“The Silvia is fitted with a turbocharged 2 litre 4 cylinder engine which can produce a lot of power, but since our first test of the car a couple of weeks ago and even during the ARC launch, we have actually been progressively detuning it, to make it more driveable”, Will says.
A super special stage at Galli Estate Winery was used for a couple of competitive runs in the morning and many VIP, corporate and media rides throughout the day. The stage was reasonably short and has some very technical parts, but also has 2 long, narrow straights between the vines where the Silvia could stretch its legs. “A couple of VIP guests got the chance to reach speeds of about 165km/hr in the Silvia down the straights. It felt pretty fast considering the how close the vines were!” Will remarks.
The cars first competitive outing will be the Quit Forest Rally held in the West Australian forests around Busselton and Nannup on April 15-17, 2011.
“The Quit Forest Rally is the first qualifying round for the RAJC, and we hope that we will have the speed and the reliability to qualify” Will’s Co-driver Rian Calder says, “Will’s put a lot of time in to this car lately and I’m confident that he’s built a reliable and competitive car. All we have to do is make sure we set some good times and bring the car to the finish”
This years Bosch Australian Rally Championship is shaping up to be an exciting one with the inclusion of the new and “unrestricted” ARC cars as well as the Rallyschool.com.au Junior Challenge competitors.
When asked about the “Unrestricted” Bosch Australian Rally Championship, Will says “The changes that Scott Pedder has already made to the championship, combined with the announcements he made at the launch, should mean that the championship will go from strength to strength. By campaigning the Silvia, I’m hoping that when the championship reverts to a predominantly 2wd championship, we will be in a good position to take advantage of any opportunities that may turn up. Let’s all hope that Scotts promise of 4 manufacturers by 2013 comes true and the championship becomes better than it’s ever been before”
Follow the progress of Will Orders’ Rallyschool.com.au Australian Junior Challenge Campaign throughout the year with regular rally updates by liking his Facebook page – “Summit Innovation Rally Team”.
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