Cops v Robbers ...

Trojans v Greeks ...

Pirates v Ninjas...

Holden v Ford...

That last entry might sound out of place in that company, but followers of the respective camps rate alongside the most passionate sporting fans in the world.

Their rivalry simmers each year through rounds of the touring car championship each year and then reaches boiling point on a mountain in Bathurst in a race called the Supercheap Bathurst 1000.

Sam Elabassi, dealer principal of Geissler Motors and Rory Sebastian, general manager of Goulburn Ford both say they know who’ll win the race this weekend. They just don’t agree.

“Holden for sure,” Mr Elabassi said.

Mr Sebastian was quick to counter: “It’ll be Ford 1-2-3, but I couldn’t tell you in what order.”

Both have been to Bathurst and both describe it as an incredible experience. Last year, Mr Elabassi watched the race from the Holden box directly overlooking the pits, while Mr Sebastian has been many times and was almost a local in his years living in Blayney.

And which manufacturer has the better car in 2010?

One said Holden, one said Ford. You can guess who said which.

It’s tribal. You are blue, or you are red. There is no other choice. Or at least that’s been the case for over a decade now. From 2012 the doors will be open for other manufacturers to take part in the Great Race, but on that point, Sam and Rory are agreed.

“It won’t really make a difference,” Mr Sebastian said.

“It’s always been mostly Ford and Holden fans on the mountain.”

Mr Elabassi agreed: “I’ve always had a soft spot for the two car rivalry, and I don’t see that changing no matter who races.”