It is all systems go for Nathaniel (Nat) Dillon to take on the new-for-2017 ARC2 Championship.
The Suzuki Baleno will be piloted by Nat Dillon and Mark Malpas at Rally Canberra. (Photo: Sam Tickell)After taking a class win at the Urbenville Sprint, the driver from Murphys Creek is excited to commit to the ARC2 initiative for his chance to win a spot at Kennards Hire Rally Australia.
The opportunity to compete against the world's best rally drivers was too good to pass up for Dillon as he became one of the first drivers from Queensland to commit to the CAMS Australian Rally Championship's (ARC) initiative.
The ARC2 is designed to encourage new competitors to the national series and drivers have to commit to one interstate round and for Queensland competitors, two State Championship rounds.
The prize - a free entry to drive in Kennards Hire Rally Australia.
"The unique nature of rallying means that I will be on the same stages as the world's best. This is something that you can't do in other sports and makes the ARC2 prize very attractive," Dillon said.
Planning for Dillon's ARC2 campaign was thrown into disarray with the cancellation of the International Rally of Queensland and the delay of the opening round of the MRF Tyres Queensland Rally Championship.
Reorganisation was a priority. There was always a plan to compete in the National Capital Rally in Canberra but the car needed to be shaken down and date changes meant that things became a little tricky.
"The National Capital Rally was always part of the plan but with Queensland being cancelled and Canberra being brought forward meant a lot of reorganisation."
"But I am very much looking forward to rallying on the Canberra roads."
"We had a good run at Urbenville. Increased our speed slowly while making sure we didn't damage anything before the National Capital Rally."
"I am very happy with the car and need check it over and give it a wash. We won our class too which is nice!"
Beyond Canberra, Dillon will rally in two MRF Tyres Queensland Rally Championship rounds to meet the ARC2 requirements.
Dillon's Suzuki Baleno will be competing in the 2WD category and is returning to the rally stages after a few years away.
- Team release
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