Smart triumphs in Rally of Queensland

Round 3 of the Kumho Tyres Australian Rally Championship has been won by local Sunshine Coast driver Ryan Smart in a Mitsubishi Lancer.

Sunshine Coast driver Ryan Smart won the Kumho Tyres Australian Rally Championship round. (Geoff Ridder pic)Smart drove a canny, consistent event, winning only one stage but among the top three on all tests. He finished just more than a minute ahead of fast-rising young Toyota driver Harry Bates, whose result was enough to boost him to the lead in the Australian driver standings.
 
Tom Wilde of Western Australia was third in a Subaru.
 
Smart said he was thrilled to win first-time out after returning to competition with long-time co-driver John Allen.
 
“It has been good - a bit surprised. We’re stoked - thanks for coming,” he told a rain-soaked crowd at the presentation ceremony.
 
“The morning wasn’t too bad. But we just got to the finish, not taking too many risks. I was happy with my driving, but the intensity was not there due to the rain.”
 
Former Australian championship leader Simon Evans failed to finish the rally after rolling his Subaru on the third stage this morning. He and co-driver Ben Searcy were unhurt.

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