excited. Its great that everyone's so keen.

Props to HRA for running this great event. I've no issue with how priority entry is assessed, just as long as the letter of the regs is enforced. But given the popularity and the need for some advance planning notice earlier notice of entry acceptance would be welcome.

[tamsey]

We got our entry confirmed but it was only for receiving it, they said we'll know soon if we're in.

LETS GO ORANGE ROUGHY MASSIVE!!!!

[Dweller]

My only complaint about this event is that I can't attend.
I am so jealous of those that are.
Wild Turkey supplies are going to take a hammering that weekend, cause if I can't remember Alpine I don't want to remember anything.