Following a 2008 Australian Rally Championship (ARC) campaign which presented a few challenges, Mitchell Hall and his Fusion Motor Sport team are tackling the 2009 season with optimism and enthusiasm.
“We had many unfortunate mechanical dramas last year which caused us to DNF in our last few events however, our data shows that up until the retirements we had set some very competitive stage times so it is encouraging to have those statistics heading into a new season,†says Hall.
Whilst a significant drop in sponsorship funds has caused the team to scale back their ARC plans to only two events, the Adelaide based team are excited to announce that they will be contending the South Australian Rally Championship (SARC) this year in their PRC Subaru WRX STi.
“The SARC is well renowned as a stand out rally championship in Australia. With an impressive line up of competitors and some of the most challenging roads in the country it was an easy decision for us to decide to give it a good nudge,†said Hall.
Sitting alongside Hall for the second year is Kiwi co-driver, Janah Mclean, who is equally excited about the season ahead.
“It’s been far too long since we were last in the WRX so it is great to have a full championship calendar now confirmed. Mitchell and I have been working on our fitness and focus during the off season and are now confident that we have what it takes to really be competitive this year.â€
The first round of the SARC is the Adelaide Hills Tarmac Rally which will be a new experience for the young team.
“Tarmac is something Janah and I aren’t used to so it will be a learning curve for us both. However, we are looking forward to the challenge and will definitely give it our best shot,†says Hall. “The hardest part will still be trying to not laugh every time we get to a grade “6†corner!†he continued.
Adelaide Hills Tarmac Rally kicks off on Saturday, May 30 and will be held around the Willunga and Southern Vales areas.
Photo: Skot Carter
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