Desperate times call for desperate measures, and rally fans have been getting their fix by competing in the Australian Rally Championship's Dirt Rally 2.0 series.
In the last of four rounds, Luca Giacomin (ERT_LUCA GIACOMIN) won the series with a commanding victory at the virtual Łęczna County in Poland.
With competitors taking on three difficult stages in Group B vehicles from the 1980s, Giacomin once again showed why he was a worthy series champion, winning all three stages.
Taking out a well-deserved runner-up finish in the outright standings was Scott Fletcher (SCOTTYF90) after he secured an event second place over David Opie (D_OPIE) by almost one minute.
The victory was Giacomin’s third consecutive round win in the competition after coming second to teammate Jarod Pesch (ERT_JAROD) in the series opener last month and the West Australian was thrilled with the result.
“I am pretty excited. It’s weird because it’s the virtual ARC but it’s great to see a lot of people joining in,” Giacomin said.
“This round was the most difficult one out of all four due to the combination of the cars and course.
“The Group B cars were quite tricky to hold on the straights. You needed to be millimetre perfect because just a little bump could have sent you into the trees. I had to make sure I was not going to bin every run.
“There was a lot of pressure throughout all four rounds with Scott providing a big challenge in the past two rounds, while Jarod was the biggest threat in the first two.
“I think it would be good to see more people get involved for the next one. It’s great as a short-term filler for people while we are not racing. The more people and teams that get involved, the better the series will be.”
Following on from a season-high result of eighth in the final round, Aaron Beard (AARONBEARD) snuck onto the outright podium despite not finishing any round in the top five – his consistency at each event rewarded with the top three result.
Finishing fourth, just 19 points behind Beard on the outright standings was FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship regular Mike Young (YOUNGYMIKEZ), thanks to two top five placings, while Timothy Valantine (LCCC_BMCC) rounded out the top five a further 10 points adrift.
Other notable series results saw photographer Jack Martin (MARTYJACK97) finish just behind in sixth and 2018 Motorsport Australia Tasmanian Rally Champion Bodie Reading (SEBLOEB9) finish the series in 13th outright, one place ahead of round one winner Pesch.
In the ARC2’s 12-stage final round set in New England, USA, Martin dominated the field to secure a two minute victory over MITCH555. Rounding out the event’s top three was Scott Welds (SCOTTWELDS).
Another ARC Dirt Rally 2.0 series will be held, with the competition details to be announced in the coming weeks.
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.
“I am pretty excited. It’s weird because it’s the virtual ARC but it’s great to see a lot of people joining in,” Giacomin said.
“This round was the most difficult one out of all four due to the combination of the cars and course.
“The Group B cars were quite tricky to hold on the straights. You needed to be millimetre perfect because just a little bump could have sent you into the trees. I had to make sure I was not going to bin every run.
“There was a lot of pressure throughout all four rounds with Scott providing a big challenge in the past two rounds, while Jarod was the biggest threat in the first two.
“I think it would be good to see more people get involved for the next one. It’s great as a short-term filler for people while we are not racing. The more people and teams that get involved, the better the series will be.”
Following on from a season-high result of eighth in the final round, Aaron Beard (AARONBEARD) snuck onto the outright podium despite not finishing any round in the top five – his consistency at each event rewarded with the top three result.
Finishing fourth, just 19 points behind Beard on the outright standings was FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship regular Mike Young (YOUNGYMIKEZ), thanks to two top five placings, while Timothy Valantine (LCCC_BMCC) rounded out the top five a further 10 points adrift.
Other notable series results saw photographer Jack Martin (MARTYJACK97) finish just behind in sixth and 2018 Motorsport Australia Tasmanian Rally Champion Bodie Reading (SEBLOEB9) finish the series in 13th outright, one place ahead of round one winner Pesch.
In the ARC2’s 12-stage final round set in New England, USA, Martin dominated the field to secure a two minute victory over MITCH555. Rounding out the event’s top three was Scott Welds (SCOTTWELDS).
Another ARC Dirt Rally 2.0 series will be held, with the competition details to be announced in the coming weeks.
