Jack Monkhouse, one of the Australian Rally Championship’s most spectacular drivers, will start his 2013 title assault as he finished 2012 - on maximum attack.
The South Australian based competitor cut short his 2012 season after a massive crash at the Snake Racing Coffs Coast Rally. Monkhouse emerged from his Nissan 200SX unharmed but the car itself, was a little worse for wear.
“It was a dampener for sure, but that can happen when you're trying as hard as you can against such a competitive field, you are on the edge,” explained Monkhouse.
“But it also gave us a chance to rebuild the car with a few improvements as well.
“The car features a stronger and more reliable engine combination and we have managed to lose a few kilos over the rebuild process too. What it has done though, is allow us to refine the package. At the start of last year, we had no data at all but now we have had 12 months under our belts and we know the car can and will be competitive,” concluded the South Aussie.
Another change to the Monkhouse charge is the addition of a new co-driver, John Allen.
Allen has a long history in the sport, having driven alongside Ryan Smart, Kevin Weeks and Greg Garwood.
John’s measured control should provide the perfect counter balance to Jack’s ‘wild man’ style in the rear wheel drive Nissan.
"If I'm not scared the drivers not fast enough," laughed Allen.
“I shouldn't imagine Jack will have any trouble scaring me in a car. Seriously though, with someone as fast Jack, there is always the odd risk, so I will make sure I call the notes in plenty of time and let Jack do the job of getting through the corners,” added the co-driver.
Although a certain starter at the opening round of the 2013 East Coast Bullbars Australian Rally Championship, Monkhouse is still to finalise plans for the remainder of the season.
Monkhouse was quick to praise the efforts of those who helped he and Allen get to round one.
“I am so grateful to Peter and Alan at Bond Rollbars, Brenton and Chris at Xtreme Clutch, Andrew and Adrian at Velo Seats and Autosport, Joey and Brad at Profinish Painting and Mick at Rallyschool for their continued support. Also, my small group of friends and family who continue to help on the car’s preparation.”
“We are putting together the budget and logistics for the next few rounds and we really want to do the entire season. We just need a few things to fall into place and I am sure we can have our best season ever,” concluded Monkhouse.
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