On Saturday, the engines were roaring and the mud was flying around, as the Southern Trail Blazers 4WD Club’s Landslip 4x4 Rally began for another year.
The event was described as an action-packed day of four-wheel-drive goodness, and more than held up to the promise, as 28 trucks entertained a few hundred spectators throughout the day.
Drivers competed in various categories for the lowest score, much like golf, with points being added for missing boundaries, getting stuck in the mud and other penalties.
Convener Todd Christie said it was an excellent day.
‘‘It was really positive. I’ve got an inbox filled with messages from people saying how awesome it was, and how excited they are for the next one,’’ he said.
The event had been held since 1982, and this year, it was surprising to see the results, Mr Christie said.
‘‘Some of the trucks that were winning weren’t the most modified, or the biggest and flashest truck there.’’
The open round, held at the end of the day, is the most difficult as the organisers will bring new hazards to the course and increase the difficulty.
Mr Christie said, for the open round, the winner was the landowner.
‘‘He brought a trophy back to the homestead, so he was chuffed.’’
He wanted to thank the sponsors of the event, the competitors, spectators and anyone who helped to make the rally a success, including his father who got him into the sport in the first place, Mr Christie said.
His father had been a competitor at the first rally back in 1982, and now the two competed against each other.
‘‘He’s been there every year, and really gone out of his way to help me out this year. I wouldn’t be in it if it wasn’t for him.’’
For this year, he was not sure who had the bragging rights this time around the track.
‘‘I haven’t looked at the points yet. Hopefully, I beat him,’’ he said, laughing.
