Ateco Warn Winch Challenge 2005
from behind the camera
Friday night we watched just one stage which had a huge rock in the middle of a short hill run. The action was great. It was fun to watch the different approaches of vehicles and what worked and what didn’t. The best approach was to take it easy and drive. The hit it hard was fun to watch but meant winching.
Saturday there were five stages and we were able to see them all. Neil Cooper and his helpers had but a lot of work into the stages and they were a wonderful mix of different terrains. I am unsure of the stage numbers but the stage in the bush with a bog hole then a tight turn followed by a big patch of huge rocks and large trees across the track was great for photos. A lot of wheels in the air. The Vic All Terrain stage was another with big wheels in the air even if we had to do the “Bush Scramble” to see the good bits. Saturday afternoon ran a little late with a couple of cars having to be recovered by the tractor. It was funny to watch two four wheel drive tractors struggle. Eventually Allan McMullen dragged both cars out with their wheels off the ground just like toys.
Sunday was spectator day and there were hundreds of people everywhere. The VAT stage was another fantastic mix of terrains. The hole with rocks and a tree at the top being a wonderful spot for photos as well as watching. The stage next door had two bog holes that caught out a lot of the petrol cars throughout the day but did make for fantastic action shots. I thought the loud speaker and interviews at lunch time were a great way for the spectators to get up close to the cars and meet the drivers and navies. This year was a good family day out as well as all the action to watch.
Congratulations Joel and Henry, Johnny and Rob, Scotty and Ashley on a good weekends competing. Well done also to all who helped prepare the tracks as well as run the stages great to see our club out there having fun!!!