With a high spec Subaru WRX leased for the event – the team had hopes of achieving a strong result – to cement their 6th outright position in the championship and hopefully have a good finish for the final round of the Australian series.
“Our well recognised black car has been really good this year but I decided to lease the ex-Subaru Australia factory car from the current owner to help us achieve our goals. The orange 2005 Subaru has all the right gear to maximise the chance of a good overall result. I also engaged the services of experienced co-driver Ben Searcy from WA” said driver Mark Butcher.
The team attended the media day and the car performed well while taking selected VIP’s for a ride.
“The first stage of the rally we took off from the start line and within 30 seconds realised we had a problem. The car was down on power and misfiring – effectively only running on 3 cylinders. We managed to finish the stage but decided to withdraw in the hope that the team could effect repairs for a good run on day 2 of the rally” said Butcher.
The team worked late into the night and diagnosed a faulty fuel injecotor. It was replaced with a new one and the team headed out for day 2.
“With the car slightly detuned and the aim to finish and score maximum points, Ben and I headed off to the first stage early this morning. The first stage seemed ok and we were happy to be in front of some of our rivals – however it was not to be for long – as by the 3rd stage the engine was playing up – and this time it was terminal” said Butcher.
The car developed the same problem and so the team were left with no choice but to withdraw. With zero points scored in the last round in NSW and this weekend – the team are very dissapointed.
“I put a lot of time, money and effort into rallying and weekends like this are very dissapointing. We have been as high as 4th outright in the championship and had a great run at the first 3 rounds. I would really like to thank my sponsors for supporting me during the year and we hope to secure additional sponsors for 2012 so that we can come out and have another go at the championship. I think we have surprised a few people this year – and even though this weekend was a failure – we know have gained experience in every event and can use that to our advantage next year” said Butcher.
With the championship introducing a 2WD series and SUV series – the team are undecided about which way to go in 2012 – but with a few irons in the fire something should be sorted very soon.
Mark would like to congratulate the winners of the championship and various categories and thank all of the volunteer officials who have helped during the 2011 Bosch Australian Rally Championship.
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