Fiats Down Under 2012

[baltobernie]

Looks like these guys had a great time. Any Spider.com members make the trip?

http://www.velocetoday.com/australian-f ... more-29923

Check out the Martini Lancia! The author's narrative of his arrival drive in the cool of the night reminded me of my Nashville trip.

[adrians]

I'll put together some information and photos, I’ve just finish the monthly magazine for the Club

I didn't make it this year due to work commitments.
Adrians


Editor of Fiatfocus ( Fiat Club of NSW )

[Curly]

Sorry you weren't able to make it Adrian, let's hope we can catch up in Queensland next year.

The 2012 Australian FIAT Nationals was a fabulous event based around the central Victorian town of Benalla and the nearby Winton Raceway. Participants came from all over the country including the far west and up north.



The first of the 3 major competition events was a motorkhana held on the disused and very dry Baddaginnie Cricket Ground. The dry grass was soon torn away leaving a a soft powdery surface that turned to dust and made locating the flags on the the tests a bit tricky to find.



Several hours of intense car ( and driver) washing and detailing followed in preparation for the Concours event by the lake in the centre of Benalla. On display were Fiats of all descriptions and ages from pre-war to the latest Abarth 500 and a nice selection of Spiders.



The following day was spent at the circuit trying to put together that perfect lap. Once again the range of cars competing and their performance was quite diverse and interesting to compare
.


As well as competing in their own cars, 25 drivers participated in the Reasonably Priced FIAT Challenge where they were given just 3 laps of the track in a very nicely set up FIAT 132 to determine the top driver.



All in all - a great weekend of FIAT passion and socialising.

[Kent124]

Like that yellow Dino in the group picture.

[courtenay]

My wife and I, along with our son, Aussie daughter in law and grandson, are going to be spending a month in Oz starting mid March. Sydney, Tasmania and Perth are on the schedule. Hopefully we'll see some fine examples of our Italian beauties while we're there.

[Curly]

My wife and I, along with our son, Aussie daughter in law and grandson, are going to be spending a month in Oz starting mid March. Sydney, Tasmania and Perth are on the schedule. Hopefully we'll see some fine examples of our Italian beauties while we're there.

I'm sure you and your family will have a great time. There are a few of the newer Fiat Puntos and 500s around as well as lots of the light commercial vans and campers. However, you'll have to be be lucky to see a 124 Spider or Coupe unless you go to one of the various Fiat Clubs' events.
Personally, I'd go out of my way to avoid Sydney (sorry Adrians ), but Tasmania is one of my favourite places, the roads and scenery are magnificent and each year it hosts Targa Tasmania - the world's ultimate tarmac rally.

[courtenay]

We'll be spending most of our time in Tasmania and Perth as that's where our new out-laws are based. We're also going to do a "tourist must" - Uluru. We will be in Sydney towards the end of our trip and are planning a 4 day driving tour of the Blue Mountains and then up into the Hunter Valley, returning to Sydney for 3 or 4 days. We're planning on staying in a B & B in Manley.

[adrians]

Bruce,

PM me the dates you're in Sydney, unfortunately I live south, down towards the Royal National Park (good driving roads) - I'll see who in the Club in around at that time about the Northern beaches in the Manly area.

Regards

Adrians

[adrians]

Like that yellow Dino in the group picture.

This One

[Kent124]

Yep, the Dino is great looking in Fiat or Ferrari versions.

[131]

Participants came from all over the country including the far west and up north.

Even down south Curly! The furthest travelled was over 5000 miles in a diesel Fiat Punto, including quite a few laps around the track. The Dino, Giocattolo and the 124 Abarth replica were standout cars for me. A couple of laps around the track for the RPFC was my highlight, as well as some great people.

[adrians]

As promised

Photos and Stories from the Fiat Club of New South Wales magazine, FIATFOCUS.

http://www.sandrin.com.au/forum_photos/ ... s_news.pdf 1.26MB

[baltobernie]

A great read! Thanks!

[131]

We'll be spending most of our time in Tasmania and Perth

Where have your Tasmanian outlaws set up camp? Give me a yell if you're going to spend some time in Hobart.