Rally WA

O'Dowd wins first round, Trade Hire Karri Rally

John O'Dowd. Photo: Maximum Motorsport / Gemma Lucas

O'Dowd wins first round, Trade Hire Karri Rally

On Saturday, the season opener of the CAMS Onslow Contracting WA Rally Championship (WARC), the Trade Hire Karri Rally, was held in Nyamup, east of Manjimup.

Maximum Motorsport driver John O’Dowd and co-driver Tom Wilde, who is also reigning WA Rally State Champion, finished first at the Trade Hire Karri Rally, winning three stages and finishing second on the other four in a 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

O’Dowd said that he enjoyed the rally and he was happy with a win in round one, gaining some valuable points going into the Make Smoking History Forest Rally next month.

“It was a good rally with good stages. The long 35-kilometre stage was enjoyable and it was good to get the fastest time – it was a little technical and rough in patches, it had a bit of everything,” O’Dowd said.

“The car ran faultless all day, it was prepared well by Maximum Motorsport and it’s a great car to drive – I felt good in the car this time.

“Tom did a good job - I’ve had him co-drive for me once before and we work well together.”

Last year, O’Dowd narrowly missed the title in a battle with Wilde who won the Championship in a 2WD car, making history in the process. But for the Trade Hire Karri Rally and the WA round of the Australian Rally Championship, the Make Smoking History Forest Rally in Busselton in April, the rivals are teammates, with Wilde as co-driver.

O’Dowd’s regular co-driver Ken Shiel is unable to compete due to work commitments.

Finishing 1:05 minutes behind O’Dowd in second place was Stephen Oxley and Michael Wood in their 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

Oxley said that they had a great day despite damaging the front steering arm at the start of the second stage.

“Unfortunately that damage put the alignment out for the rest of the day, but we battled on,” Oxley said.

“There was a lot of dust but the stages were good, some fast and flowing sections and a really mixed long stage.”

Oxley said that he would be competing at the Make Smoking History Forest Rally, which is also a round of the CAMS Australian Rally Championship and he hopes to contest the remaining rounds of the WARC.

Nic Box and Todd Payne finished first in the 2WD Championship and third overall in a 1993 Nissan Silvia S13, 1:43 minutes slower than the winner.

For more information and results visit www.rallywa.com

Oxley / Wood. Photo: Tim Allot

Box / Payne. Photo: CMR Photogrpahic

WA 2WD Championship

Nic Box and Todd Payne finished first in the 2WD Championship and third overall in a 1993 Nissan Silvia S13, 1:43 minutes slower than the winner.

The duo had to concede second place in WARC after their map reading light failed, making it impossible to read pace notes in the dark.

Box said it was one of the best rallies he has ever competed in.

“The roads were perfect with a mixture of high speed and high grip mostly, with a few rough bits that weren’t an issue; most of the stages suited me and my car and that showed in the results,” Box said.

“Our wipers stopped on the first stage but we fixed them and we had one flat tyre after hitting a rock near the end of a stage so we didn’t lose any real time.

“I couldn’t be happier – the rally is a credit to all who organised it and helped – it ran like clockwork.”

Box will be part of the service crew for Adam Kaplan at Make Smoking History Forest Rally after Box sold Kaplan his Nissan 370Z, as such, Box is unable to compete. His next event is the Rally of the Heartland in South Australia.

Second place in the 2WD Championship went to Michael Joss and Megan Logue in a 1999 Nissan Silvia S15, 3:04 minutes behind Box / Payne.

Rounding out the top three was Alex and Lisa White in a 1989 Nissan Silvia S13, 10:06 minutes slower than Box / Payne.

Alex White said that his car performed perfectly, even through the rough patches.

“At the first service we found that the cap to our power steering had popped off and the radiator fan had been pushed into the top of the shroud following a rough section in second stage, but that was the worst of it for us really,” White said.

“We struggled through the night stages with our lights as we didn't have the spread and couldn't see into dips or tops of crests which resulted in dropping two minutes on one stage alone. Our notes where pretty good, but it wasn't worth making a mistake so we backed off and did our best.

“The roads were a really nice combination of technical, tight, open, and fast sections – the organisers have done a great job at finding new roads for this rally.

“I was also really pleased to see the return of the village accommodation, along with the central service park and ceremonial finish, which allows us to all catch up and hear each other’s stories – the rally community spirit is really important to the future of our sport. We are now looking forward to Forest Rally.”

Alex White said that they have struggled the last few years to compete due to work commitments, but this year their aim is to compete in the all the WA 2WD Championship rounds.

Michael Joss/Melissa Logue. Photo: Tim Allot

White / White. Photo: Tim Allot

Vass / Burton. Photo: Tim Allot

Clubman Masters and Clubman Club series

Winners of the Clubman Cup were Stephen Vass and Ashley Burton in a 1972 Datsun 1600 who finished just 0:12 ahead of Graeme and Kathy Miles in a 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer. Rounding out the top three was Kevin and Aaron Hollingsworth in their 2007 Suzuki Swift, 3:48 minutes behind the quickest pace.

For Vass, this was his first time competing as a driver having spent four years as a co-driver.

“I did drive in a rally last year but retired during the first stage, so that didn’t count. I’ve tried all sorts of racing and rally driving is my favourite – as they say, a bad day rallying is still better than a good day at work,” said the Proprietor of Maddington Auto Repairs and sponsor of the car.

“We had no problems, the car ran well and it’ll be ready and firing for Forest Rally.”

In the Clubman Masters, a Ford finished first over a Datsun. Carl and Tracey Rattenbury were quickest in their 1974 Ford Escort, 11:33 minutes ahead of Chris and Kelsey Gerdei in their 1974 Datsun 180B.

The picturesque Trade Hire Karri Rally took place on State Forest roads for the first time in 30 years with 118 kilometres of competitive stages, 194 kilometres in total. The longest stage of the rally was also the longest stage in the WARC at 35 kilometres.

The next round is the Make Smoking History Forest Rally held from 27^th to 29^th April 2018 in Busselton and Nannup; it is also a round of the CAMS Australian Rally Championship.

For more information and results visit www.rallywa.com

RESULTS

Overall WARC
Pos	No	Crew	Vehicle	Total Gap 1st
1	5	O'DOWD WILDE	Subaru Impreza WRX STI	1:17:21.7 +
2	4	OXLEY WOOD	Subaru Impreza WRX STI	1:18:27.6 +01:05.9
3	6	BOX PAYNE	Nissan Silvia S13	1:19:05.1 +01:43.4

Overall 2WD
Pos	No	Crew	Vehicle	Total Gap 1st
1	6	BOX PAYNE	Nissan Silvia S13	1:19:05.1 +
2	8	JOSS LOGUE	Nissan Silvia S15	1:22:09.7 +03:04.6
3	10	WHITE WHITE	Nissan Silvia S13	1:29:11.3 +10:06.2

Overall Clubman Cup
Pos	No	Crew	Vehicle	Total Gap 1st
1	29	VASS BURTON	Datsun 1600	50:23.0 +
2	28	MILES MILES	Mitsubishi Lancer	50:35.2 +00:12.2
3	31	HOLLINGSWORTH HOLLINGSWORTH	Suzuki Swift	54:11.0 +03:48.0

Overall Clubman Masters
Pos	No	Crew	Vehicle	Total Gap 1st
1	25	RATTENBURY RATTENBURY	Ford Escort Mk1	47:03.2 +
2	26	GERDEI GERDEI	Datsun 180B	58:37.1 +11:33.9

Rattenbury / Rattenbury. Photo: Tim Allot

2018 Onslow Contracting Western Australian Rally Championship

Round 1: 24 March 2018 - Trade Hire Karri Rally, Manjimup
Round 2: 27-29 April 2018 – Make Smoking History Forest Rally, Busselton & Nannup
Round 3:  3 June 2018 - MRF Tyres Boddington Safari, Boddington
Round 4:  7 July 2018 - Wheels on Yirrigan Kumho Tyre Kirup Rally, Kirup
Round 5:  15 September 2018 – Make Smoking History Experts Cup, Collie
Round 6:  10 November 2018, Darling 200, Jarrahdale (2WD and Clubman Cup only)

The WA Rally Championship has three main categories and awards trophies to top finishers in each sub category:

WA State Rally Championship
All events are one day that start at 1pm and typically finish around 9pm.Night rallying is a feature.
1. 4WD category
2. 2WD category
3. State Challenge – restricted 2WD category (no recce / pace notes)

Clubman Cup
Clubman Cup is half the length / distance of the WA State Rally Championships. This category is more accessible to enthusiasts and encourages those without the budget to compete in the WA State Rally Championships to rally.
1. 2WD category – no recce / pace notes

State Rookie Driver and Co-Driver
1. WA State Rally Rookie Driver
2. WA State Rally Rookie Co-Driver
3. Clubman Cup Rookie Driver
4. Clubman Cup Rookie Co-Driver

Points

For each place from 1 to 20, the following points allocated to the overall Rally WA championship. There is a championship for drivers and one for co-drivers:

Place	Championship Points	Place	Championship Points
1^st	80	11^th	20
2^nd	68	12^th	18
3^rd	60	13^th	16
4^th	52	14^th	14
5^th	44	15^th	12
6^th	40	16^th	10
7^th	36	17^th	8
8^th	32	18^th	6
9^th	28	19^th	4
10^th	24	20th	2

2018 CAMS Australian Rally Championship

Round 1: 3-4 March – Eureka Rally, Ballarat, VIC
Round 2: 27-29 April – Forest Rally, Busselton, WA
Round 3: 1-3 June – Netier National Capital Rally (APRC), Canberra, ACT
Round 4: 27-29 July – Rally Tasmania, TAS*
Round 5: 21-23 September – Adelaide Hills Rally, Adelaide Hills, SA
Round 6: 15-18 November – Rally Australia, Coffs Coast, NSW

Rally season gets underway in WA with Trade Hire Karri Rally

21/03/2018, Western Australia, Motorsport - Rally, Rally WA, Article # 26147445

John O'Dowd. Photo: Maximum Motorsport / Aaron Wishart

Rally season gets underway in WA with Trade Hire Karri Rally

This weekend the season opener of the Onslow Contracting Western Australian Rally Championship (WARC), the Trade Hire Karri Rally, will be held in Nyamup, east of Manjimup on Saturday 24 March 2018.

The picturesque rally will take place on State Forest roads with 118 kilometres of competitive stages, 194 kilometres in total, compromising of three stages run multiple times.

The longest stage in the Trade Hire Karri Rally is also the longest stage in the WARC at 35 kilometres and will be run twice. There are two shorter stages, Toponup is just under 18 kilometres run twice and Cormint which is a short and sharp 3.57 kilometre stage that will be run three times.

Clerk of Course Ross Tapper said competitors would be on a level playing field.

“The rally is taking place in a unique area that we haven’t used for rallies for over 30 years,” Tapper said.

“At the end of the longest stage of the Championship, competitors will know that they have been physically and mentally challenged.

“The stages are tight and twisty with very challenging and good quality roads.

“Nyamup is an original Bunnings timber town but there’s nothing left there now except a few privately owned cottages, most of which are used as holiday rentals, and peace and quiet – that is until the rally comes through!” Tapper quipped.

“There are three spectator points walking distance from the Service Park in Nyamup making it easy for family, friends and rally fans to enjoy a day out in beautiful countryside - spectators should plan to arrive before the first car, which is due just after 1pm.

“The weather is looking perfect, not too hot with slight wind, it should be a beautiful weekend for a rally.”

Maximum Motorsport driver John O'Dowd finished runner-up in the 2017 championship; this year his eyes are set firmly on a state title.

“I've got some unfinished business in the state series,” O’Dowd said.

“I came within two points of winning last year, so I'll be going all out to claim the title this year.”

Last year, O’Dowd narrowly missed the title in a battle with Tom Wilde who won the Championship in a 2WD car, making history in the process. But for the Trade Hire Karri Rally and the WA round of the Australian Rally Championship, the Make Smoking History Forest Rally in Busselton in April, the rivals will once again become teammates, with Wilde stepping in as co-driver.

“It will be great to have Tom sitting in the co-driver’s seat again. Tom and I have teamed up in the past, and it will be great having him back in the car,” O’Dowd said.

O’Dowd’s regular co-driver Ken Shiel is unable to compete due to work commitments.

Last year’s state champion Wilde said that he was happy to be in a car this season

“Of course I’d rather be driving, but finances and time prevent it. I’m happy to be co-driver for John for a couple of rallies and we’ll see what happens from there.”

For more information and results visit www.rallywa.com

Michael Joss/Melissa Logue. Photo: CMR Photographic

Stephen Oxley. Photo: CMR Photographic

John O'Dowd / Kenneth Shiel. Photo: BTeamRallyMedia GollyPhoto

NOTES TO EDITORS

High resolution images available to download from Dropbox here
or contact Dianne Bortoletto dianne@prontopr.com.au

2018 Onslow Contracting Western Australian Rally Championship

Round 1:  24 March 2018 - Trade Hire Karri Rally, Manjimup
Round 2: 27-29 April 2018 – Make Smoking History Forest Rally, Busselton & Nannup
Round 3:  3 June 2018 - MRF Tyres Boddington Safari, Boddington
Round 4:  7 July 2018 - Wheels on Yirrigan Kumho Tyre Kirup Rally, Kirup
Round 5:  15 September 2018 – Make Smoking History Experts Cup, Collie
Round 6:  10 November 2018, Darling 200, Jarrahdale (2WD and Clubman Cup only)

The WA Rally Championship has three main categories and awards trophies to top finishers in each sub category:

WA State Rally Championship
All events are one day that start at 1pm and typically finish around 9pm.Night rallying is a feature.
1. 4WD category
2. 2WD category
3. State Challenge – restricted 2WD category (no recce / pace notes)

Clubman Cup
Clubman Cup is half the length / distance of the WA State Rally Championships. This category is more accessible to enthusiasts and encourages those without the budget to compete in the WA State Rally Championships to rally.
1. 2WD category – no recce / pace notes

State Rookie Driver and Co-Driver
1. WA State Rally Rookie Driver
2. WA State Rally Rookie Co-Driver
3. Clubman Cup Rookie Driver
4. Clubman Cup Rookie Co-Driver

Points

For each place from 1 to 20, the following points allocated to the overall Rally WA championship. There is a championship for drivers and one for co-drivers:

Place	Championship Points	Place	Championship Points
1^st	80	11^th	20
2^nd	68	12^th	18
3^rd	60	13^th	16
4^th	52	14^th	14
5^th	44	15^th	12
6^th	40	16^th	10
7^th	36	17^th	8
8^th	32	18^th	6
9^th	28	19^th	4
10^th	24	20th	2

2018 CAMS Australian Rally Championship

Round 1: 3-4 March – Eureka Rally, Ballarat, VIC
Round 2: 27-29 April – Forest Rally, Busselton, WA
Round 3: 1-3 June – Netier National Capital Rally (APRC), Canberra, ACT
Round 4: 27-29 July – Rally Tasmania, TAS*
Round 5: 21-23 September – Adelaide Hills Rally, Adelaide Hills, SA
Round 6: 15-18 November – Rally Australia, Coffs Coast, NSW

READ MORE

Entries open, electric car category and special rookie pricing for Make Smoking History Targa South West

17/03/2018, Western Australia, Motorsport - Rally, Targa West, Article # 26104855

Paul Crute in his 1965 Ford Mustang. Credit Stephen Blackberry

Entries open, electric car category and special rookie pricing for Make Smoking History Targa South West

Entries are now open for the ninth edition of the Make Smoking History Targa South West tarmac rally that will take place in and around Western Australian south west towns of Pemberton, Manjimup and new this year, Northcliffe from 18^th to 20^th May 2018.

Held over two days competitors will travel over 380 kilometres in total which includes 130 kilometres of flat out competition on 22 closed-road Special Stages that range in distance from 3.11 kilometres to 15.13 kilometres through the spectacular Southern Forests area.

Targa South West Event Director Ross Tapper said that competitors are excited about some changes to the course.

“The addition of Northcliffe is new this year and there are two runs south and north on the Pemberton to Northcliffe road. The stage around Pemberton has also changed and that’s generating some exciting chatter amongst competitors,” Mr Tapper said.

Driver Andy van Kann who has who has competed in every Targa South West event and has checked the stages said the course this year has the best on offer.

"The forestry-type stages at Targa South West are amazing - Big Brook Dam, Kurandra, Pump Hill and Gloucester are all in breathtaking country,” Mr van Kann said.

“I’m excited to see the very best of the Gloucester stage chosen, I mean, what would Targa South West be without that rail crossing. The stage is now called Diamond Tree and is short and very exciting.

“Northcliffe is a fast flowing stage with lots of crests and dips and long sweeping corners through glorious forestry. It will require precise driver and co-driver teamwork as there’s no room for error over the narrow blind crests. It’s an awesome rally drive and run in both directions,” Mr van Kann said.

Competitors and crew can expect a warm welcome from the Northcliffe town folk with a service park and meal break in the main street of this romantic township.

Cars will start at 30-second intervals and race against the clock with the winner being the car that is fastest over all stages. Cars are grouped into classes and there are categories for Competition, Challenge and the new electric vehicle category.

“The automotive future is electric and we are receiving a fair bit of interest from WA dealers wishing to showcase electric cars in this environment - so we’ve included a new tour category for electric vehicles, a spirited enjoyable drive without the competition element,” Mr Tapper said.

“I encourage owners of electric cars to enter and enjoy a weekend in their cars along closed-roads – no experience is necessary.

“Make Smoking History Targa South West has a very relaxed atmosphere and provides a welcoming environment for first time rally competitors to learn the art of rallying and hone their driving skills without the pressure often associated with bigger events. Everyone who comes to Targa South West loves it.”

Mr Tapper said that rookies have special entry fee pricing.

“The essence of motorsport is competition, but what sets rallying apart from other codes of motorsport is the camaraderie and sense of community - a group of like-minded car enthusiasts sharing a common experience – a spirited drive in some of the State’s most picturesque areas.

“Rookies are made to feel especially welcome because everyone in rallying wants to see the sport grow,” Mr Tapper said.

Make Smoking History Targa South West usually attracts a wide variety of cars from classics like Ford Escorts, Mustangs, Toranas and Commodores to more modern turbocharged Mitsubishi Evos, Subaru WRXs and Nissan GTRs and this year, electric cars such as the Tesla Roadster and the ‘gull winged’ Tesla Model X.

The Make Smoking History Targa South West fraternity will bring 400 people into the towns of Manjimup and Pemberton.

For more information on Targa South West including how to enter, please visit www.targasouthwest.com.au

Organisers would like to thank Targa South West sponsors Healthway, along with the Make Smoking History message, Shannons, Cutts Transport, Manjimup Truffles, AAAC Towing and the Shire of Manjimup for their support along with series sponsors Go Gear and Perth Motorsport Tyres.

For updates, follow Targa West Events facebook page www.facebook.com/targawest.

Al Blakers in his 1977 Holden Torana

Media contact:
Dianne Bortoletto, Pronto PR, 0439 997 075, dianne@prontopr.com.au

Photos
High res photos available here. Please credit photographer as indicated in filename.

Glen Renshaw in His 2008 Holden VE SSV Ute. Credit: CMR Phtographic

Andy van Kann in his 2007 Honda Civic

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Podium place and top ten finishes for West Australian competitors in CAMS Australian Rally Championship season opener

06/03/2018, Western Australia, Motorsport - Rally, Rally WA, Article # 25985684

Evans/Searcy. Photo: BTeamRallyMedia John Doutch

Podium place and top ten finishes for West Australian competitors in first round

Five West Australian competitors in three cars all finished in the top ten with one on the podium in the season opener of the CAMS Australian Rally Championship (ARC), The Courier-Eureka Rally in Ballarat, Victoria.

Dominating the stages was Harry Bates (ACT) with co-driver John McCarthy (QLD) who finished first in a Toyota Yaris and Tasmanians Steve Glenney and Michael Potter finished second in a Subaru WRX STI.

The highest placed West Australian was East Vic Park’s Ben Searcy, new co-driver to three-time Australian Rally Champion Eli Evans, finishing third overall in a Mini Cooper AP4.

The pair showed good form all weekend with a win on SS4 and top five fastest times in the remaining 16 stages.

Searcy, 39, said he was happy with the result and it was his first big event co-driving for Evans.

“Everything went well, Eli writes good pace notes,” Searcy said.

“It was a very high speed rally and we didn’t have too many big issues but did have lots of little issues with the car, a few over heating and power steering issues.

“It was a close rally – in the first stage on Sunday there was just 2.7 seconds separating the top four - it’s great fun to have a close competition.”

Perth-based Maximum Motorsport has entered two cars entered in the ARC this season, both Subaru WRX STI hatchbacks.

Delighted with finishing sixth place overall, Maximum Motorsport’s Brad Markovic and co-driver Toni Feaver made an impressive return to ARC.

Markovic, who has been recovering from back surgery for seven months, said it was a fantastic rally.

“It was great to jump back in the driver’s seat and Toni and I gelled straight away. Our plan was to get through the event, get it under our belt and really focus on the next round the Forest Rally in April, which is our home rally,” said 40-year-old Markovic of Lesmurdie.

“The car went really well and I’m really happy with our result. All of those who finished in front of us are seeded ahead of us, so it’s a good result.

“Saturday’s stages were brilliant, really good flowing stages. Sunday’s stages were trickier with a more powdery surface that challenged the tyres a bit, but over all, a really nice event.”

John O’Dowd and co-driver Ken Shiel in a Maximum Motorsport Subaru WRX STI finished the Eureka Rally in tenth place over all.

O’Dowd said he was happy to get through the event.

“It was a very strong field and I struggled to find my rhythm to be honest,” said Gooseberry Hill resident O’Dowd.

“The car was awesome and well prepared. We got through every stage and finished the event, it’s onwards and upwards from here.”

As well as competing in the ARC, O’Dowd and Shiel will again contest the WA Rally Championship, trying to get one better on their second place last year, falling short of the title by just two points.

The Onslow Contracting WA Rally Championship opens with the Trade Hire Karri Rally on March 24.

The Eureka Rally saw competitors tackle eight stages that were twice run, racing the clock a total of 108 competitive kilometres and travelling a 630 kilometres over the weekend.

For news and results visit www.rally.com.au or www.EurekaRally.com.au.

THE COURIER EUREKA RALLY - PROVISIONAL RESULTS*

1 BATES / McCARTHY, Toyota Yaris
2 GLENNEY / POTTER, Subaru WRX STI
3 EVANS / SEARCY, Mini Cooper
4 BATES / MOSCATT, Toyota Corolla
5 TAYLOR / READ, Subaru WRX STI
6 MARKOVIC / FEAVER, Subaru WRX STI
7 COPPIN / KELLY, Peugeot 208
8 RAYMOND / CATFORD, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
9 PENNY / LLEWELLYN, Subaru WRX
10 O’DOWD / SHEIL, Subaru WRX STI

CAMS AUSTRALIAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS – TOP TEN*

Harry Bates/John McCarthy 81 pts
Steve Glenney/Michael Potter 68 pts
Eli Evans/Ben Searcy 56 pts
Lewis Bates/Dale Moscatt 48 pts
Molly Taylor/Malcolm Read 42 pts
Brad Markovic/Toni Feaver 38 pts
Adrian Coppin/Erin Kelly 34 pts
Glen Raymond/Kate Catford 30 pts
Andrew Penny/Rhys Llewellyn 28 pts
John O’Dowd/Kenneth Sheil 22 pts

* Subject to final confirmation by CAMS

Markovic/Feaver Photo: BTeamRallyMedia John Doutch

John O'Dowd / Kenneth Shiel. Photo: BTeamRallyMedia John Doutch

John O'Dowd / Kenneth Shiel. Photo: BTeamRallyMedia GollyPhoto

Evans/Searcy. Photo: BTeamRallyMedia John Doutch

Markovic/Feaver Photo: BTeamRallyMedia John Doutch

2018 CAMS Australian Rally Championship

Round 1: 3-4 March – Eureka Rally, Ballarat, VIC
Round 2: 27-29 April – Forest Rally, Busselton, WA
Round 3:  1-3 June – Netier National Capital Rally (APRC), Canberra, ACT
Round 4: 27-29 July – Rally Tasmania, TAS*
Round 5: 21-23 September – Adelaide Hills Rally, Adelaide Hills, SA
Round 6: 15-18 November – Rally Australia, Coffs Coast, NSW

2018 Onslow Contracting Western Australian Rally Championship

Round 1:  24 March 2018 - Trade Hire Karri Rally, Manjimup
Round 2: 27-29 April 2018 – Make Smoking History Forest Rally, Busselton & Nannup
Round 3:  3 June 2018 - MRF Tyres Boddington Safari, Boddington
Round 4:  7 July 2018 - Wheels on Yirrigan Kumho Tyre Kirup Rally, Kirup
Round 5:  15 September 2018 – Make Smoking History Experts Cup, Collie
Round 6:  10 November 2018, Darling 200, Jarrahdale (2WD and Clubman Cup only)

READ MORE

Rally season underway with five West Australians in mix

01/03/2018, Western Australia, Motorsport - Rally, Rally WA, Article # 25939213

Brad Markovic / Toni Feaver. Photo: Maximum Motorsport

Rally season underway with five West Australians in mix

On Saturday, a field of 50 including three cars with West Australian competitors, will be raring to go in the season opener of the CAMS Australian Rally Championship (ARC), The Courier-Eureka Rally in Ballarat, Victoria.

The Eureka Rally has eight stages that will be run twice consisting of six forest stages and two shire road stages.

Competitors will race the clock over a total of 108 kilometres of competitive stages and traverse a total distance of 630 kilometres. Four stages are the same as 2017, three retain elements from last year and there’s one new, very interesting stage reminiscent of the great British rally stages of the 1970s.

The cars will switch between dirt tracks and bitumen, pass by an ancient railway bridge, through some farm gates, blast along an avenue of pines, around old bluestone farm outhouses, over a dam wall, and through a geological feature called Devil’s Kitchen.

Three-time Australian Rally Champion Eli Evans has a new co-driver this season, WA’s Ben Searcy of East Vic Park in a Mini Cooper AP4, both hoping to improve on Evans’ result of third in last year’s championship.

Searcy, 39, said he completed a successful pace-note rally with Evans last year.

“Eli’s driving style is very neat, smooth, precise and he pays a lot of attention to the detail in pace notes,” Searcy said.

“The Mini is a great car, built by Evans Motorsport and to the new AP4 regulations, which is the future of rallying in the Asia Pacific region.

“I’m itching to get going and excited about the Eureka Rally. It’s the second time we’ve been to Ballarat. With the changes made to the stages, I’m looking forward to be competing on roads that other competitors don’t know like the back of their hand, it always makes a rally a bit more exciting.”

Perth-based Maximum Motorsport has two cars entered in the ARC this season, both Subaru Impreza WRX Sti hatchbacks. Furthermore, Dean Herridge will play a dual role of running the team and interviewing competitors are the start line before waving them off.

Brad Markovic with co-driver Toni Feaver is making a return after seven months after recovering from back surgery.

“I’m feeling good and my back is feeling strong - I just can’t tell you how excited I am to get going,” said 40-year-old Markovic of Lesmurdie.

“Last year at Eureka we were sitting in fifth outright but then had an engine drama and ended up finishing tenth. So I feel like there’s unfinished business there.

“The car has been completely overhauled and freshened up – Maximum Motorsport have done a great job with it, we’ve got a great package.

“It’s also great that John O’Dowd will be running a hatch this year too. And of course having Deano’s friendly face at the start line should be fun, he always takes the mickey!”

John O’Dowd and regular co-driver Ken Shiel won the ARC2 title last year, a new category designed to aid the transition into competing in a full ARC.

O’Dowd said that last year he found the Ballarat stages completely different to those in WA, very fast and flowing but really enjoyable.

“I’m really looking forward to starting the season. Our goal is to give this car a good run and finish the event,” said Gooseberry Hill resident O’Dowd.

“We’re in the Maximum Motorsport Subaru hatch this year; we did some testing in it two weeks ago and I’m very happy with the car, they’ve prepared us a good car.”

As well competing in the ARC, O’Dowd and Shiel will again contest the WA Rally Championship, trying to get one better on their second place last year, pipped of the title by just two points.

“Last year was really enjoyable in the WARC. We had a great time battling guys like Tom Wilde and Steve Oxley throughout the year,” O’Dowd said.

The Courier Eureka Rally starts on Saturday 3 March, and the Onslow Contracting WA Rally Championship opens with the Trade Hire Karri Rally on March 24.

The Courier-Eureka Rally will conclude at the Ballarat Airport Rally Hub approximately around 3pm on Sunday with the winners taking to the podium from 4:30pm.

For the full spectator guide, news, results and video, visit www.rally.com.au, www.EurekaRally.com.au,or search Eureka Rally on Facebook.

John O'Dowd / Kenneth Shiel. Photo: Maximum Motorsport

Eli Evans in his mini. Photo: James Nixon

Brad Markovic excited to be back in the driver's seat. Photo: Maximum Motorsport

2018 CAMS Australian Rally Championship

Round 1:  3-4 March – Eureka Rally, Ballarat, VIC
Round 2: 27-29 April – Forest Rally, Busselton, WA
Round 3:  1-3 June – Netier National Capital Rally (APRC), Canberra, ACT
Round 4: 27-29 July – Rally Tasmania, TAS*
Round 5: 21-23 September – Adelaide Hills Rally, Adelaide Hills, SA
Round 6: 15-18 November – Rally Australia, Coffs Coast, NSW

2018 Onslow Contracting Western Australian Rally Championship

Round 1:  24 March 2018 - Trade Hire Karri Rally, Manjimup
Round 2: 27-29 April 2018 – Make Smoking History Forest Rally, Busselton & Nannup
Round 3:  3 June 2018 - MRF Tyres Boddington Safari, Boddington
Round 4:  7 July 2018 - Wheels on Yirrigan Kumho Tyre Kirup Rally, Kirup
Round 5:  15 September 2018 – Make Smoking History Experts Cup, Collie
Round 6:  10 November 2018, Darling 200, Jarrahdale (2WD and Clubman Cup only)

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Targa West announce Healthway sponsorship to continue until 2019

07/12/2017, Western Australia, Motorsport - Rally, Targa West, Article # 25090977

Cockram / Moir. Download high res click here

Targa West announce Healthway sponsorship to continue until 2019

Healthway and the Make Smoking History message have extended their support as major sponsors of Targa West events for the next two years.

Healthway has been a longstanding supporter of Targa West events, with 2018 being the 14^th year of sponsorship.

“We are pleased the sport of rallying has again been chosen as advocates for living a healthy, active lifestyle, and as promoters of the important Make Smoking History message,” said Targa West Director Ross Tapper.

“Due to the growing popularity of tarmac rallying in Western Australia, our events portfolio continues to grow thanks to the support of sponsors like Healthway.”

Healthway is the title sponsor for Make Smoking History Targa South West, Make Smoking History Targa West and Make Smoking History Targa Cup.

Healthway is a state government agency that promotes and facilitates good health and activities which encourages healthy lifestyles.

Healthway’s Acting Executive Director Maree De Lacey said Healthway is delighted to continue to partner with Targa West events to help encourage smokers to quit and create smoke free environments.

“Tobacco smoking is the single largest preventable cause of premature death and disease in Australia, and quitting at any age has health benefits. Targa West events are the perfect vehicle to spread the Make Smoking History message to a wide audience.”

Tapper said that not everyone realises that motorsport requires a high level of fitness to compete.

“Rally in particularly requires fitness because the stages are long and demanding and you can’t afford to get fatigued,” Tapper said.

Perth’s longest and most demanding tarmac rally is Make Smoking History Targa West. Run over four days in Perth and the surrounding areas, it is the State’s premium tarmac rally attracting the best cars and drivers from WA and Australia.

Last year, a Targa Tour was introduced and novices participated in a spirited drive behind a professional lead car while learning driving techniques, co-driving tips and how rally events operate.

Healthway is also silver sponsors of the GT Fabrication Bunbury Sprint and the Shannons Targa Rallysprint series comprising of six events.

Competing in a Rallysprint doesn’t require the same time commitment or expense as competing in traditional Targa and rally events, thus making it a great introduction to the sport.

“Five of the six events are run on Thursday evenings after work at the Perth Motorplex making it easy to compete in motorsport during the summer,” Tapper said.

“We designed the Rallysprint events to be short and sharp, to cater for the time poor rally enthusiasts, those new to tarmac rallying as well as to provide an opportunity for experienced rally drivers to keep their skills sharp in between seasons.”

Tapper said that Rallysprint requires teamwork between driver and co-driver.

“Drivers need to negotiate obstacles in close vicinity of the road with the help of their co-driver whilst racing the clock, which is quite different to simply racing around on a race track.”

The next Rallysprint is on Thursday night (7 December) and held once per month until March at Perth Motorplex on a 3.25km course that is run four times, alternating clockwise and anti-clockwise each event.

The Targa season will kick off with Targa South West, a two-day rally on closed roads through the picturesque areas of Manjimup and Pemberton on 18 – 20 May.

“Targa South West is an event suited to all levels of motorsport experience - from the rookie competing in their regular road car, to the serious competitor with a purpose-built tarmac rally car. There’s a fantastic camaraderie between all competitors, which is one of the appealing characteristics of rallying as sport,” Tapper said.
To be kept up to date with Targa West events, please see www.targawest.com.auand like www.facebook.com/targawest

For assistance on quitting smoking, please see www.quitnow.gov.au.

The 2018 Targa West Rally Calendar

Make Smoking History Targa South West	18 – 20 May
Make Smoking History Targa West	9 – 12 August
Make Smoking History Targa Cup	Annual Series

2017/18 Shannons Targa Rallysprint Series.

Shannons Busselton Rallysprint	28 April
GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint	23 – 24 June
Shannons Targa West Track Day and Sprint	15 July

Shannons Rallysprint at Perth Motorplex

Thursday 2 Nov 2017
Thursday 7 Dec 2017
Thursday 11 Jan 2018
Thursday 15 Feb 2018
Thursday 8 Mar 2018

Crute. Photo: CMR Photography. Download high res here

Download high res here

Kalamunda Service Park. Photo: CMR Photographic

Bray and Gunson lining up for start at Kalamunda Service Park. Photo: ProntoPR

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Alpine Rally challenges man and machine in mud and dust

05/12/2017, Western Australia, Motorsport - Rally, Rally WA, Article # 25066705

Simon Evans / Ben Searcy, Datsun Stanza. Photo: John Doutch

Alpine Rally challenges man and machine in mud and dust

Non-stop rain from Friday night until Sunday morning created muddy and extremely slippery conditions for 125 vehicles that started the iconic Alpine Rally in Gippsland Victoria on the weekend.

Co-drivers earned their keep as stages were cancelled and shortened and service parks moved on Saturday as a result of the torrential weather conditions.

Four-time Australian rally champion Simon Evans (VIC) with his West Australian co-driver Ben Searcy pushed hard in their Datsun Stanza and were rewarded with second place outright behind Ben Barker and Damian Long in a BMW 320i.

Gunning it to make up a 1:12 minute deficit on the final day, Evans / Searcy won three stages but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

Evans, 45, said he was happy with second place after a huge weekend.

“To get through the rally in some of the roughest conditions I’ve seen is amazing, it was a very tough few days. But I’m feeling very satisfied with how we finished,” Evans said.

“The Stanza is bulletproof and didn’t miss a beat - I hammered it driving full throttle, applying heaps of pressure to Ben and Damian, but their BMW was just too quick.

“There were heaps spectators, especially on Sunday, it felt like I was racing in a WRC event. We went full tilt and put on a good show for them,” a cheerful Evans said.

This was the fourth time Evans has contested the Alpine Rally and it’s the third time he’s finished runner up; his first attempt in 1990 was a DNF.

Co-driver Searcy complimented Evans on a faultless drive.

“Simon didn’t put a foot wrong all weekend, but the Datsun didn’t have the mumbo to keep up with the BMW,” the 37-year-old from East Vic Park said.

“The atmosphere was amazing with people lining the stages. It’s an event that really lives up to the hype and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Simon Evans / Ben Searcy, Datsun Stanza. Photo: John Doutch

Winners of the Alpine Rally Photo: Tracey Dewhurst

Onslow Contracting Director Hugh Harmer didn’t have such a clean run, but did earn himself bragging rights.

Hugh and co-driver Mitch Gray in a 1979 VB Commodore with a loud and proud 253 engine won SS12, the one-kilometre Speedway stage.

“To win a stage even with a two-second penalty is amazing – you can bet the boys will be hearing about it for five days on our road trip back to Perth!” the 64-year-old from Belhus said.

“It was a wet sloppy mess with big holes on the first two days and I put her over a cliff between three trees and it took us four hours to get the car out. But the last two stages on Sunday were brilliant and suited the car one hundred per cent.

“The communication between myself and co-driver Mitch was fantastic, he did a great job keeping on top of all the changes.

“I would’ve liked to see all four WA cars finish and I feel sorry for Shane, but that’s rallying.”

Hugh’s son Shane Harmer and co driver Nicholas Anyan had an incident and a few mechanical issues, ultimately forcing retirement after SS10.

“We hit a bank on stage five, bending some panels and got a flat tyre and then we had a fuel issue on stage six so I had to drive really slowly,” Shane said.

“We had a clutch problem which was fixed and the car was singing on stage 10, we were going really well, but we lost the clutch and had to retire.

“I’d love to come back and do it again, one hundred per cent,” 36-year-old Shane said.

Hugh Harmer / Mitch Gray, 1979 VB Commodore. Photo: John Doutch

Shane Harmer / Nicholas Anyan, 1981 Commodore. Photo: John Doutch

Finishing in 22^nd outright was West Australian Julian Wright with Victorian co-driver Jeff Huggins in a 1971 Datsun 1200 Coupe, the same car that won Western Australia’s 2017 Clubman Masters Series.

“I have to thank Hugh Harmer and Onslow Contracting who have been amazing and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to compete in the Alpine Rally,” the Network IT business owner said.

“The stages were fast and flowing but the torrential rain meant the ruts on the road filled with water so we were aquaplaning a lot of the time, it was quite treacherous.

“The atmosphere was awesome - there were so many spectators and there was a huge field of quality cars and drivers, it was great to be a part of it.

“The car ran beautifully, there’s not a mark on it and it didn’t miss a beat, I’m really happy all round,” Wright from Willeton said.

Finishing in 18^th place outright was Mark Travers from Bunbury with co-driver Jeremy Edwards, the duo leaving a significant mark on their 1983 Toyota Sprinter.

On the second stage of the Alpine Rally, they went over a crest of a hill and went off the stage, almost destroying the car. The pair were unhurt.

“I have to thank Hugh Harmer for all his help and the LRT crew who worked until 2am to fix the car after our off on Friday. We were lucky to be able to get it going again,” 35-year-old Travers said.

“After that though, things went well. The weather was shocking and I’ve not driven in mud like that before, but we had a good crack and got some stages time we’re happy with – Jeremy did a fantastic job as co-driver.

“Now all I have to do is figure out how to do it again in two years’ time!” Travers said.

Of the 125 two-wheel-drive cars that started the Alpine Rally, 77 finished. Organised by the Historic Rally Association, all vehicles had to be over 25 years old, non-turbo and not 4WD, creating a true test between man and machine.

It was also a test of communication between the driver and co-driver as the Alpine Rally was ‘blind’, meaning crews were not permitted to do a recce to write their own pace notes, instead they read from event-issued roadbooks.

The first Alpine Rally was held in 1921, making it the world’s second oldest rally after Monte Carlo and the world’s fourth oldest motorsport event after the Monte Carlo Rally, the French Grand Prix and Indianapolis.

Held every two years, it’s Australia’s oldest and the largest gravel rally.

For more visit www.alpinerally.org.au and for results click here.

Julian Wright / Jeff Huggins, 1971 Datsun 1200. Photo: John Doutch

Mark Travers / Jeremy Edwards, 1983 Toyota Sprinter. Photo: John Doutch

Cars leaving Western Australia to head to the Alpine Rally

The following table identifies home suburbs for driver / co-drivers.

Name	Driver / Co-driver	Suburb
Nicholas Anyan	Co-driver	Gosnells
Jeremy Edwards	Co-driver	Roland
Mitchell Gray	Co-driver	Bullsbrook
Hugh Harmer	Driver	Belhus
Shane Harmer	Driver	Beechboro
Ben Searcy	Co-driver	East Vic Park
Mark Travers	Driver	Bunbury
Julian Wright	Driver	Willetton

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World's second oldest and Australia's biggest rally, the Alpine Rally starts Friday

27/11/2017, Western Australia, Motorsport - Rally, Rally WA, Article # 24980725

Eight WA competitors at world's second oldest rally

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Julian Wright, 1971 Datsun 1200. Photo: CMR Photographic

World's second oldest and Australia's biggest rally, the Alpine Rally starts Friday

The iconic Alpine Rally gets underway in Lakes Entrance in north east Victoria next week with eight West Australians drivers and co-drivers contesting the historic gravel rally for the first time. It’s Australia’s oldest and largest.

The world’s second oldest rally after Monte Carlo, the Alpine Rally starts on Friday 1^st December and finishes on Sunday 3^rd December with competitors covering 725 kilometres, of which 375 kilometres are competitive.

Held every two years with only 2WD vehicles eligible, the rally attracts the cream of Australia’s gravel racers including six former Australia Rally Champions, numerous state champions, two from New Zealand and one Irish National rally competitor.

Competitors include newly crowned ARC champion Nathan Quinn (NSW) in a Mazda RX2, four-time ARC champion Simon Evans (VIC) in a Datsun Stanza and 2015 Alpine Rally winner Jack Monkhouse (NSW) in a Datsun 180B.

The entry list is at capacity with 125 cars all of which are at least 25 years old; the Historic Rally Association received 300 expressions of interest.

In keeping with the essence of the Alpine Rally of being a test between man and machine rather than technology, vehicles must not be turbo charged or 4WD.

The Alpine Rally is a ‘blind rally’ where crews read tulips (diagrams of driving instructions) in event-issued roadbooks. With no recce and no pace notes of their own, the pressure is on the co-drivers to relay driving instructions to drivers.

Simon Evans / Ben Searcy, Datsun Stanza. Photo: Paul Mollison

One West Australian co-driver isn’t worried about that. Ben Searcy, who recently read notes for Nathan Quinn in his winning Australian Rally Championship drive, will this time be calling for Simon Evans.

“Simon and I have done lots of rallies together since I started as his co-driver in 2012. He’s a great driver and learnt to drive from roadbooks the old-school way so he reads the roads really well. Not doing a recce doesn’t bother me at all,” Searcy said.

“The first blind rally we did was in Adelaide, Rally of the Heartland, and I was packing it. But we won that by over nine minutes in the Datsun and it wasn’t nearly as scary as I expected,” the 37-year-old said.

In the same winning Datsun Stanza that’s older than 45-year-old Evans, Searcy said that he’s looking forward to the Alpine Rally, an event he’s never contested before.

“To be lined up with 125 other great cars is exciting, and it’ll be exciting with Simon as he only knows how to drive two ways, flat out and then even faster,” the HR Manager from East Vic Park said.

Leading a WA convoy of four drivers, Onslow Contracting Director Hugh Harmerwho said the Alpine Rally is one he’s always wanted to do.

“The guys are just as excited about the 3,700 kilometre road trip to get there as they are about the rally!” the 64-year-old said.

“This rally is a bucket list for every rally driver in Australia – it doesn’t matter who are you, it’s equal and fair, no super turbo, no four wheel drive – I reckon it’s a beautiful event and in a beautiful place.”

Competing a 1979 VB Commodore with a 253 engine producing 178-horsepower in the back wheels with co-driver Mitch Gray, Hugh said he reckons he has the best car in Australia.

“Oh, she wouldn’t win a race in a fat fit, but she’s a beautiful car to drive. She’s a crowd attractor – groupies follow the car because they love the sound of her,” the soon-to-be retiree said.

“Our number one goal is to finish the event and have great fun doing it. Then I want to retire and keep rallying for the next ten years – that’s why we’re sponsoring the WA State Championship.”

Belhus resident Hugh is keeping it in the family and his son Shane Harmer is also competing in a 1981 Holden Commodore.

“I’m excited and a bit nervous but I’ll be okay once I blow the cobwebs out. The car is in good shape and we stripped it back and put in a new tail shaft,” 36-year-old Shane said.

Mark Travers, 35, of Bunbury is also joining the Harmer convey to compete in his maiden Alpine Rally in his 1983 Toyota Sprinter with co-driver Jeremy Edwards of Roland.

“This is our third event in this car and I’m looking forward to the test of endurance. The Alpine is something I’ve wanted to do for ages and it suits my car. I’m also looking forward to the road trip!” Travers said.

Another Alpine Rally rookie but no stranger to 2WD rallying is Julian Wright of Willeton.

Wright, 46, won the 2017 Clubman Masters Series in Western Australia in the same car he’s racing at Alpine, the same car he’s been competing in for 15 years, a 1971 Datsun 1200 Coupe.

“I’ve got a classic car and to be at an event with 125 classic cars is going to be amazing. I’ve watched the Alpine Rally for years and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” the owner of Network IT said.

“I’m only worried about the stage conditions – I’m used to driving on WA’s ball-bearing gravel not the limestone dusty stages they have there.

“The preparations have been long and arduous but now car is in great condition with a new gearbox and looks the goods with a new paint job,” Wright said.

Co-driving for Wright is his former co-driver of five years ago Jeff Huggins who is from the Gippsland.

Traversing through forest roads of East Gippsland, the rally will visit Bairnsdale, Bruthen, Orbost, Nowa Nowa and Cann River before finishing in Lakes Entrance.

Event Director Owen Polanski said that historic rallying was the most popular rally form in the world and Australia was no different.

“As well as that, the cars are incredibly exciting to watch,” Polanski said.

Expect to see some beautiful machines tearing along the stages including Datsun Stanzas, Sunnys, Bluebirds, 180Bs and 1600s, Ford Escorts, Volkswagon Beetle, Nissan Gazelle, Chrysler Galant, Fiat 1500, Triumph TR7 and even a Plymouth Fire Arrow.

The Alpine Rally started in 1921 making it the world’s fourth oldest motorsport event after the Monte Carlo Rally, the French Grand Prix and Indianapolis.

For more visit www.alpinerally.org.au

Cars leaving Western Australia to head to the Alpine Rally

Jack Monkhouse / Dale Moscatt - 2015 Alpine Rally winners. Photo: Paul Mollison

Before the start 2015 Alpine Rally. Photo: Paul Mollison

The following table identifies home suburbs for driver / co-drivers.

Name	Driver / Co-driver	Suburb
Nicholas Anyan	Co-driver	Gosnells
Jeremy Edwards	Co-driver	Roland
Mitchell Gray	Co-driver	Bullsbrook
Hugh Harmer	Driver	Belhus
Shane Harmer	Driver	Beechboro
Ben Searcy	Co-driver	East Vic Park
Mark Travers	Driver	Bunbury
Julian Wright	Driver	Willetton

Alpine Rally stage. Photo: Paul Mollison

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West Australians winning on world rally stage

22/11/2017, Western Australia, Motorsport - Rally, Rally WA, Article # 24920782

Nathan Quinn and Ben Searcy flying through Rally Australia. Photo: Wishart Media

West Australians winning on world rally stage

In the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), international and local drivers put on a show for rally fans in a gripping finish in Kennards Hire Rally Australia held in Coffs Harbour from 16-20 November 2017.

The final day of action was scheduled to include five stages, two runs through Pilbara Reverse (9.93km) and Wedding Bells (6.44km), as well as tackling the longer 31.90km Bucca test.

Torrential rain from the start of the day created chaotic conditions with standing water and unpredictable rainfall making the stages a lottery. Ultimately, conditions were so bad that event organisers were forced to cancel the penultimate stage, the repeat of Pilbara Reverse.

In the sport’s top tier, Hyundai’s Belgian ace Thierry Neuville survived challenging conditions to record his first Rally Australia victory and fourth rally win of the season.

Nathan Quinn and Ben Searcy win the ARC. Photo: Wishart Media

Australian Rally Championship

In the national championship, Coffs Harbour local Nathan Quinn with co-driver Ben Searcy (East Vic Park, WA) won the event and Quinn also won the CAMS Australian Rally Drivers Championship (ARC).

In their Coffs Coast Rally Team Mitsubishi Evo IX, a nine-year-old car, Quinn / Searcy finished Rally Australia in ninth place outright, in the WRC points.

Clearly emotional, when asked about his win, Quinn said, “It’s pretty good,” as a deluge of tears flowed like the morning’s rain.

“It’s such a mental build up to get here and a lot of pressure. We run the team on a tight budget like most privateers,” Quinn, 31, said.

WRC commentator Colin Clarke named Quinn star of the week.

Ben Searcy said he was impressed with Quinn’s driving ability and composure on the stages.

“Nathan drove a blinder. There was a torrential downpour during the first three stages on the final day and the conditions were quite treacherous to be honest. He drove very sensibly and very smart to finish the event, and he was still winning stages,” Searcy said.

Quinn dominated the national field in the fifth and final ARC round, winning all three legs, taking 12 of 17 stage wins and claiming first outright by a staggering 13 minutes.

They were battling last year’s ARC winner Molly Taylor (NSW) and Bill Hayes (Maida Vale, WA) of Subaru do who had an unfortunate engine issue at the end of Leg 2 that could not be fixed, forcing retirement.

Bill Hayes said it was a tough day in the office.

“A disappointing weekend. We’d found a very comfortable and safe pace that should have rewarded us with back to back championships only to have a small engine issue that became terminal. The crew worked for six hours trying to make a repair that would allow us to continue but unfortunately it was not to be. It has been another character building experience that will make this team stronger and better for the future,” Hayes said.

While the Rally Australia result was disappointing for Subaru Do, Hayes did have something to cheer about, winning the ARC Co-Drivers Championship.

Finishing the ARC in third and in 16th outright were West Australians John O’Dowd (Gooseberry Hill, WA) and Kenneth Sheil (Perth, WA) of Maximum Motorsport in a Subaru WRX STI.

It was O’Dowd’s first ARC podium, he took out the ARC2 4WD title and secured third in the ARC driver championship.

“First ARC podium, it’s fantastic. It’s a really good end to the year for the team, we couldn’t be happier,” said O’Dowd.

“To take out ARC2 was a bonus, we didn’t expect that but we will take it.”

Maximum Motorsport teammate Dean Herridge (Landsdale, WA) with co-driver Sam Hill (NSW), a new pairing for Rally Australia, in a formidable performance, finished impressively in tenth place outright in a Subaru WRX STI.

It had been eleven years since Herridge had competed at Rally Australia alongside the world’s best.

“I’m delighted with tenth outright, second Australian, I’ll take that any day of the week, especially since it’s been a while. WRC events are demanding and conditions were tricky, Sunday was horrendous. I was hoping that I could find some of the old form and I’d like to think that experience is what got us through,” Herridge said.

Adopted West Australian Mike Young entered Rally Australia with one goal in mind, to finish.

The 24-year-old driver from Balga did better than that; he was the first 2WD to finish. With compatriot Malcolm Read (NZ) co-driving in their Citroën DS3 R3, the duo put in a solid performance to finish in 17th place outright.

Father and son team Jason Lowther and Paul Lowther, 62, from Australind (WA) were excited to enter their first WRC event in their Toyota Corolla.

“It was an awesome experience to be part of the WRC. The crowds out in the stages are incredible. And they love rallying, whether it’s the world rally cars or even our old corolla. It is definitely an experience I won't forget,” the 38-year-old said.

Unfortunately, the duo hit a tree on the first stage of the final day, Pilbara Reverse 1, without injury. Their Corolla, however did sustain damage and while superficial, resulted in oil cooler damage preventing them from continuing.

Eight of the 20 cars, or 40 percent of the ARC field didn’t finish Rally Australia.

Recently crowned five-times World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier (M-Sport) finished fourth after topping the Power Stage run in fine conditions and televised live on free-to-air in Australia.

Herridge / Hill. Photo: Wishart Media

O'Dowd / Sheil - ARC2 winner, ARC third. Photo: Wishart Media

O'Dowd / Sheil. Photo: Wishart Media

Young / Read - first 2WD. Photo: Wishart Media

Taylor / Hayes. Photo: Wishart Media

RESULTS

For full results, visit www.rallyaustralia.com

Provisional Top 10 Outright – Kennards Hire Rally Australia ARC
1. QUINN/SEARCY 2:58:26.4
2. CLARKE/PRESTON 3:11:40.5 (+13:14.1)
3. O’DOWD/SHEIL 3:18:02.0 (+19:35.6)
4. YOUNG/READ 3:19:31.9 (+21:05.5)
5. BROOKS/GLENNEY 3:20:22.0 (+21:55.6)
6. DUNN/NEAGLE 3:24:32.8 (+26:06.4)
7. MORTON/BENSON 3:36:20.8 (+37:54.4)
8. WEBSTER/PRIEST 3:38:50.4 (+40:24.0)
9. EVANS/WESTON 3:39:28.7 (+41:02.3)
10.BATES/MOSCATT 3:39:54.8 (+41:28.4)

Provisional Top 5 – 2017 CAMS Australian Rally Champion Driver Pointscore
1. Nathan Quinn 331 points
2. Molly Taylor 282 points
3. John O’Dowd 216 points
4. Craig Books 197 points
5. Harry Bates 195 points

Provisional Top 5 – 2017 CAMS Australian Rally Champion Co-Driver Pointscore
1. Bill Hayes 282 points
2. Ben Searcy 246 points
3. Ken Sheil 216 points
4. Steve Glenney 197 points
5. John McCarthy 195 points

The following table identifies home suburbs for driver / co-drivers.

Name	Driver / Co-driver	Suburb
Bill Hayes	Co-driver	Maida Vale
Dean Herridge	Driver	Landsdale
Jason Lowther	Driver	Australind
Paul Lowther	Co-driver	Australind
John O’Dowd	Driver	Gooseberry Hill
Ben Searcy	Co-driver	East Vic Park
Kenneth Sheil	Co-driver	Perth
Mike Young	Driver	Balga

Lowther / Lowther. Photo: Wishart Media

Kennards Hire Rally Australia, last round of the WRC. Photo: Wishart Media

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Western Australians to watch at WRC final round, Rally Australia

15/11/2017, Western Australia, Motorsport - Rally, Rally WA, Article # 24840122

Molly Taylor getting air. Photo: Subaru Australia

Western Australians to watch at WRC final round, Rally Australia

The final round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), the Kennards Hire Rally Australia in Coffs Harbour, starts on Thursday 16 November and finishes on Sunday 20 November.

Competitors will race the clock over 318 kilometres in 21 special stages in the final round of the WRC season.

While the WRC has already been won by M-Sport Ford’s Sebastien Ogier (France), the real battle to watch is in the CAMS Australian Rally Championship (ARC) with two Western Australians in the mix for title honours.

Eight Western Australians will line up on the Rally Australia start line, three drivers and five co-drivers.

Reigning Australian Rally Champion Bill Hayes will again be co-driver for Molly Taylor in a Production Rally Car class Subaru WRX STI. The duo has a 30-point lead and their sights firmly set on back-to-back ARC titles. There are several points permutations, however the most feasible scenario according to Subaru Australia is for Taylor and Hayes to finish top three across the three days and bag their second Championship.

“Half of recce is done and the stages are a lot dustier than we expected, however, this could play to our advantage as we’re in the ARC-only event so have a bigger gap to the car in front,” Hayes said.

“Our plan is the same as every rally – take each corner the best we can and move quickly to the next one! Obviously retaining the championship is and has been our priority all year so we will just concentrate on that and keep doing our own thing. We don't have to win but we will be trying too,” Hayes said.

The closest contender to Taylor / Hayes is Nathan Quinn (NSW) who will have experienced WA co-driver Ben Searcy calling his notes in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. With 30 points separating them, and 20 points up for grabs for the fastest each day (total 60), 17 points for second, 15 for third, and so forth, this will be a hot contest to watch.

Ben Searcy said he was feeling good and confident going into Rally Australia.

“We’re going to be a threat to Molly, Nathan can still win the championship. He’s a local and knows these roads like his backyard. The stages are looking very dry and dusty and they’ll be slippery if the anticipated rainfall comes on Saturday and Sunday. We have to win all heats and overall for Nathan to have a chance for the championship title. I can’t wait to race on these roads with him!” Searcy said.

The name Dean Herridge is synonymous with rallying in WA. But it’s been a while between drinks, eleven years in fact since Maximum Motorsport’s Dean Herridge tackled Rally Australia, the last being the final Perth edition in 2006.

In a new partnership, Sam Hill (NSW) will be calling the notes next to Dean in his Subaru WRX STI.

“Actually, we’re feeling pretty good and had a big day of recce today. I’m writing one hundred kilometres of pace notes, fresh, and it’s been a while since I’ve done that,” Dean said.

“I’m not sure what to expect really. We’ll set a good pace that we’re comfortable with and run with that and try to keep out of trouble. We’re not going to poodle around the stages, but we’ll try to minimise mistakes. WRC events are long and tough – I got a reminder of that today. But if it was easy, everyone would do it. The car is great and we’ll do the best we can, having fun along the way,” the 41-year-old father of three said.

Maximum Motorsport team mate John O’Dowd and regular co-driver Ken Sheil are ready for the massive opportunity presented in the CAMS Australian Rally Championship’s new-for-2017 category, ARC2. The division was created for teams who compete in their home ARC event and one other. After finishing fourth at the Lightforce Rally in South Australia, O’Dowd climbed two championship positions and now sits in sixth place, the highest-placed WA driver.

Father and son team Jason Lowther and Paul Lowther, 62, from Australind will contest their first WRC event in their Toyota Corolla.

“It has been a dream forever to compete in the pinnacle event of our sport and we’re feeling very excited to be part of Rally Oz. Our aim is to finish the event and have a great time doing it. Recce went well today. It’s the first time Dad and I have competed on pace notes, so it was a steep learning curve for both of us. We are looking forward to hitting the stages on Friday!” Jason, 38, said.

Adopted West Australian Mike Young will have compatriot Malcolm Read (NZ) co-driving in their Citroën DS3 R3.

“I’m feeling confident after our pre-event test, it was a good chance to get used to the new car and find a set up to suit the roads here in Coffs Harbour. To me, the roads are in good condition and it should be super fast, especially on Saturday where the roads are very wide and flowing. The goal is to be consistent over the rally and the main thing is to finish. A good result will be a bonus,” 24-year-old Mike said.

31 cars will contest the ARC class at Rally Australia, which starts on Friday with the first leg covering eight stages, across 113.42 competitive kilometres. Saturday’s Leg Two covers a further eight stages over 140.27 kilometres. The event wraps on Sunday afternoon after five more stages across 64.64 kilometres. Total competitive distance is 318.33 kilometres and 947.55 kilometres overall.

For results, visit www.rallyaustralia.com

Molly Taylor and Bill Hayes. Photo: Subaru Australia

Ben Searcy. Photo: Barnsies Photos

Dean Herridge

John O'Dowd. Photo: John Doutch

The following table identifies home suburbs for driver / co-drivers.

Name	Driver / Co-driver	Suburb
Bill Hayes	Co-driver	Maida Vale
Dean Herridge	Driver	Landsdale
Jason Lowther	Driver	Australind
Paul Lowther	Co-driver	Australind
John O’Dowd	Driver	Gooseberry Hill
Ben Searcy	Co-driver	East Vic Park
Kenneth Sheil	Co-driver	Perth
Mike Young	Driver	Balga

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