The duo’s car skidded off a right-hand bend and struck a tree in Norsworthy Road, Forreston, about 40km north east of the city.

An emergency medical vehicle stationed at the start of the stage attended the crash, but both crew members were pronounced dead at the scene.

Friends of Mr Tierney said the 60-year-old was a well-regarded competitor with many years’ experience on the tarmac. It was not his first time competing in the Classic Adelaide rally.

“Racing was his passion, his total passion, he absolutely loved it,” business associate Chris Richard

son said.

Mr Tierney moved to Bendigo 25 years ago to take over the former Shell Distributorship in Strickland Road. His company, Tierney Group, owns Bendigo Hire in Lyttleton Terrace and Vantage Fuels, which has 15 stores in the central Victoria region, including one in Eaglehawk.

Before his death, Mr Tierney divided his time between Melbourne and Bendigo.

Mr Richardson said family, friends and employees were absolutely devastated.

“Gary was an unbelievable man. He was the most competent business person I have ever come across, but more importantly he was the most loyal and true friend you could ever hope to meet,” Mr Richardson said.

“Everyone that has been associated with Gary has walked away a better person.”

Mr Richardson last spoke to his friend on Thursday morning, just hours before the crash.

“We’re about to open up a (Vantage Fuels) station in Healseville,” he said.

“I spoke to Gary to say 'all is going well with the site and we’re on track for opening this coming Tuesday'.

“His final words to me were, 'I look forward to catching up with you at the opening on Tuesday' - that was about 8am.”

Another of Mr Tierney’s business associates, John McGrath has known Mr Tierney for 25 years.

He said Mr Tierney was very proud of his business and sporting achievements which included racing and swimming.

“He would have done the Pier to Pub swim each year for the last 20 years,” Mr McGrath said.

“He was also very community orientated, always the first to help out.”

Mr Tierney is survived by his wife Louise and sons Mark and Haydn.