With a highly successful first half of the Australian Rally Championship season behind them, the Truckmate Racing Team of John Berne and Scott Beckwith are now eagerly looking forward to the second part of the season, due to re-commence with the Toyota Rally SA in early August.
At the halfway mark of the season, the team finds itself holding an unassailable lead in the RS Cup, but were also surprised to find themselves leading the more hotly contested Rally Challenge and P5 PRC categories.
“To be honest” said team driver Berne, “our intent this year was to simply to deliver back to back RS Cup wins. In terms of the other categories, where we give away an enormous amount in terms of power and performance to most other teams, our aim was simply to be consistent, finish events, and see what came. To be leading the Rally Challenge and P5 at this stage is just fantastic!”
The team takes pride in its consistency and finishing record, which now stretches to over 15 consecutive ARC finishes – an enviable record. “since joining with John, the Truckmate Racing team has finished every event we have started, including last years Rally Australia” said co-driver Beckwith. “We set out to deliver consistency, to be there at the finish. That approach has delivered us some fantastic results – including third in the Subaru RS Challenge behind Eli and Will in 2005, and a 10th outright in Queensland this year!”
The team has also worked hard at improvements which deliver more speed whilst maintaining that consistency. “There have been considerable improvements to all aspects of the Truckmate team over the last 3 years” noted Berne. “We have progressively upgraded the car, we have worked very hard on the teamwork in the car, which is a large part of our success, and we have consistency and quality in the service crew. They all have a part to play, and the results show that”
Beckwith was also quick to acknowledge his driver. “John has worked hard on style and technique, and on driving to the notes. We also spent time with Rick Bates before Rally Canberra, which was invaluable. All up, we are now consistently around 2.5 to 3 sec/km faster than in 2005, which is an impressive gain. On one stage at Rally Canberra this year, we took over 3 sec/km out of the previous years time!”
The mid year break has given the team a chance to reflect and look for further improvements. Rally SA is one of the teams favourites, and they are keen to again perform well. With more work planned for the car to further increase performance, and the prospect of other competitors in the RS Cup, the team cant wait for the re-start to the season. “We are itching to get back out there” said Berne. “Bring it on!”
The Truckmate Racing Team very much appreciates the support of its additional sponsors and supporters, Sands Auto Body, Schultz Auto Electrics, Toll Mining Services, and Brighter Ideas Promotional items.
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