The Raymond Partners Accountants Rally Team officially launched their new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X rally car at Warragul Mitsubishi last weekend. The rally car will be crewed by Glen and Matt Raymond in the 2010 Australian Rally Championship season, which begins with Rally Tasmania this weekend.
After finishing second outright in the 2009 Australian Rally Championship in an outdated Toyota Corolla, the team decided to move to a full international level car in an attempt to take Glen to the next stage in his rallying career. The current specification car, was primarily prepared by the Raymond family, with help from friends and sponsors over the past three months.
"We have all worked so hard over the summer break to get this car ready," stated driver Glen Raymond. "We have spent the time and prepared a car that is not only to full world rally standards, but that would also put some show cars to shame!"
The striking new paint scheme, which was prepared by Darryl at Blackwell Bodyworks, has already impressed the public at the launch and will no doubt be a crowd pleaser.
The Lancer, which came as a road car, was completely stripped, caged and re-built in the Raymond family garage and has just completed a successful initial test drive.
"Out of the box, the car feels really strong," said Glen. "It stops and handles brilliantly, and I felt right at home with the new Pfitzner Performance Dog Gearbox that we are using this season."
Navigator Matt Raymond said, "After an intense three months working on the car, seeing the end result certainly makes all the late nights and early mornings worthwhile. Both Glen and I can hardly wait for the weekend to finally compete in the car and to enjoy the experience that only a new car can bring.”
The Team would like to thank Peter Cefala of Warragul Mitsubishi for allowing the use of the Dealership to unveil the new car on Saturday morning. Many positive comments were received by those who attended.
Thank-you to our sponsors, Raymond Partners, Bendigo Bank, Warragul Mitsubishi, PFitzner Performance Gearboxes, Blackwell Bodyworks, Moe Engines, JNJ Electrical Contractors, Melbourne Performance Centre, Speedzone, Quality Site Welding, Vic Parts, Legible Signs, Critical Damping Services and to all who have offered support and encouragement.