The Thrill of the Rally
A Look Inside The Ingham Rally Forest Sprint 2023

In the thick of North Queensland's sultry summer heat, the Ingham Forest Rally made its grand comeback in October 2023. The local club event kicked off the season with an array of enthusiastic teams, among which Mike Carney Racing — composed of driver Chris Carney and navigator Sarah Major — stood out for their remarkable journey, both on and off the track.

Getting to the Starting Line: An Adventure in Itself

The Mike Carney Racing team faced their first hurdle even before reaching the track. Half the team drove up on Friday afternoon and set camp at the Broadwater camping area. Sarah and Tiani, however, had a less smooth start on Saturday morning. Led astray by Google Maps in the no-reception cane fields, the pair found themselves wandering aimlessly, completely missing their rendezvous with the rest of the team.

However, fate intervened. Due to an unexpected delay in the race start time, Sarah and Tiahne arrived just in the nick of time. Sometimes, getting lost isn't such a bad thing.

The Race: Trials and Triumphs

The course was a simple yet demanding one: a single track navigated up and then in reverse, four times over. Between each up-and-back, teams were granted a 30-minute respite to refuel both their cars and themselves.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, the Toyota Collora fielded by Mike Carney Racing performed flawlessly. Not a glitch, not a hiccup — an impeccable run that stood in stark contrast to the spectacle of other vehicles experiencing blowouts, bumper detaches, and even an occasional detour "into the scenery."

Feeling the Heat

Being the first race of the summer season, the temperature soared, making the cockpit of the rally car a sweatbox. "You could literally feel sweat trickling down as you navigated those bends," recounted Sarah. Indeed, it was so hot that during one of the 30-minute breaks, Sarah dozed off in her sweatsuit, lulled to sleep by exhaustion and heat.

In spite of the weather, the team stayed hydrated and fueled, guzzling Powerade and energy drinks during their short breaks. In a club event that's notably more relaxed than an ARC (Australian Rally Championship) event, a cool head (and plenty of fluids) certainly paid off.

A Sweaty Success

The Ingham Forest Rally was a sweltering yet successful start for Mike Carney Racing. With no mechanical faults, a well-coordinated team, and a fair bit of luck, Chris and Sarah carved their way through both the course and the complexities of the day. As the summer rally season picks up, Mike Carney Racing is undoubtedly the team to watch.

So, to all rally enthusiasts and weekend warriors out there, let this event be a testament to the unpredictability and excitement that only a grassroots rally can offer. Here's to the next adventure, wherever the track may lead.