New Caledonians win

toughest safari yet

A record field of 11 overseas drivers flew into New Caledonia for this year’s motor rally around the island, the fourth Safari Caledonien.

Eight Australians, one Britisher and two metropolitan Frenchmen com peted with 34 Caledonian teams— and it turned out to be the toughest safari yet.

Among the crack internationa’ drivers competing were Scotsman Andrew Cowan (winner of the Lon don-Sydney marathon in December, 1968), Jean-Claude Ogier and his wife Lucette (winners of the previ ous two Caledonian Safaris), Claude Laurent and his wife (the second team from France), and such Aus tralian rally veterans as Fred Logan Doug Stewart, Bob Holden and Colin Bond.

Scheduled for the cyclonic month of January, the safari was almost cancelled at the last minute, as heavy ram lashed the island and cut num erous roads. The Administration was reluctant to authorise the trial, under

such dangerous conditions. But, one of the rally directors, Dr. Serge Chaubet, was adamant that the cars should leave as planned. His insist ence managed to sway the bureau crats and obtain the necessary auth ority to start on schedule.

Nevertheless, the itinerary had to be severely modified. The east coast run from Amoa to Houailou (call ing for seven river crossings by punt) was cancelled and replaced by a west coast leg. Forty-five cars took the start; 39 in the sports and six in the tourist category (the tourist section was intended for amateurs and beginners).

As the cars hurtled north along the west coast, finally to return to Noumea by Sunday night, it became obvious that this was the toughest Safari Caledonien to date. More than a third of the drivers failed to complete the trial.

After the last two safari victories going to metropolitan French driver Ogier and his wife, Caledonians were pleased to triumph for the first time this year: First place went to Andre Dang and G. Trany in a Toyota Corona. Second place was won by another Caledonian team, A. Taieb and V. Neugy, in a Citroen DS2I.