Race Torque have successfully fielded teams in the APRC for many years under the MRF Tyres and Mitsubishi Motors Japan banner, culminating in outright honours in the series in 2005.
For Pedder and Weston this announcement comes as welcome relief with the crew only contesting one event in 2007 (Rally New Zealand) following the shock announcement by Mitsubishi Motors Australia to cease their domestic rally programme at the end of 2006.
“This is incredibly exciting for both Glen and I. The Rally New Zealand experience last year, whilst it obviously didn’t go quite according to plan, reconfirmed our passion for competition and really since that event we have been trying our hardest to put a programme together,” Pedder said.
“The deal with Race Torque and MRF enables us to continue to compete at one of the highest levels in the sport, in a series with great diversity and appeal and against some strong opposition. To also be back in a Mitsubishi, a brand that I have had experience with now for over 10 years, is tremendous and possibly an advantage for us – one that hopefully we can exploit against the new Subaru.”
Race Torque Engineering co-director, Lane Heenan, is equally as excited to secure the services of one of Australia’s leading rally crews.
“Obviously our aim is to win rallies and the championship and to provide strong return for our key team partners – particularly MRF Tyres and Mitsubishi. Securing the services of Scott and Glen to back up the rest of the team is a huge positive,” he said.
“Also, despite the fact that we are Australian based, we have never had a full time Australian driver in our APRC line-up, so hopefully the inclusion of Scott and Glen can widen interest in the team. Things are looking very positive for a successful 2008 season.”
The Asia-Pacific Rally Championship is one of the world’s most prestigious rally championships with past winners representing some of the biggest names in world rallying. The 2008 APRC features seven events and highlights the diversity of terrain and climate that makes this championship truly unique. Following is the 2008 Asia Pacific Rally Championship Calendar.
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