The annual Dutton Grand Prix Rally gets
a steroid boost for 1999, with more performance events and new venues packed into a
compacted five-day programme.The 1999 Rally also features a new common start in
Shepparton on Saturday February 27th 1999, while competitors will enjoy a high
profile finish in the Melbourne CBD on Wednesday March 3rd.
Melbourne-based rare car specialist Jeffrey Dutton is back as the Rally’s naming
sponsor for the ninth successive year.
"The Rally has become one of the true icons of Australian motorsport and the
benchmark for touring rallies," said Jeff Dutton.
"It is a unique and prestigious event because it is an integral part of the Qantas
Australian Grand Prix programme."
Since its first running in 1988, the Grand Prix Rally has become Australia’s
leading touring road event, with competitors collectively travelling over 3.5 million
kilometres without a serious incident.
Many leading identities have competed in the Dutton Rally over the years, including
Stirling Moss, Sir Jack Brabham, Alan Jones, Wayne Gardner, the late Deny Hulme, Jim
Richards, Brad Jones, International cyclist Phil Anderson and AFL footballers Jason
Dunstall and John Platten.
Early Entries
Early 1999 Rally entries include two times Australian touring car champion Norm Beechey in
his legendary 1962 Chevrolet Impala, 1993 Le Mans and 1997 Bathurst winner Geoff Brabham
in a new BMW M Coupe and V8 Supercar driver Peter Gazzard in a limited edition Subaru
Impreza WRX STI Coupe.
TWA 747 pilot Bill Secrest and his daughter Kelly, a Massachusetts State trooper - past
winners of the ‘Great American Road Race’ in 1992 - are also planning to compete
in a team of classic MGs.
The new Shepparton start for the 1999 Dutton Rally will bring the excitement of the
Grand Prix direct to Central Victoria, while minimising non-active days for crews.
The tight 1500km course with overnight stops in Shepparton, Bendigo and Geelong, now
includes over 21 performance events, including two new circuits. Transport sections have
been reduced, while new navigation areas have also been found to keep crews on their toes
from start to finish.
Enter by December 31 - win a USA trip
Enthusiasts who enter the 1999 Dutton Grand Prix Rally by December 31, could travel a lot
further than the Rally’s official finish at the Qantas Australian Grand Prix. Around
15,000km further, in fact.
All early entries go into a draw to represent the Rally at next year’s Monterey
Historic Races and the famous Pebble beach Concours.
A list of entrants eligible for the trip will be published in the January issue of the
event’s ‘Rally Report’. Those eligible entrants who start the 2000km Rally
in Shepparton on February 27 will then go into the prize draw, which will take place at
the Rally’s gala presentation dinner in Melbourne on Thursday 4 March.
Included in the prize are air fares for two, accommodation, car hire and event entry to
a value of $7000.
For background details, supplemenary regulations and entry form, visit the Rally’s
web site at www.gprally.com.au
