Orders’ team-mate, Ross Allan, completed the team’s dream event by bringing the second Nissan Silvia home in equal third place in the category, and a brilliant 10th outright.
Based in Maine on the east coast of the USA, the New England Forest Rally was the third event in Summit Rally Team’s program of Rally America events.
Orders and co-driver, Toni Feaver, got the campaign off to a brilliant start by winning the two-wheel drive category in the Oregon Trail Rally on the west coast, but a mechanical failure saw him retire from their next round.
Despite Orders’ troubles, Ross and Scott Allan finished on the podium in the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally in Pennsylvania, proving that the Australian team were having a real impact on the series.
After successful test session ahead of the New England Forest Rally, both Orders and Allan were confident of success, and they both lived up to expectations.
Orders had a rally-long battle with rival, and good friend, Chris Duplessis in his Ford Fiesta R2, eventually finishing 41.6 seconds clear.
Naturally, he was thrilled with the result.
"The weekend was very good for the Summit Innovations Rally Team. Everyone worked really hard prior to the event to ensure a good result,” Orders said.
“We did extensive testing to make sure the cars were right, and it proves that the more hard work you put into something, the better the result.
"Going into the rally we knew it was going to be a strong battle with local, Chris Duplessis, who has rallied the area for many years, and we’re rapt to come away with the victory.”
Allan’s third place capped off the perfect weekend for the team.
"The roads that were used at New England Forest Rally are my favorites so far,” the Victorian said. “There was a great combination of fast and flowing roads with some technical sections as well. The team did an awesome job during testing to improve the handling of my car, and we were really happy with our results."
“What a great trip and experience for the team,” Summit Innovations Managing Director, Hilary Evans, said.
“I’ve been so happy to have been involved and to be a part of the team, and what they have achieved.
“The Rally America program has provided good exposure for the Summit business, as we have looked professional both on and off the track.
“The world knows that Australian drivers are fast, and Will and Ross have certainly shown that to the Americans over the past three events.
“It’s been an incredible experience for everyone involved, and I’m sure we’d all like to do it all again some time in the future,” Evans added.
The Summit Rally Team now head back across the United States to Los Angeles, where they will load the Nissan Silvias back into a shipping container for the long trip back to Australia.
They leave the United States having not only achieved their goals, but having set the Rally America championship alight with their speed and professionalism.
Final Results, 2012 New England Forest Rally
Two-wheel drive category
1. Will Orders / Toni Feaver, Nissan Silvia, 1h18m37.3s
2. Chris Duplessis / Alexander Kihurani, Ford Fiesta R2, 1h19m18.9s
=3. Ross Allan / Scott Allan, Nissan Silvia, 1h22m19.2s
=3. Andrew Comrie-Picard / Jeremy Wimpey, Scion xD, 1h22m19.2s
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