ArchivesACT has revisited the 1973 Don Capasco Car Rally through the Stromlo Forest for its Find of the Month for November.
Announcing the find, the Archives said the rally was the brainchild of local car enthusiasts who wanted to run the first “true European-style car rally” in the ACT.
It said ACT Forests had long been used as a car rally venue, with forestry rangers providing permission and monitoring environmental aspects.
It said however, the Don Capasco was to take Australian rallying to a whole new level.
“Designed for spectators and broadcast live, the course kicked off at Civic before moving on to Stromlo and incorporated an impressive 50 special stages over two days and one night, including the infamous Mineshaft,” the Archives said.
“Organised by the Southern Districts Motor Sports Association, the sponsor was the company behind the brand names Don and Capasco. Keen to pick up the Australian market, they included a donation of $2,000 to be allocated as prizemoney.”
ArchivesACT said it had recently uncovered the forestry files related to the preparation and running of the landmark event.
“The inaugural Don Capasco changed the landscape for car rally racing in Australia and for this reason its records have been chosen as ArchivesACT’s November Find of the Month.”
It said local television station CTC TV telecasted the rally live and provided regular advertisements and a promotion prior to the race. The Canberra Times ran several articles, and local radio was also involved.
The inaugural Don Capasco was won by Bob Watson (driver) and Jeff Beaumont (navigator) in their Renault Alpine A110. Watson nominated winning the Don Capasco as his favourite rally memory.
After the initial race was run, the Forests Branch undertook an environmental impact study of the areas used in the race which was overwhelmingly positive.
Archives said this opened the door for the Castrol International Rally which would continue to be run in ACT Forests until 1981.
