Rally of Queensland entry list released

With just over a week until the third Round of both the Asia-Pacific and East Coast Bullbars Australian Rally Championship begins in Queensland, the full entry list has been released.
 

The leading trio of Brendan Reeves (Mazda2), Scott Pedder (Renault Clio) and Adrian Coppin (Citroen DS3) have entered into the leading Asia-Pacific category where they will go head-to-head with the international Skoda duo of Jan Kopecky and Gurav Gill, while also being eligible for outright ECB ARC points.
 
By starting with the APRC runners Reeves, Pedder and Coppin can expect a slightly higher road position, which may prove beneficial on the challenging Queensland roads.
 
The full ECB ARC field will be lead away by Michael Boaden, who makes a welcome return in his VW Polo having sat out the last Round in Western Australia to continue development work on his new engine. The second Citroen DS3 of Tony Sullens will be sure to follow him closely.
 
Mick Patton’s VW and Tasmanian Waylon Sims’ exciting Peugeot 207 are sure to be part of the action, while local Queenslander James Wilson makes his first appearance in his Production spec Ford Fiesta ST.
 
Bill Monkhouse is sure to add some spectator interest in his Suzuki Vitara, while his son, the always sideways Jack, will be one of the front runners in a bumper 13-car Classics field.
 
The Classics will be led by Neal Bates, fresh off victory at the recent Otago Rally in New Zealand, while Ryan Smart returns to his home rally to form a two car Datsun team with Monkhouse.
 
Experienced tarmac rally driver, and pet foods magnate, Tony Quinn joins the Classics field in his BMW M3. Brett Stephens and Ed Mulligan will travel North of the border from the ACT and NSW respectively, while the rest of the field will be made up of local talent including Philip Casper, Hugh Scott and Keith Farwell.
 
Former NSW State Rally Champion Peter Roberts will spearhead the National 4WD contingent in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI, ahead of local Mike Bailey and New South Welshman Gerald Schofield also both in Mitsubishi’s.
 
Andrew Penny and Jay Davidson will wave the Subaru flag, while experienced Queensland competitors Matt Van Tuinen and Bruce Fullerton will be eligible for 4WD points despite contesting the outright Asia-Pacific category.

The International Rally of Queensland starts next Friday evening at Kings Beach in Caloundra. Entry will be free to the Ceremonial Start, where from 5.30pm drivers will display their cars and sign autographs for fans before crossing the official start ramp. Fireworks, entertainment, market stalls and a variety of food and drink outlets promise a great family outing.

Adult tickets to dedicated Special Stage spectator points are available on-line through the event website www.rallyqueensland.com.au, priced from $20 with a pre-event discount.

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