History 1990s

1994 555 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally (China)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1994 555 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally (China)

Date: October 22–28, 1994

Start Location: Hong Kong

Finish Location: Beijing, China

Total Distance: 514.88 km of special stages (3,759.62 km total route)

Surface: Gravel

The 1994 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally was a marathon event across some of the most challenging terrain in Asia. Possum Bourne, with co-driver Tony Sircombe, took the win in a Subaru Impreza 555, with their experience and adaptability being key to navigating the diverse and unforgiving stages. The rally spanned vast distances, testing both driver stamina and car durability, and Bourne’s impeccable control over the rough, gravel-packed roads made him the deserving winner of the 1994 edition.

Route

Hong Kong–Guangzhou: Fast and undulating gravel stages, with tight turns and rutted sections testing car control.
Shandong Plains: Long, flat stretches of gravel that rewarded drivers who could maintain consistent pace while managing tire wear.
Beijing Finish: The final stages included technical gravel roads through dense forestry, where precision became crucial to securing the win.

The event took competitors through varied and tough terrains, crossing China’s diverse landscapes with a combination of mountain, desert, and rural stages:

The rally faced extreme temperature changes and remote road conditions, challenging teams both physically and mechanically across the entire route.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Possum Bourne & Tony Sircombe · Subaru Impreza 555
2nd Place
Kenneth Eriksson & Staffan Parmander · Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
3rd Place
Juha Kankkunen & Nicky Grist · Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165

Bourne’s consistency and careful pacing through the entire route secured his win, despite strong competition from Eriksson and Kankkunen.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Endurance: The long route from Hong Kong to Beijing was a true test of stamina for both car and crew, with minimal service breaks and intense mental focus required.
  • Dust and Visibility: The dusty roads of China made driving difficult, especially during the long gravel stretches—visibility was often compromised by kicked-up dirt and loose gravel.
  • Tire Management: The continuous rough gravel and heat placed extreme strain on tires, making careful tire management crucial to avoid punctures or blowouts.

The 1994 Hong Kong–Beijing Rally was a true test of endurance and reliability—Bourne’s exceptional performance throughout the stages showcased his ability to thrive in one of the most challenging rallies of the year.

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