Nat Presutto and his Sbaru Parts Racing (SPR) team are busy preparing for their onslaught on the 2008 ARC Rally Challenge.
Since buying the ex-Will Orders Subaru Impreza STi at the beginning of this year, the team made the decision to take a step back from serious competition and spend the 2007 season doing select events, focusing on gaining experience in getting the best out of their new car.
“The new car is so completely different to our old car. This is why we decided to take a step back, regroup financially, and spend the time to really get to know the new car before we take it out into serious competition,” Presutto said.
Back in the co-driver’s seat for 2007/08 and beyond is Marcus Richards. Marcus won the 2004 Victorian Rally Championship in class P6 alongside Nat in their Nissan Pulsar GTiR.
"It's great to be back in the car with Nat, we always have a lot of fun together. I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and showing people what we can do," he said.
The pair have quickly regained their old groove, posting impressive times in early testing.
The team have announced SBARU Parts as major sponsor for their 07 program. SBARU Parts are now Victoria’s leading specialist Subaru auto recycler and are extremely committed to rallying. Lucas Automotive, who will house the rally car and provide key service crew, LaScentia Perfumes, Hubble Photografix, Top Torque Engines and Melbourne Wide Radiators are all joining the team again as sponsors this year.
“We feel extremely proud and lucky to have the support of these great companies who are so enthusiastic about rallying. We really couldn’t do it without them,” Presutto said.
The team are excited and looking forward to making a strong assault on next year’s ARC Rally Challenge. There is a lot to learn between now and then, so for the remainder of the 2007 season the focus will be on putting the car (and team) though its paces at the remaining Victorian Rally Championship events. This is a perfect lead up for team to the 2008 ARC season.