Pirtek LWR Rally Team driver, Michael Guest, has had a disappointing end to the opening Heat of the 2008 Australian Rally Championship.
Driving a Subaru Impreza WRX STI in the QUIT Forest Rally near Busselton, south of Perth, Guest and co-driver, David Green, were comfortably in second place after seven of the day’s ten stages, but rolled out of the event on the 24km eighth stage.
Neither Guest or Green were injured in the accident, but the Pirtek LWR Rally Team mechanics will have a long night ahead of them to repair the car in time for the second Heat, which starts later tonight.
Guest had opened his campaign on the tarmac Super Special Stage on the Busselton foreshore last night, finishing the two stages in fourth place.
Once the rally ventured into the forests, near Nannup, this morning, the Newcastle driver upped the pace and moved into second place.
But his hopes for a podium place ended abruptly.
“Obviously it’s a very disappointing way to end the day,” Guest admitted. “I was getting more and more happy with the car as the day wore on, and was driving well within myself.
“It wasn’t to be though, and sometimes that’s rallying,” he added.
Guest’s retirement ensured that reigning Australian Champion, Simon Evans, took a comfortable victory over team-mate Neal Bates. Local hot shot Alex Stone took third place in a Subaru.
The second Heat of the QUIT Forest Rally gets under way tomorrow morning, with crews facing a further ten stages and 115km of stages before the finish.
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
RallySport Magazine Subscription
Select Subscription Level
Select Subscription Length
Recurring Subscription Cost
A subscription to RallySport Magazine give you access to all our rally
content from Australia, New Zealand and around the world – with news,
features and experiences nobody can match.
Our team are dedicated to providing an unrivalled experience which
shares, supports and promotes the sport of rallying.
By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine.
If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.
We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires.
If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period.
You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.
Account Created!
Welcome to RallySport Magazine VIP Membership.
Get ready for your rally news experience to completely transform.
Start browsing news, exclusive VIP content or check out your account.
