Skoda driver Eli Evans is well on the way to another Australian Rally Championship after a strong day when his rivals hit issues.
Second placed in the championship, Steve Glenney, got stuck in a ditch this morning and will take minimal points, while third-placed, Harry Bates, hit troubles in the first stage of the morning when an electrical problem cost him over 14 minutes.
Evans said he pushed hard all day. ”If you want to be a good rally driver you’ve got to drive hard,” he said. “Harry and Steve will be going hard tomorrow so we’ve got to be on our game.”Second placed for the day was Molly Taylor for the factory Subaru team.
She and co-driver, Malcolm Read, had a consistent day and brought a strong heat one result for the Les Walkden team who’s base is in Launcestion.
The Fabia R5 of Adrian Coppin finished the day in third position in what was a great drive.
Coppin’s entry was confirmed late, and the podium place proves the trip across Bass Strait was worthwhile.
Marcus Walkem finished in fourth position. A great day for him in his return to the championship.
The Peugeot AP4 looked and sounded fantastic in the Tasmanian forests.
Lewis Bates may be rueing a puncture. He finished in fifth position. Photo: Peter Whitten
Lewis Bates recovered from a puncture in the morning’s stages to finish in fifth.
The Toyota driver may be thinking what might have been if it was not for that unfortunate mishap.
Leading two-wheel-drive competitor, Adam Kaplan, led home his fellow competitors to give the Nissan 370Z another win.
After crashing early, Steve Glenney did finish the afternoon’s stages to gather some points in the championship.
Steve Glenney returned for the afternoon stages but will be looking for a better day tomorrow. Photo: Peter Whitten
He will be hoping for a stronger day tomorrow to show the improvements they have made on that car.
The job is not done for leader for Evans, however, as the leaderboard resets for Sunday’s six stages.
Crews will travel further north than Saturday, but the roads are equally as challenging.
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