A strong return to form for Mick Patton at last weekend’s Quit Forest Rally has cemented the Canberra driver’s plans for the remainder of the 2015 East Coast Bullbars Australian Rally Championship.
“It was an absolutely amazing weekend, I had a smile on my face from start to finish!” said an ecstatic Patton after claiming victory in the Australian 4WD category in Western Australia.
The event was Patton’s return to the 4WD series after running and developing his own front-wheel drive Volkswagen Polo for the past two year’s. It also marked the first time Patton had linked up with leading motorsport preparation company Race Torque.
“Coming into the event in WA I had a couple of plans in the back of my mind for the year ahead but I really wanted to focus on that first event and see what result we managed,” explained Patton.
“Securing the win though, well that cemented everything and we’re now going to continue to run the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X with Race Torque for the remainder of the year.”
Patton said that a huge part of the decision stemmed from the two year’s he’d spent running his own car. “It’s been a long time since I could just arrive at the event and focus on driving the car and having fun. Running your own team you always have that stress in the back of your mind even when you’re racing through the stages.”
“In comparison in WA I felt so relaxed with such a professional team like Race Torque behind me. It was one of the most pleasing weekends I’ve ever had rallying, and not just because we won. I had a huge smile on my face right from the start, and I had a massive amount of fun and that’s sometimes more important than the position you finish in,” Mick added.
Apart from the professional support of Race Torque behind him, Patton also believes the experience of running in his front-wheel drive Polo has improved him as a driver despite some of the difficult times he had, particularly last year.
“Last season was very frustrating, especially having to twice pack up and drive home before the rally had even started. Driving a front-wheel drive, with it’s inherent lack of grip, I feel has really taught me some valuable lessons and that played a big part in my result this weekend in the 4WD,” said Mick.
“In a two-wheel drive you’ve got to be committed to every corner. You’ve got to carry speed into every corner. And you’ve got to be on the right piece of road or you’re just wheel spinning and giving bucket loads of time away.”
“So stepping back into a 4WD with all that knowledge and experience behind me was such a huge help. From the very first run in testing even Bernie (Webb, co-driver) turned to me and said he could see the difference, so that’s always pleasing to know you’re improving as a driver.”
Looking ahead to the remainder of the season Patton has said that despite his opening Round victory he’s keeping his expectations firmly in check. “It was a tough weekend in WA, a brutal start to the year, and I started the rally with a firm game plan to stay calm and drive cleanly.”
“After taking the win I’d be silly to say I’m not in with a chance of winning the Australian 4WD series this year, but I also know the East Coast Rounds will bring out a lot of really fast 4WD competitors, so every event I’m expecting a massive challenge,” he continued.
“Plus the way the points work where you count your best three results decide the eventual winner means there are a lot of variables that can get thrown into the mix.”
“I’m really excited though, to have secured the result we did in WA, and to be working with Race Torque and driving their Mitsubishi (Lancer Evo X) for the remainder of the season!”
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