“Simon loves rallying, he’s such a competitive guy, if he had the chance he’d be rallying every weekend!” laughed Eli. “Because he’s so competitive the prospect of him sitting at home and watching everyone else out sliding around in the forests means that he’ll be back, no question about that.”
Simon, who rose to prominence for his ‘never say die’ attitude and uncompromising approach behind the wheel, spearheaded Toyota’s attack upon their return to the ARC with their Group N (P) and later Super 2000 Corolla’s, claiming two drivers titles in 2006 and 2007.
On Toyota’s withdrawal from the series in 2009 Evans returned to the family run team and continued his winning ways, taking a further two titles in 2009 in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo before reverting to a Subaru Impreza WRX for title number four in 2010.
Following a year on the sidelines in 2011 Simon Evans returned midway through last season to lead rallyschool.com.au’s attack in their newly developed front-wheel drive Mazda 2.
“It was a huge boost to the Championship to have Simon back competing last year,” said Eli. “You know if you’re competing against Simon then you’re competing against the fastest rally driver in Australia.”
But with the rallyschool.com.au team linking up with Brendan Reeves, who has spent the past two seasons competing on the World Rally Championship stage, Simon Evans faces the very real prospect of watching the exploits of his brother and the rest of the ARC field from home.
“The reality is Simon hates sitting at home when he knows there is a rally on! So while he might not have a drive right now I know he’ll be doing everything he can to get back out there,” continued Eli.
“The state of the Championship is definitely attracting new interest from the car manufacturers, and anyone who is serious about fighting at the front is going to want Simon to be their driver. So I know he’s talking to people but at this stage I think it’s just talk, I don’t think there are any plans progressing past the talking stage.”
“As a driver though I want to be racing Simon, and for the sport having Simon competing is a huge boost, it creates excitement amongst the spectators and exposure amongst the media. Hopefully the ARC will have him back real soon!” concluded Eli.
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