Multiple Australian Rally Champion, Cody Crocker, has lauded effect that the great Possum Bourne had on his career during their time driving for Subaru Rally Team Australia.
Crocker was signed on to drive for Subaru in 1998 and began an incredible career that saw him with the Australian Rally Championship three times, and the Asia Pacific Rally Championship a record-breaking four times in succession.
In an in-depth interview with RallySport Magazine, Crocker revealed some of the secrets behind his success, and how Bourne influenced his career.
“At the heart of all of this was Possum. He orchestrated everything; car builds, sponsors and media commitments, tyres, development testing, team dynamics and general morale,” Crocker said.
“He was an amazing man who seemed purpose-built for being a rally driver.
“He was the Lowndes, Brock and Johnson of rallying all in one, everyone loved him – and – he was my team-mate!
“I can’t overstate the significance of what Possum instilled in me over the seemingly short five-year period.
“From the first rally in 1998 in WA we became good mates, and whilst Greg (Foletta) and I were floating on cloud nine, we felt completely at home and felt like we fitted in to this close-knit team.
“I still remember waiting under a tree at the start, just ‘hanging out’ with Possum and the team, joking and talking crap. All the while I’m thinking ‘Wow, I’m actually here – part of the biggest team in the sport!’.”
Read parts one and two of our three-part Cody Crocker interview via the links below:
Part 2: Interview: Cody Crocker – Australian rally driving legend
Peter has been the editor of RallySport Magazine since its inception in 1989, in both printed and online form. He is a long-time competitor, event organiser and official, as well as working in the media.
