Repco Rally Aus Chatter

[Marcus]

On third thoughts I'll withdraw that, better safe than sorry

[LP555]

Originally Posted by lisalex

Were they actually throwing them at cars, or on the stage before the cars were present? I'm not interested in taking sides, but it seems like an assumption that everyone has made.

Not assuming anything, just pointing out the relevant provision in response to Smee's edited post. I am more inclined to think that the rocks were, as the reports state, thrown onto the stage, rather than directly at cars. Either way, it is incredibly irresponsible and endangers human life.

[Mike Cherry]

This is the only news I could find posted on Nine News:




Rock-throwing protesters halt WRC
By Robert Grant 12:00 AEST Fri Sep 4 2009

Protesters halted the Australian round of the World Rally Championship on Friday after hurling rocks onto the course.

Drivers were forced to pull up at the end of stage five at Kyogle, south-west of Kingscliff on Friday while rally officials frantically tried to clear stage six.

Competitors were also confused after encountering people in the middle of the road waving yellow flags, unsure if they were officials or protesters.

The 'No Rally' and Peacebus groups have staged a campaign leading up to Rally Australia, condemning the event for disrupting the environment and scaring wildlife.

Rally organisers were considering skipping the stage and moving onto stage seven to try to circumvent problems.

Court action by protest groups to try to stop the event failed but local council workers have been kept busy cleaning up roads spray-painted with graffiti.

Five-times world champion Sebastien Loeb said he felt "sorry sometimes to be here but I have to".

"Some people don't like us in front of their house but I didn't ask to come here. I can understand why some people don't like the rally but I have to do my job," Loeb said.

Meanwhile, Jari-Matti Latvala in a Ford Focus is the early overall leader after five stages, with a slender 1.2 second advantage over the Citroen of Sebastien Ogier.

Loeb's Citroen was running third, one spot ahead of arch rival Mikko Hirvonen of Finland but the Frenchman reported he was not completely happy with his C4.

"I am not sure what is wrong with my car, it is not right," Loeb said.

"It is not a good feeling with the car."

Latvala maintained his buffer, despite an earlier problem and intermittent rain.

"I hit a hole on stage four and I have damaged the steering but at least I am not troubled by the rain," Latvala said.

[lisalex]

Originally Posted by Q-Rex

Not assuming anything

No worries. Wasn't directed at anyone in particular.

Is Ben Cullen having trouble on SS9? edit: no, there he is!

[Kaptainballistik]

As far as I know the provisions of the rock throwing act mean that if you are throwing them onto the road with any intent you are culpable... Cars there or not!

Added this to doing something to Embarass Australia as a whole will most likely mean there will be most likely heavy repercussions.

Either way, Im embarresed to be Australian at the moment.

[Brett Wright]

I think saying that you are embarassed to be Australian is going a bit far.
I am embarrased that these protesters are Australian, and I am embarrassed that real aussies may be tarnished by these fools.

[Kaptainballistik]

That sounds better!

[lisalex]

Glen raymond and Eli evans are both listed under retirements

[razoo]

under penalties there are a few for jump starts and a few for booking in early??

First day nerves?

Geoff

[macksrallye]

weren't raymo & eli pulling out once the pirelli star driver comp had ended (which it did at the lunchtime service today)?

[VTRacing]

I know Raymo was only doing the Pirelli section, and unfortunately he didn't score enough points to beat Hayden Paddon to the win - the puncture and the stage cancellation worked against him.

Eli was in with a shot until he broke the suspension somewhere and had to limp to service (4 stages later).

So another Kiwi wins the Pirelli Star Driver final.

[macksrallye]

Here's hoping that raymo can get in a competative FIA homologated car for the whole of next season. He was getting really quick later in the morning & I think with a bit of time in the/a car he will be a real contender for the Pirelli Star competition next year, provided they run it again of course.

Also, how great is it that Mason, Paddon & Crocker are showing the international guys the way in group N.

[Dave Kelly]

It seems like in the area, throwing rocks at cars.... any cars!... is something of a local problem in Casino at least?

Sheeesh... and I thought I lived in the badlands here in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne (around Brunswick, Carlton, Fitzroy etc).. but we don't have that sort of stuff going on!

see linky thing to story



Sure, here where I am we have the odd gangland murder and suchlike... but they do at least tend to keep it clean, tidy and always just amongst themselves.. hence it is very safe and friendly for the rest of us mere locals ... and my kids too (yep.. really it is!)

Whereas, the unpredictability of ferals who think they are completely above the law and can run around doing whatever they want, whenever they want.. and seemingly at complete random (or in the name of trying to illegitimately protect their little local fiefdoms)... supposedly in the name of "direct action" or whatever it is... that would scare the bejeezus out of me!

..and probably whatever feral kids in Casino are responsible for what happened to this young bloke and his car (as per the linked story)... why is it that there seems an uncanny link to the irresponsible actions of some feral adults in the general community from that area too?

Cheers

Dave

[Haggers]

Is it just me or is that Repco rally Oz site really, really slow ie sub-standard slow??

Haggers

[MissJess]

Originally Posted by Haggers

Is it just me or is that Repco rally Oz site really, really slow ie sub-standard slow??

Haggers

Not just you Haggers. Slow here too.
Marcus just called - if you guys see the post stage interviews - those are all him - there was no other media at the Super Special!