For Immediate Release

Gundagai Shire Councillor, William Maslin, travelled with the Italian Connection Touring Assembly last weekend, from Gundagai to Myrthleford.

Along the exciting and challenging roads, the Alpine passes, picturesque valleys, lush farmlands and historic towns, the Italian Touring Connection Assembly which raises money for charities along the way, stayed overnight in Gundagai on Friday 22 May.

This is the second year the rally has been running and the first time the rally has had a stop over in Gundagai. There has been some controversy over the motorkhana which did not eventuate in Gundagai due to claims the event would cost some $7,000.

“It was a shame not to have the motorkhana here in Gundagai. It is one of the major draw cards for the Rally,” Cr Maslin said.

“It is believed that next year there will be a trophy for the two motorkhana events and only towns that can provide a course will be included as a stopover.

“It is very important that we keep this event on our calendar. It has so much potential, so much so, in Myrtleford they have built a whole three day festival, la fiera, around the Rally,” says Cr Maslin.

“Close to $8,000 was spent in Gundagai overnight in connection with the Rally,” said Brian Tozer of Lanigan Abbey Estate.

“Apart from the motorkhana, the Assembly was extremely impressed with their stay in Gundagai. They thouroughly enjoyed getting home cooked Italian food and a highlight being the blessing of the fleet.

“Already some prominent local people have been invited to participate next year,” Mr Tozer said.

“They are a great bunch of people. They are successful business people who are passionate about their cars. It is not like a normal motokhana with rev heads racing around the track. Many of the cars are old and they have many miles ahead of them, so they don't want to cause any damage,” Cr Maslin said.

“The Alpine Shire and their Mayor, Councillor Nino Mautone get right behind the event and have said it has paid off. Some 250 people attendend the Mayor's Welcome dinner and probably 300 for the motorkhana.

“Accommodation was fully booked and the town was a great buzz. The Mayor and Myrtleford Community were very welcoming, I had so much fun I plan on entering as a Rally contestant next year,” Cr Maslin concluded.

End.