Gill ready for Tasmanian action

With the help of co-driver Kim Bessell, the teenager took a convincing Production Cup win at round one in Canberra and is aiming high to continue his run of good form in his Subaru Impreza WRX.

Canberra was not without trouble for Gill, who on the rally’s third stage, hit a tree, that could very easily have ended his rally. Some extreme work by the team at service welded up his broken Subaru and sent him back on his way to take the class win.

For Tasmania, Gill is hoping to repeat his Canberra result and regain the points lead from Queenslander Ronnie Bustard, who is using Tasmania as one of his drop rounds.

Only four rounds count towards the overall Production Cup meaning that Gill’s absence in Western Australia will not hurt his series hopes

“We were pleased with our performance in Canberra, and after missing round two in WA, we can’t wait to get back in the car,” Gill said.

“Ronnie (Bustard) made the trip to WA and jumped us in the championship, but he’s not coming to Tasmania, so hopefully it evens out and we can take back some of the points.”

It’s been a 12-week hiatus for Gill, during which time the team has almost fully rebuilt the car.

“We were going to do a rallysprint in the car during the 12 weeks, but when that was cancelled, the engine and gearbox came out, improvements were made, and it was all put back together.

“We also had a little panel damage to repair after my mishap, so that was completed as well.”

After being seeded 18th in Canberra, Gill’s impressive fourth outright in Canberra has earned him a jump in the seeding list, and will start car six for the event on the Apple Isle.

“Car six is a great spot to be. You get a nicely swept road, but also can see the lines of guys like Harry and Lewis (Bates), so that is beneficial in many ways.”

Gill will again show his youth at the event, with Rally Launceston set to be his first event outside of New South Wales or Queensland. It’s a challenge that he is excited about.

“Rallying in Tassie seems a lot different to that of north eastern Australia, with the roads looking very different to what I’ve driven on before,” he added.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and the chance to develop and learn more as I go, while also trying to achieve the best result possible.

Gill is hoping to repeat his success from the last time he was in Tasmania when he won a karting championship as a junior. 

Rally Launceston gets underway on Friday night with the Rally Show in Civic Square, Launceston before the Newcastle pairing tackles twelve forest stages on Saturday and Sunday.