Taking victory by just two seconds over series leaders Lyn Rattray and Lindon Hills, the pair has notched up their first top podium spot after many years in the car together.
Cool overcast conditions and the occasional shower greeted crews at Geeveston, who headed out into the forest for 110 competitive kilometres. A battle started from SS1 with Rattray making the first strike.
Reeves did not sit back, hitting back and taking the second stage by one second over Rattray. Stage wins swapped all day, ensuring a great contest and thrilling spectating for those braving the cold conditions. Andrew Wylie and Ross Ferguson also pushed hard, setting great times in their first event back after some eight years of retirement, but a huge push from Reeves on the last stage was enough to win the event by just two seconds over Rattray, with the quick 2WD Pulsar GTi of Peterson/Peterson coming home in third.
“We are stoked,†Reeves said. “It’s been a long time coming. This is our fourth event in a turbo car, and I’m really starting to come to grips with it. We tried some soft compound tyres which really suited the cool damp conditions, and assisted us sweeping the road, being the first car across many of the stages. The car performed well and Rattray put up a huge challenge with us trading stage wins all day, it came down to the last stage.â€
The crew started the last 13km stage 12 seconds down to Rattray/Hills and knew they would have to give it everything to gain the second a kilometre required to take the win.
“Nathan drove the best I can remember on the last stage,†commented Spedding. “It was our second run through the stage so we had the confidence to push hard. I tightened my belts that little bit extra and we just went for it, and to come out with the stage win by 14 seconds was enough to win the stage, and the event by two seconds was sensational.
“I really have to thank Lyn and Lindon who were happy to share their stage times all day, ensuring we both had the opportunity to make the most of every stage.â€
The team would like to RallySchool.com.au, Greg Lyle Abrasive Blasting, Les Walkden Rallying, Reeves Earthmoving, North West Movers, Total Alarms Services, their service crew and the 500 Car Club for a great event.
They will now head to the final round of the championship, the Mountain Stages based from Launceston on October 4, hoping to repeat their win and stay in the points race for the 2009 Series.
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