What a welcome Penrith gave to the Great Escape! All cars arrived for scrutineering where they were checked to make sure each car was prepared for what lies ahead. Our officials had a busy first day, with forty cars to check over, and many old friends to reunite with.

As part of our Welcome Day the cars took part in a street parade which started at Penrith Public School. The children were delighted with a few rally cars being driven into the playground as part of a special assembly.

Terry Stewart, CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Australia, spoke to the students about the rally and CF. The students were then able to hear from some rally clowns (aka Teresa and Sharyn from Car 65, Jewel of the North) who explained what life is like for kids with CF. The clowns used balloons to show the students how hard it is for children with CF to breath. Tony Potter, Car 31 - The Creon Crusaders, also spoke about his work with drug company Solvay, who make Creon medication for CF sufferers.

After the talk, children lined the streets outside Penrith Public School for a spectacular performance by 40 rally cars as they began their parade through the heart of Penrith with national sponsor L.J. Hooker the lead car. Horns blared, lights flashed and a few people were squirted with water as the cars went along the main street before finishing up at a Penrith Valley McDonalds.

Everyone was back together again at the welcome dinner where old friends came together and new ones were made. Road Boss, Jamie Lawson, welcomed everyone to the rally and initiated the crews into the 2008 Great Escape.

It is with great excitement that we look forward to starting our rally officially tomorrow and continuing the great tradition of The Great Escape.

Clowning around at Penrith Public School

The 2008 Great Escape Rally Crew at
Penrith McDonalds with Mr Hooker Bear


The 2008 Great Escape Rally start at Penrith