2013 promises to be an exciting year in the Tasmanian Rally Series. Shortened to four rounds, the TRS will encompass some classic roads in each region of the state.
Round one, the Legana Tyres & More Rally is based from Latrobe, 10 minutes from the city of Devonport. Run by the Motor Sports Club of Tasmania, crews will tackle 13 stages across the immaculate forestry roads near Bakers Beach before returning to Mackey’s Hotel for a post-event function.
Fast, compacted tracks with a sandy top layer will greet the crews come Saturday, with the chance of rain further adding to the challenge. This rally also sees the addition of the North West Mowers NWCC club rally series to the field, sponsored by Little Transport.
4WD is set to be a tight tussle in 2013 with a number of crews returning, with some young faces making the step up to the top tier of competition. Marcus Walkem lines up as favourite in his Mitsubishi Evo. IX, having won the event last year and narrowly losing the championship. Mark Butcher has brought down Michael Busby from South Australia to navigate in his ARC spec WRX STI and will take the fight up to Walkem,. “Wylie Motorsport” returns in 2013 with a new look and new car. 1999 champion Andrew Wylie will again drive his Subaru and will be joined by his son Kurt in an identical car. Family pride will certainly be on the line!
Two wheel drive sees a plethora of contenders. Defending champion Darren Clark returns in his Mazda RX7 which proved to be both exceptionally fast and reliable in 2012. Kade Barrett will run his rapid Plymouth Firearrow in contention for outright points for the first time, and will certainly be one to watch. Stuart Rattray performed well in the rallies he ran last year in the VL Commodore, and could certainly shock the top two drivers if conditions stay dry. The dark horse in the field is Aaron Reader in the Hotazzz Mitsubishi Mirage, who didn’t compete last year but has always been in contention for top honours.
The Tasmanian rally community would also like to extend a warm welcome to mainland crews bringing their cars over on the ferry for a buzz! There has been strong interest from a number of competitors who wish to compete on the smooth, flowing Tassie stages and we always have room for more.
For more information, join up to the Facebook Group “Tasmanian Rally Series”.
Tasmanian Rally Series
1. Legana Tyres and More Rally May 4 msct.com.au
2. Hellyer Rally (North West) June 22 nwcctas.net
3. Florentine Rally (South) August 24 tasrally.com.au
4. Mountain Stages (Launceston) October 26 msct.com.au
Photo: Marcus Walkem winning the 2012 Legana Tyres & More Rally
Credit: Mark Young
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