New co-driver for Taylor as Subaru announce plans for 2018 ARC assault
- 22nd February 2018, 7:00am
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“Bill has set the bar very high and we had to think long and hard about who could aspire to his level of ability and professionalism, but we’re confident we’ve found a great fit with Malcolm," Taylor said after a test session this week.“Just like Bill, he’s highly motivated and experienced and after testing in Tasmania, we’re quietly confident that we can produce the goods.
Molly Taylor and Malcolm Read had a successful test session together this week. Photos: Subaru
“The only compensation is that Bill stepped out of the car as a dual co-drivers champion and that’s a mark of his incredible ability and contribution over the last couple of seasons," Taylor added.A big focus for the team in 2018 is finding efficiencies in the turbocharged WRX STI to remain competitive against the increasing prevalence of lightweight AP4 cars in the Championship. With prime challengers Harry Bates (Toyota Yaris) and Eli Evans (Mini Cooper) both opting for cars under the AP4 regulations, Taylor says every bit of weight saving and efficiency that can be gained from the WRX STI is being considered by the brains trust at LWR. “It’s a shame 2017 champion Nathan Quinn won’t be competing this year, however, the field is shaping up to be bigger and more competitive yet again,” Taylor added. “The extra round in Tasmania this year is a huge opportunity, as it reduces the mid-season break and, being a new event based out of Launceston, makes a big learning curve for all competitors, though I’m sure Les Walkden’s local knowledge will be a big help when we get down there in July!” Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, new co-driver Malcolm Read began rallying in 2004 and now has more than 100 events globally to his credit. Among his highest achievements as a co-driver: • 1st 2016,2015, 2014 FIA Asia Pacific Production Cup Championship • 1st 2014 and 2013 FIA Asia Pacific 2WD Championship • 1st 2013 FIA Asia Cup Championship
Successful New Zealand co-driver, Malcolm Read, will partner Molly Taylor in 2018.
“Les Walkden and the LWR crew are focused on ensuring the WRX STI is as lean and mean as can be. “With many new variations, both within our own team and the series, it’s going to make it an intriguing season all round.”Round 1 of the Championship, The Courier Eureka Rally, Ballarat, March 3-4, covers 16 stages over 212.52 competitive kilometres. Six forest and two shire road stages are due to be run twice. Four stages are the same as 2017, while three retain elements of 2017, with one all-new, featuring a bitumen road through an area known locally as Devil’s Kitchen. It traverses some shire lanes and even private property. AUSTRALIAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR 2018 Round 1 – The Courier Eureka Rally, Ballarat, 3-4 March Round 2 – Make Smoking History Forest Rally, WA, 27-29 April Round 3 – Netier National Capital Rally, Canberra, 1-3 June Round 4 – Rally Tasmania 27-29 July *Provisional – subject to finalisation of promoter agreement. Round 5 – Adelaide Hills Rally SA, 21-23 September Round 6 – Kennards Hire Rally Australia, Coffs Harbour, 15-18 November
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https://rallysportmag.com/evans-bates-taylor-head-eureka-rally-entry-list/ https://rallysportmag.com/raymond-unveils-lancer-evo-9-arc-vrc-assaults140218/SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
