The Sunshine Coast locals steered their Fullerton Financial Services Mitsubishi Evo 6 into 5th place in both Heat 1 and Heat 2 of the Red Devil rally against a full ARC field, which included the return of Brendan Reeves and Nathan Quinn into the mix, strengthening the competition across the 14 special stages in the Imbil area. There was also an international field present with the Asia Pacific competitors running at the head of the field.
The Smarts have finished in the top 5 of an ARC event already this year, with 4th in the WA event, but what made Queensland different was the stage times.
“We were right on the pace of Neal Bates, Eli Evans and Glen Raymond over a number of stages†said Ryan “which showed a pleasing increase in speed from our previous events. WA was fantastic and I must thank Simon and Margot Knowles for transporting our vehicle over and back, and Car Trailers by Chris for supplying a new trailer for that long trip.â€
The crowds following the Red Devil Rally Queensland were amazed when the Smarts set the 2nd fastest time of the whole ARC and APRC field on SS2, Kandanga Long, being bettered only by Simon Evans, and repeated the feat again on SS13 Breakneck South in Heat 2.
“It was great to be able to occasionally beat such icons of the Australian Championship as Neal Bates and Glen Raymond, as well as the Asia Pacific competitors†enthused Ryan. “We fitted new MCA suspension to our Fullerton Financial Services Evo 6 for Queensland, and although the car has some age, it improved the handling for me and allowed me to be neater and faster.â€
This led to a string of very competitive times, and in Heat 1 the Smarts were within 12 seconds of Neal Bates right up to the final stage of the day, when they were delayed by another competitor striking problems.
“It was a great weekend for us†said Rebecca “great to get 5th in both heats and win the Premier League for the weekend. We have to thank our sponsors Fullerton Financial Services, Yandina Automotive, Car Trailers by Chris and Fuchs Oils, our service crew and supporters, and especially Mum and Dad for helping us on the Mothers Day weekend!â€
The Smarts next event will be the Sprint Auto Parts Rally South Australia.
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