Ryan and Rebecca finished equal second in the points tally, and were awarded second outright ahead of Mark Pedder after a countback.
Ryan and Rebecca only began rallying four years ago and in that time have claimed the Queensland Rally Championship in 2008, the Australian Rally Championship Privateers Cup in 2009 and now second overall in the ARC. It has been a very fast progression to the pointy end of the field for the Smarts.
“At the start of the year I never expected to finish as well as we have. Towards the end of the season everyone stepped it up a level, and I enjoyed the competition with Mark, Justin Dowel, Steve Sheppard and Eli Evans. Next year we hope to be more consistent and I will be working hard in the off season to improve my fitness and speed,” Ryan said at the end of Rally Victoria.
Part of Ryan’s training program is riding the MPE Motorex Husaberg FX450 in selected Queensland Off-Road Events.
“Unfortunately due to a clash in timetables with the ARC and the Husaberg Queensland Pony Express Series, I wasn’t able to compete in the last round. I really find that my rally driving benefits when I am regularly competing on my Husaberg, so it was a real shame that I missed out.”
Ryan and Rebecca were one of three brother and sister teams in the top ten of the Australian Rally Championship this year.
“Four years ago if you would have told me that I would be co-driving in the Australian Rally Championship, let alone be placed second outright, I wouldn’t have believed you. It really has been an amazing time, and Ryan and I just have a ball, we are always laughing,” Rebecca commented.
“Next year we are going to find it very difficult to continue at the level we are at. We need to find some sponsors that want to come and have as much fun with us at the events as we do. It would be a shame to stop now.”
Ryan and Rebecca would like to thank all of their supporters for the year, especially Mum and Dad, Yandina Automotive, MPE Motorex Husaberg, Geoff Foreshaw Motorsport Services, Neal Bates Motorsport, Car Trailers by Chris, Speedie Contractors and Fuchs Oils. A special thanks to Premium Electrical Services and Simon and Margot Knowles.
You can follow Ryan and Rebecca Smart on their facebook page at www.facebook.com/smartmotorsport.
(Photo Courtesy of John Doutch)
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