Back in March 2000, we chatted to the then 23-year old Scott Pedder about his plans for the future, and his dream of becoming a works driver.
Who would have known that 15 years later Pedder would be the reigning Australian Rally Champion?
5 minutes with Scott Pedder
A young Scott Pedder on the limit in a Ford Escort.When quizzed, Scott Pedder immediately names Possum Bourne as the person he most admires in rallying, citing that anybody who can continue successfully after such a tragic accident deserves the admiration.
For Pedder, it was an event that gave him the confidence in his own ability after a huge accident in a night event at the end of 1996. With victory in sight, he left the road in thick dust, hitting a gum tree three feet off the ground at 120kmh.
Three years later, the 23-year old is the Victorian Rally Champion and is set to embark on his first title defence - again at the wheel of his Mitsubishi Lancer.
Scott Pedder was born into a rallying dynasty and has vivid memories of watching father Ron and family friend, Bill Orders, competing in the early 1980s at the wheel of their Datsun 1600s.
Then, when dad decided to get back into the sport in 1993, young Scott was all for it, and immediately started competing in the Victorian Autocross Championship.
Two years later and with his licence now obtained, Pedder hit the rally stages in a well-built Mk 2 Escort, although results didn't come as often as he might have hoped.
Like Michael Guest before him, Pedder seems to be a driver who didn't show his real talent until he got behind the wheel of a four-wheel drive car.
We spent a few minutes with Pedder, chatting about his best results, his thoughts on rallying and his plans for the future.
Pedder's first 4WD experience was in a Galant VR4.Most enjoyable event:
The 1999 Begonia Rally. To win an event that is steeped in tradition like the Begonia was something special. To have my name printed alongside names like Portman, Bell and Wise is a great honour.
Least enjoyable event:
The 1998 Strzelecki Stages. I had just come off a great 3rd outright in the WIN TV Rally, my first event in a 4WD turbo car and I was full of confidence and wanted to prove my knockers wrong. I made the fatal driver error of staying on the brakes too long and skidded off the outside of the corner after the timing board on the first stage!
What is your opinion of Australian rallying at the present time:
I think Australian rallying has huge potential, particularly with the current television deal. The loss of this medium is probably the greatest threat to the sport over the next few years.
What changes would you like to see in rallying:
Tough question. As stated in last month’s ARN, the idea of only two crews winning championships is a concern. I don’t think the solution is to be negative and ban and restrict entry, I would like to see the solution coming from positive avenues like enticing more manufacturers, sponsors and top crews to enter the championship.
The way to do this is to make the sport a more saleable product and I think the series and the sport is well on its way.
What are your aims and ambitions in rallying:
In the short term the 2000 Victorian Championship, in the medium term an Australian Privateers’ title and in the long term an Australian Championship. The ultimate would be a world works drive!
BIO
Scott Pedder tackles a stage of the Rally of Melbourne in a Mitsubishi Lancer.Name: Scott Pedder
Age: 23
Lives: Hawthorn, Victoria
Status: Single (girlfriend Caroline)
Occupation: Marketing, Pedders Suspension
Hobbies: Golf (including 2 hole in ones!), football, tennis, camping, movies, red wine
Started rallying: 1993
With whom: Ron Pedder, Mark Pedder, Bill Orders
In what vehicle: 1976 Ford Escort MkII
Best results:
1st 1994 Cerberus Introductory Trial
3rd 1998 WIN TV Rally
3rd 1998 Begonia Rally
7th (Day 1) 1999 Rally of Melbourne
2nd 1999 Strzelecki Stages
1st 1999 Begonia Rally
1st 1999 Victorian Rally Championship
Photos from the RallySport Magazine archive.
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