August 1979 saw the running of the toughest of all the classic Round Australia Trials.
Automotive parts company Repco sponsored the event, named the Repco Reliability Trial. The event director, South Australian rally champion Stewart McLeod promised the most difficult round Australia event ever run, and he was true to his word. The trial covered 20,000 kms in two weeks, and of the original 187 crews who started, only thirteen completed the entire course.
The event was contested by a strong field of local and overseas entries, the best field ever seen in an Australian rally. The result was a triumph for Holden with Peter Brock leading a one two three victory in the newly released Commodore.
Forty years on, a luncheon is being organised to reunite anyone who was involved in this unforgettable event. Competitors, officials, service crews (if they are back yet, some may still be out there), anyone who was connected to the event in any way, including just being interested.
The lunch will be held in Melbourne on Saturday August 17 at a venue to be
finalised. We have settled on a lunch so that those who want to stay on and
reminisce will have plenty of time to do so.
Any video footage of the Repco, whether public or from private sources will be shown, Sadly both the event Director (Stewart McLeod) and the road clerk of course (Frank Kilfoyle) are no longer with us, but other senior officials of the event will be in attendance.
Full details will be announced soon, but put the date in your diaries. It will be a reunion not to be missed.
If you wish to express an interest in attending contact Bob Watson (yes, he is back from the event) by email bobwatso@bigpond.net.au
Historic Rally Association 