The Thrill of the Rally
A glimpse at the ingham tOYOTA forest rally 2023 

Rallying is not just a motorsport; it's a thrilling adventure that pushes both man and machine to their limits. Our team, consisting of Chris Carney as the driver and Sarah Major as the navigator, was ready to take on the next challenge - the Ingham Toyota Forest Rally. But this time, it was different. We were about to embark on our first blind rally, where there would be no time for pre-course reconnaissance; the navigator would solely rely on a list of instructions. Join us as we recount our exciting journey through the heart of Ingham.

Meet the Team

Our rally crew was a diverse group of individuals, each with a crucial role to play in our success:

• Chris Carney, Driver

• Sarah Major, Navigator

• Luen Warneke, Marketing Coordinator

• Lilly Wilson, Marketing Admin/Rally organiser 2IC

• Hayden Swift, Mechanic

• Blake Chaplin, Mechanic

• Tiahne Soualiotis, Mechanic Apprentice and Backup Navigator

Setting the Stage: As the rally approached, we headed to Ingham on a Friday to set up camp, ready to take on the challenges that awaited us. The night before the rally, we gathered at the local pub, enjoying chicken wings, hot chips, and cold soft drinks. Amidst the friendly chatter, we couldn't help but feel the nervous excitement of the unknown that comes with a blind rally.

Rally Day: The day arrived, and it was nothing short of an adrenaline rush. From water obstacles affecting some cars' abilities to navigate between stages to unexpected encounters with cows on the track, Ingham didn't hold back. Our car faced only minor issues, and our dedicated service crew worked tirelessly to assist other competitors, ensuring everyone had a fair shot at conquering the challenging terrain.

But it wasn't just the natural obstacles that kept us on our toes. As the rally progressed, we received news that stage one had to be closed due to impassable water crossings. Ingham's unpredictable weather had taken its toll, and safety had to be the top priority. This unexpected turn of events added an extra layer of excitement and challenge to the day, as it meant we had to adapt to the evolving conditions on the fly.

A Day to Remember: By the end of the rally, we knew we had been through something special. Ingham had thrown its best at us, and we had risen to the occasion. As we packed up, we couldn't wait to head back to the local pub, mingling with fellow competitors and eagerly awaiting the results.

After the presentations concluded, we hopped back into our cars, tired but satisfied. Heading home, we couldn't help but reflect on our first blind rally as a team. We had tackled challenging stages and overcome environmental obstacles, proving that we were a force to be reckoned with.

The Ingham Toyota Forest Rally was a memorable experience, marking our transition into the world of blind rallying. It was a day filled with unexpected challenges, teamwork, and the thrill of the unknown. As we drove home, we carried with us not only the satisfaction of a job well done but also the anticipation of more exciting rallies to come. Blind or not, we were ready for whatever the rally world had in store for us.

A big thanks to everyone who supported and followed the journey at @MikeCarneyRacing. Visit the team's website to be part of their racing family and relive this thrilling adventure.

This blog post was inspired by a documentary-style video about the Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland 2023. Stay tuned for the full video featuring interviews, insights, and unforgettable moments from this unique event.