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Ryan finished third co-driving for Matt Amos in a G2 spec V8 Commodore ute at the Snake Racing Coffs Coast Rally in the Bosch Two Wheel Drive ARC and at just 16 years and six months became the youngest competitor to stand on the podium in the Bosch ARC's 44 year history.
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Ryan says he was thrilled with his first podium and was unaware that he had become youngest person to stand on the podium in ARC history.
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"It was great to achieve third with Matt," said Tom Ryan.
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"I had no idea it made me the youngest co-driver to stand on the ARC podium until someone mentioned it after the rally."
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Tom competed in his first Bosch ARC event at Rally Victoria in 2011 alongside Adam Casmiri before being asked to co-drive for Matt Amos this year.
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According Tom's father and principal of Rallyschool, to Mick Ryan, his son has been fortunate to have some fantastic mentors.
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"We're extremely proud of both Tom and also Matt Amos," said Mick Ryan.
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"The G2 spec V8 Commodore Ute is certainly a handful at the best of times and in the late downpour at Coffs Harbour I doubt anyone would have wanted to be behind the wheel of the brute but they both did very well bringing it home in third place.
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"Matt and Tom haven't had any crashes the year - they've just been driving to the limit aiming to finish every rally , through all this Matt's been great with Tom, while top level co-drivers like Dale Moscatt and Coral Taylor have also been helping him out throughout the year," said Mick.
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"Tom has got great qualities for a co-driver, he's very organised, very fussy and a little bit anal, all essential for a top co-driver," he added.Â
Tom Ryan is aiming to move from the co-driver's seat to behind the wheel in 2013 driving a Toyota Altezza in the NSW State Rally Championship but will continue to co-drive in the ARC while also juggling study commitments.
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"I'm doing my HSC next year so unfortunately I have to study more than just pace notes and road books," Tom Ryan laughed.
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Matt Amos and Tom Ryan are just two points off third place in the Bosch Two Wheel Drive ARC championship standings heading into the final round, Rally Victoria on 16-17th November.
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