February 23, 2004

By: Sam Hankook
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com

Brock Thrills The Crowds In The Trading Post Grand Prix Rally

Nine-times Bathurst winner, and multiple Trading Post Grand Prix Rally competitor, Peter Brock is thrilling the crowds on this year’s event through regional Victoria.

Large crowds packed the streets of Traralgon and Maffra last night to catch a glimpse of Brock putting his Monaro through its paces.

And Brock delivered, impressing everyone with his superior driving skills-and approachable personality.

Last night the reception was tremendous. The Traralgon and Maffra street challenges were the best-supported tests of the event so far.

In Maffra, local motoring enthusiasts organised a classic motorbike and car exhibition to coincide with the on-street action.

Maffra turned a motoring event into a street party, Brock said.

They had dozens of new and vintage cars and bikes lining the street on display.

Unfortunately I couldn’t stay and have a look at them all!

With the twilight support experienced last night, Brock thought it would be a good idea to schedule tests on each night of the event.

The Grand Prix Rally had really good crowds when we arrived at Sale for the afternoon test on Sunday, but at Traralgon and Maffra they were huge, Brock said.

It should at least be considered. We could start and finish later. I’d definitely support it.

Quizzed on the highlights of Day Four, Brock favoured the speed tests at the LaTrobe Aerodrome and Morwell Hillclimb.

I really put my foot down at the Aerodrome speed test, Brock said.

On the faster slalom courses the Monaro is sensational!

The Morwell Hillclimb is also great cause you’ve got speed, but you need to be accurate.

I’d say it’s one of the highlights of the event.

For Brock, other highlights include Winton raceway and the go-kart track at Bairnsdale airport.

Winton’s always great cause I get to measure how good the Monaro is and how well I’m performing, Brock said.

The go-kart track at Bairnsdale Airport is definitely a highlight. I think it’s the only event in Australia where cars are allowed to compete on a go-kart track. It was fantastic.

After the third day of rally action, Peter Moore is still leading the modern competition driving a Nissan GTR, closely followed by Peter Gazzard in his Subaru Sti. The classic competition is headed by Michael Lantini, behind the wheel of a Porsche 911, with Peter Riseborough rising to second place in a 1970 MGB.

Final day of competition begins with timed flying laps at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit followed by tests at Holden’s Prooving Ground at Lang Lang, and Carrum Downs, before competitors make their way to the finish line in Melbourne.

About The Author:

Sam Hankook is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.  Great car accessories and parts plus financing, insurance and leasing tips.