Motoring enthusiasts rally in York

The 1910 International Harvester Company high wheeler car, driven by York's Ross Ainsworth, was the veteran class winner and second overall at the inaugural Avon Classic Rally held by the York branch of the Veteran Car Club of WA.

A full field of vehicles assembled on the banks of the Avon River in York last Sunday morning to take part in the rally.

Participants were treated to an impressive morning tea, provided byYork branch president Tricia Byfield, prior to the start of the event.

Participants then went on a picturesque drive along the Avon River, crossing it four times at different locations and showcasing the historic town of York and the Avon Valley.

The field included veteran and vintage cars and trucks, modern classic cars and trucks, hot rods and racing cars and, in what was believed to be a first in rallying, tractors.

While there was a strong local representation from York motoring enthusiasts, vehicles also travelled from Pinjarra, Perth, Corrigin, Kellerberrin and Cunderdin for the event, with tractors being driven from Pinjarra, Corrigin and Cunderdin.

The rally covered a 50km course for the older vehicles and a 110km course for the more modern cars.

Many navigation and observation challenges were set for the participants along the way, with only two managing a perfect score - John and Leanne Bullock in their 1923 T Model Ford and Andrew and Julie Lever in their 1962 Valiant 'S' Series (John and Leanne had the advantage of two back-seat navigators of the canine variety).

Judges awarding the trophy for the Best Presented Vehicle faced a daunting task, as all vehicles were immaculately turned out. However, all four independent judges arrived at a unanimous decision in awarding the trophy to the beautiful 1930 Chrysler entered by Perth's Barry Peterkin.

All trophies were presented by York Shire councillor Tony Boyle at a lunch held at the town's new recreation and convention centre.

Mr Boyle, who was also a judge, had his first taste of rallying on the day when he drove the short course to get a feel for the event. Enjoying the experience, he has since appointed himself York's Minister for Motor Sport.

After the rally, event coordinator Les Eather said organisers were really pleased with the inaugural event.

"The standard of the cars was first class, all the teams were in good spirits and the weather was perfect," he said.

"Sunday visitors to York were entertained watching the rally vehicles going up and down the main street, Avon Terrace, three times during the morning. We were delighted by the response and enthusiasm shown by the Chamberlain 9G Tractor Club, which was represented by five tractors, and it wouldn't surprise me to see another five here next year.

"We are already working on a bigger and better event for 2014, possibly including a dedicated route for the tractors."

RALLY RESULTS *

Veteran Class: *Car 1, 1910 IHC High Roller, Ross and Dawn Ainsworth

Vintage Class: *Car 4, 1923 T Model Ford, John and Leanne Bullock

Tractor Class: *No 9G, 1962 Chamberlain 9G, Charlie and Susan Gardiner

Classic Car Class: *Car 22, 1962 Valiant 'S' Series, Andrew and Julie Lever

Hot Rod/Racing: *Car 7, 1983 Mazda RX 7, Gary and Tricia Byfield

Modern Truck Class: *No 12, * *1978 Ford F100, Alan De Klerk

Best Presented Vehicle: *Car 30, 1930 Chrysler, Barry Peterkin

Most Mechanically Challenged: *Car 29, 1926 Pontiac, Laurie and Charlie Hansen

·Old Timers' Team *

No 5, Chamberlain 9G Tractor: *Bill and Helen Taylor

No 6, Chamberlain 9G Tractor: *Ron Paltney

No 9G, Chamberlain 9G Tractor: *Charlie and Susan Gardiner

· *Modern Team *

Car 7, Mazda RX 7 *: Gary and Tricia Byfield

Car 18, BMW Z3 Sports *: Rob and Sue Read

Car 21, Mazda RX 7 *: Greg and Karen Morris