Entrants in the 2009 Classic Outback Trial from August 30–September 5 will be tested over more than 20 special stages, ranging from rugged bush tracks to bitumen before the event joins Repco Rally Australia on the New South Wales north coast.

The Trial’s first Official Course Survey has just been completed in a Nissan X-Trail Diesel, with organiser Philip Bernadou confirming a 3,500km, six-day route through New South Wales, starting in Forbes and finishing at Tweed Heads.

“We have already found some fabulous stages,” he said.

“Entrants are in for an unforgettable week of competition and a great variety of conditions.”
Mr Bernadou said more than one fifth of the course would be competitive and would incorporate a number of the stages of the World Rally Championship course including the public Super Special Stage on the streets of Murwillumbah.

The survey covered 3,321km with the X-Trail used to determine the suitability of the course for the anticipated wide range of competing vehicles.

Vehicles eligible for the Classic Outback Trial are Historic Rally Cars built prior to 1981, Classic Rally Cars built prior to 1983, Production Rally Cars built prior to 1996 and station wagon-type Recreational Four Wheel Drive vehicles made prior to 1990, including Turbo Diesel models. Four wheel drive and turbocharged cars are not eligible.