THE international Rally Queensland will be joined by a new naming rights sponsor, Red Devil Energy Drink, when more than 70 cars and crews race into action on the Sunshine Coast next weekend.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 06 May 2009 22:52
Toyota have today confirmed that they have withdrawn from the Australian Rally Championship for this season. The reigning champions decision comes on the eve of the opening round in Tasmania. It has been reported that Neal Bates may try to run the team if he can secure sponsorship, though in the current climate that may prove a tall order.
The decision is a further blow to the championship that saw one of its major rounds in the Rally of Melbourne get cancelled last year.
Former Australian Rally Champion, Ed Ordynski, will be driving the works TRD Corolla that won the 2007 Australian Rally Championship at this year's Sprint Auto Parts Rally of South Australia.
The Toyota, driven by current Champion Simon Evans in 2007, will be entrusted to Ordynski to use as Car Zero, running just a few minutes in front of the actual rally field to ensure everything is in place and set-up for competitive speeds.
Ordynski last contested Rally SA in 2005, on that occasion celebrating his thirty years of Australian Rally Championship competition, in a similar Corolla organised by long time rival, Neal Bates, who heads the factory Toyota outfit.
"It is just fantastic to be behind the wheel again and at my home event," enthused Ordynski.
"I know the role of the zero car is to run at 80% competitive speed but the opportunity to have a go in the current champion's car on some of the best stages in Australia is a very rare privilege – besides, 80% of the way the troops a few minutes behind will be driving is certainly not hanging about!"
Last Updated on Sunday, 27 July 2008 21:16Page 8 of 9
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