| Sydney Wide European Autos - Suppliers of New, Used and Reconditioned Quality Auto Parts for European cars specialising in: | ||||||
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PEUGEOT |
SAAB |
AUDI |
RENAULT |
VOLKSWAGEN |
MINI |
SMART |
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BMW |
Mercedes Benz |
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Driver Mark Callinan and Co-driver Matt Wilson took theirSydney Wide European Autos, Penrite Oil and Sonax sponsored BMW 325i to fifth outright and 1st in the Modern Two Wheel Drive class in the Bathurst RSL Club Rally over 235km of competitive driving through the Sunny Corner State Forest on the 16th and 17th of May.
Forty-nine rally cars, consisting of modern 4WD Subaru WRXs and Mitsubishi Lancers, Classic (pre-1990) 2WDs and Modern 2WDs, lined up for the start on Saturday morning in overcast, cold and drizzly conditions. Seeded car number ten, the BEMW team got off to a good start. However, after setting fifth fastest time on the first stage, they missed a left turn halfway through the 17km second stage, consequently losing almost two minutes and finishing the stage in 41st position. Mark and Matt then set about fighting their way back up the field and managed to finish the day in 8th position.
Sunday dawned a clear blue sky, and with 74kms of competitive driving remaining over three stages, the pressure was on to make up a few more positions. With fourth outright in their sights, the BMW pair managed to reel in three more cars to finish fifth. 
The team now has until mid-September to prepare for the next round of the AMSAG Pipe King Southern Cross Rally Series, The Cowra Services Club Rally. First item on the agenda is replacing the front bar, which, as the photos clearly show, took the brunt of the yumps and bumps of the last event. Expect to see the car back in presentation form in time for the next rally.