It’s all in a day’s work for young ARC gun, Glen Raymond, who has quickly risen through the ARC ranks over the past two years. No one is more surprised by the recent turn of events than Glen himself.
"I still have to stop and pinch myself," commented a slightly exhausted Raymond. "Our team has come a long way since our first event in 2006.”
2008 will see the much-anticipated debut of the Raymond/Raymond partnership in a TRD Group N (P) Corolla. Whilst the development of the new Corolla is all but complete, the weeks leading into the 2008 season have been spent on driver development.
This development has come courtesy of the CAMS Driver Development program. In his second year as a member, Glen attended the Australian Institute of sport for some intensive physical and mental training.
"This is my second year in the program and my third visit to the AIS. Each time I attend the program I get something new to take back into the car with me. This time round I had the opportunity to look back at my 2007 performances and improve in a few areas."
The only facet of the Raymond Partners Rally Team’s 2008 program still to be finalised is the confirmation of a naming rights sponsor for 2008. The team have reached an agreement with the Bendigo Bank over the off season that will see them continue as a financial supporter of the team, but they have not taken up the naming rights for 2008.
“We will still be at all events in 2008, however the money is very, very tight. There is not much to spare,” Team Manager Roy Raymond said.
“Nobody on the team is here for a free ride. Matt and Glen put in as much money as they can, and even more. Even the service crew pay their own way. But it just shows the dedication that the whole team has, and I greatly appreciate their input.”
When asked where extra funds could be spent, Glen added: “Tyres - we only purchased six new tyres per event last year as that was all we could afford, and extra money could always be used on tools and preventative maintenance on the car.
“I know that funding can be a problem, so we try to run a very tight ship. We would be spending less to do the ARC than most leading state crews to compete in their championships.
“However, I won’t let something as simple as funding get in the way of my desire to succeed in rallying.”
Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Roy Raymond at raymondpartners@dcsi.net.au or on 0417 388374.
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