After last night’s Super Special Stage in Angaston, Simon and Sue Evans held the slimmest of leads- just 1/10 sec over Scott Pedder and Jon Mortimer. Anticipation was building as Scott Pedder felt that he could win the heat and enough stages to take the overall win and put himself back in the championship lead.
It was not to be.
After just 1.6km into the first stage of the day the number seven car got out of shape on a high speed section and made heavy contact with a tree. Simon and Sue Evans were first on scene and immediately informed Rally Organisers who dispatched First Intervention Vehicles (FIV).
The time from the call to arrival on scene was less than two minutes- a testament to the strategic positioning of the FIV crews and the structure of the event and real-time communications. Not only was the FIV on scene quickly, but said vehicle contained both a paramedic and a trauma doctor. They assessed both crew and it was decided that Scott Pedder would require immediate transport to Royal Adelaide Hospital via helicopter.
With Scott Pedder safely conveyed to hospital, the event continued. While the stage was cancelled, and with the exception of the Evans/Evans and Quinn/Green crews, all crews were able to start stage 12.
From stage 13 through 17, the Evans Motorsport Tankformers WRX's dominance was absolute. Despite the earlier drama, Simon and Sue were able to refocus and carve out stage win after stage win to take out both heats, the event and the plaudits.
In second place were Nathan Quinn and co driver David Green in their Allied Airconditioning Mitsubishi who were locked in a battle all day with third placed Steven Shepheard. Quinn was able to take the second step on the podium thanks to a very fast second run through on the 32 kilometre Tweeden stage which acted as a bookend for the gravel stages at the Scouts Rally SA.
While Steven Shepheard finished third, the smile could not be wiped from his face. By his own admittance, Tweeden was not his favourite stage, but after a talking to from brother Reg amongst many others, he was able to complete the 32 kilometres “of hell” in a time good enough to ensure he would be on the podium for the first time- an outstanding performance from the Sachs sponsored Mitsubishi.
Simon Evans: “It was an awesome weekend- from the roads to the organisation. My battle on Saturday with Scott was one of the best battles for ages. Sue was just awesome in the car- she’s an absolute rock. It's not easy to win- and the championship is far from over."
Nathan Quinn: “I think it was a great effort by “Dangerous” Dave and myself. We went into Tweeden in a battle with Mark Pedder and we won out. “
Steven Shepheard: “(brother) Reg, (father) George- all the service crew put heaps of pressure on me for Tweeden. I was not keen on it, but we got there- a podium. I am so happy. We’ll now aim for another podium in Queensland”
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