Mazda RX-7
Driven by Laurie Dryver and Ralph Dogg
The first-generation Mazda RX-7 was entered by a Toowoomba, Queensland, ex-truck driver using the alias "Laurie Dryver".
He nominated his co-driver as "Ralph Dogg", which turned out to be his pet dog. Apparently, he had a fight with his wife before the race so was forced to drive solo.
He arrived very early in the morning on the day of the race.
The back seat had been removed and replaced with an extra fuel tank that held approximately 200 litres.
The RX-7 may have been leading the race up until Port Augusta, South Australia.
The Trans Am team had caught up at a fuel stop and after following the RX-7 at around 200 km/h managed to overtake with the help of their nitrous oxide.
The RX-7 then had a flat tyre somewhere after Port Augusta.
They caught up with the Trans Am and Commodore when they had pulled over trying to fix a problem with the Trans Am. Laurie and Ralph stopped with the other teams.
The RX-7 finished in second place, only around 15 minutes behind the Trans Am team.
After the finish, Laurie and Ralph didn't stay for the dinner that night or for the interview and photos the next day. They turned around and returned to Queensland.
