Last week, we highlighted the exciting and varied field of classics lining up for the Brakes Direct Border Ranges Rally on August 27. This week we will examine the top entrants so far in the MRF Tyres Queensland Rally Championship category of this event.
Melinda Bergmann will be aiming to be the first lady home in the Border Ranges Rally.Ryan Smart / John McCarthy (Mitsubishi Evo 9)
Fresh from his all-conquering success at the recent round of the Australian Rally Championship, Smart is turning his attention to the state race and the flowing shire roads of the Border Ranges. The Evo 9 is fast and with co-driver John McCarthy, having matured into one of the nation’s leading corner callers, this combination is clearly the one to beat.
Kent Lawrence / James Wilson (Mitsubishi Evo 8)
Lawrence and Wilson are proving to be a quick pairing. Regular top stage times and reliable finishes sees them top the MRF tyres Queensland Rally Championship table going into this round. Perhaps not at the pace of Smart / McCarthy, they will be in podium position all event and perhaps even on the top step come Saturday night.
Peter Roberts / Andrew Cowley (Mitsubishi Evo 6)
Roberts is no stranger to the leader board and the older Evo 6 loses nothing to the newer machinery on open shire roads. A past winner at this event, the high commitment crew will be very fast and a real contender for the win, again.
Marius Swart / Alan Stean (VW Polo)
The screaming S2000 Polo is always a crowd favourite and ex-pat South African Swart never disappoints. Not a car with the outright speed of the turbos, the little VW is always a strong finisher and with the experienced Stean in the silly seat the crew is a strong podium contender.
The first ladies of Queensland rallying, Melinda Bergmann and Kim Acworth, have been joined by Emma Sticklen for this event making it a three way tussle for the fastest lady in the north. All three are Subaru mounted and their internal battle, while friendly, is as intense as any other in the field.
Melinda is partnered with Larisa Biggar, Kim with Ian Swinbourne and Emma with Emmaline Laubscher.
Shaun Dragona / Annette Dragona (Subaru WRX Sti) and Steve Allmark / Chris Miller (Subaru WRX STi) will resume their battle for the MRF Tyres Queensland Clubman Rally Championship.
Entries for the Brakes Direct Border Ranges Rally close Monday 15th of August and forms and further information can be located at http://www.borderrangesrally.com.au or go to the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BorderRangesRally/.
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