The current series leader Jeff Eastman and co-driver Tony Caldwell will start the rally in the Autotech Services Lancer Evo 3. Eastman has 94 points and is 7 point clear of his nearest rival, Jon Waterhouse. Eastman’s main series competitor has decided to sit this event out.
“So long as I finish and barring any problems, I should win the title this weekend,” Eastman said. “That will be a great result for me and my sponsor Autotech Services, who also sponsor the ACT title,” Eastman added.
Eastman’s main competition for outright places will come from newly crowned NSW Rally Champion John Mitchell with co-driver Jo Cadman. Mitchell won the NSW title at the last NSW Championship round held in Batemans Bay two weeks ago and is out for a celebratory drive, free of the championship pressures.
But multiple Australian Rally Champion, Neal Bates will be the man to catch, as he makes a guest appearance in his Neal Bates Motorsport Corolla S2000 rally car.
“I’m looking forward to getting back in and having a drive and this event gives me and my son Harry a chance to have some fun together,” Bates said
Bates has just returned from Spain, where he mentored former co-driver Coral Taylor’s daughter Molly, as she was selected for participation in the prestigious 2011 World Rally Championship (WRC) Academy for talented young rally drivers. Molly will contest six rounds of the 2011 FIA World Rally Championship in Ford Fiesta R2 cars.
The TrussMe National Capital rally will feature a total of 8 competitive stages, including the famous Bluetts Pines and Pipeline stages followed by 6 stages in Kowen Forest, just east of Queanbeyan.
The event will start at 11:30 from the Weston Club, Liardet Street, Weston. Spectator instructions will be available from the start and from bmsc.com.au.
If anyone with some time to spare on Saturday and who would like to get a closer look at the action as an official can call 0401639934
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