At 12pm today (Thursday) a press conference was called at the headquarters of Team Datsun Australia for an important announcement set to change the face of rallying in Australia.
“Today we are pleased to announce a new manufacturer into rallying in Australia. Team Datsun Australia will be entering a two car team in the upcoming International Rally of Queensland in June this year,” announced co-chairman of Team Datsun Australia, Ryan Smart today.
“As we all know, the automotive industry in Australia is in troubling times, so we felt it was important to focus on the used and classic car market in Australia.”
The two car team will be headed by Australian rally drivers, Ryan Smart and Jack Monkhouse who will be joined by co-drivers John McCarthy and Tom Ryan.
“We love rallying, and we just want to go out into the forest, have a good time and do some scandos,” co-chairman Jack Monkhouse added. “The 180B is a real rally driver's car, you need to know how to drive, to drive one of these beasts!
"Back in the 70’s cars were nice and simple and were made to last, you won’t see any electrical gremlins, or diff problems here. We’ll keep driving until they stop."
Team Datsun Australia are looking for financial assistance to be able to compete in the remaining events this year. “We have been speaking to some fairly influential people on the Sunshine Coast in the hopes of securing some sponsorship, and hope to finish further discussions this week,” Smart hinted today.
Team Datsun Australia will be a proven force at this year’s International Rally Of Queensland. After a shakedown event in Orange last weekend Monkhouse is feeling confident.
“It was good to get the car out and blow off the cobwebs. We had a great run, taking out the event and even managed to overtake an Evo 6 in stage. I just think it goes to show what you can do in one of these old girls. I think Neal Bates will need to be keeping an eye on his rear view mirror!”
Team Datsun Australia will also be supported by their satellite team, “Team Lousy Luck”. Mick and Laverne Lasijczuk will be entering in their ex-Ryan Smart Datsun 180B.
“We love rallying and we love Datsuns and are so thrilled to be a part of the team. Rally Queensland is our local ARC event and a great chance for us to see how we fair amongst the best Classic drivers in Australia. Not only that, we just like to have a great time with great people,” said Mick Lasijczuk at the team launch today.
Team Datsun Australia is launching into rallying in Australia in a big way at the International Rally of Queensland this month.
Photos: David King and Mat Jones
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