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Grer Carr in Otago Classic Rally Press Release & photos
Please find below the press release from the Fiat Team Australia's Otago experience
Dunlop International Otago Classic Rally
The 2005 Otago international classic rally, brought memories flooding back for three times Australian champion, Greg Carr, and his former co-driver of 12 years, Fred Gocentas, three times Asian Pacific Champion who now represents his native country of Lithuania. It was a wet and cold start, in New Zealand’s picturesque city of Dunedin, as they sat on the start line in the Fiat 131 Abarth, they realized that they had not been together in a car for some 17 years. It very much reminded them of the start of the 1979 RAC rally in England, in which they finished 10th.
Greg had not driven a rally car in 9 years, and it was some 17 years since he had driven a rear wheel drive. They were a little apprehensive as they commenced the first stage. As they reached the finish control to that first stage, it was evident to Fred that they were back. So, after tackling that first stage with a degree of caution, they were feeling confident enough to increase the pace on the second stage, until at around the 27 km mark it all turned pear shaped. They pulled full rev’s in fifth gear on one of the fastest parts of the stage when they heard a loud bang, the car lost power so they slowed and coasted to finish. It was not till the service point that it was diagnosed as a damaged cylinder.
Back at service, the cylinder head was removed to reveal a damaged piston, broken valve and damaged head. For most crews this was terminal, but the ever experienced Ross Smith and his dedicated team this was only a minor set back. As Greg and Fred feeling all was lost left the service park to spend some time study the course. The boys scoured Dunedin, looking for the necessary bits to try and get back on the road. It was not possible to find the special parts required, however, they were able to remove a standard head off a 1600cc Fiat and adapt it to fit the rally engine. This operation was completed in the service area within three hours, surprising Greg and Fred when they returned form their fact finding mission. Even more amazing, was the fact that they re entered the rally on the same day.
The cylinder head being a standard car part limited the cars performance. Now the rest of the rally became a learning exercise and exposure for the teams sponsors. Even though they had to contend with no more than 140 hp, they still managed to set several quick times, inside the top 10.
As they reached the end of the last 42km long stage they wished that the rally would continue for another two days. They both agreed that this was one of the best rally they had competed in and are confident of taking on this years winner, Jimmy McRae when they return next year,
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