Reigning Australian Rally Champion Molly Taylor has captured the lead* in this year’s closely-fought competition, following a second-place in Heat Two of the Lightforce Rally SA, this afternoon.
Barossa Valley wine country produced a vintage performance from Taylor and co-driver Bill Hayes in the Production Rally Car (PRC) class All-Wheel Drive Subaru WRX STI.
The Les Walkden Rallying (LWR)-prepared car proved ultra reliable across the entire weekend.
High hopes for the new Toyota Yaris AP4 of Harry Bates – who went into the event as leader of the CAMS Australian Rally Championship – proved fruitless. The Yaris failed to proceed on debut yesterday and quickly failed again today, on the first stage.
That left it a two-car tussle between the WRX STI and the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX of Nathan Quinn, who went on to secure wins in both heats.
Consistent second places across today’s six stages left the Subaru do team 46.7 seconds behind Quinn after 93.8 competitive kilometres on Heat 2, which included two runs through the weekend’s longest stages, the 19.65km Corryton Park 1 and 2 – plus the shortest, the 4.77km dirt and tarmac dash, SS13 Buddys.
Taylor said: “We’re in a much better position than we were at this time last year.
“The entire team has done a fantastic job over the weekend.
“It’s all come together so well and now we need to maintain that going into the final round in Coffs Harbour.
“We all know what we need to do and hopefully, being on top of the championship will be all the inspiration we need to keep focused in Coffs.”
In the four night stages that completed yesterday’s Heat One, Taylor and Hayes proved their mettle with two stage wins.
Overall second on Heat One was sufficient to raise the Subaru do points tally to Championship-leading status – a position strengthened by today’s Heat Two result.
*Provisional results, subject to final confirmation by CAMS.
LIGHTFORCE RALLY SA HEAT TWO RESULTS – PROVISIONAL
1. Quinn/Searcy, Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX, 53:50.1
2. Taylor/Hayes, Subaru WRX STI, 54:36.8, +46.7
3. Brooks/Glenney, Subaru WRX STI, 55:32.1, +1:42.0
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
RallySport Magazine Subscription
Select Subscription Level
Select Subscription Length
Recurring Subscription Cost
A subscription to RallySport Magazine give you access to all our rally
content from Australia, New Zealand and around the world – with news,
features and experiences nobody can match.
Our team are dedicated to providing an unrivalled experience which
shares, supports and promotes the sport of rallying.
By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine.
If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.
We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires.
If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period.
You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.
Account Created!
Welcome to RallySport Magazine VIP Membership.
Get ready for your rally news experience to completely transform.
Start browsing news, exclusive VIP content or check out your account.
