After a mid season break, the all the action and drama of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) returns on the first weekend of October, when the Championship race moves to Japan and the Rally of Hokkaido. As its home event, the Pertamina Cusco racing team will be out in force, returning with a strong two car entry for the first time since Malaysia. The teams number one pairing of Rifat Sungkar and Scott Beckwith will be supported by local stars Yuya Sumiyama and Naoki Kase – and the team is committed to giving the home fans something to cheer about.
“Maximum Attack!” was Sungkars response when asked about the plan for Japan. “With two rounds to go, a championship to fight for, our teams home event, and our strongest line up entered, we have everything to fight for” he noted. “We know the car is very fast and reliable, we have top class support, and we have grown together as a team this year. New Zealand didn’t go to plan, so now is our time to shine, to achieve a top result for our team”
Being fastest and taking full points in Malaysia on Sunday, and again demonstrating both speed and consistency in New Caledonia to take a comprehensive 2nd placing, the Sungkar/Beckwith combination have certainly shown the makings of a ‘top of the podium’ finish. “We would love to deliver an event win for many reasons” said co-driver Beckwith. “It would be great for our Japan based team and the fans, but also for our fantastic sponsors, supporters and fans in Indonesia. Of course, to be in strong contention for the APRC title at the final round in China, a win is pretty much the only option for us – so maximum attack is our philosophy!”
The Pertamina Cusco Racing team with its striking black livery complimented with grey and Pertamina red will be hard to miss, with its immaculate Evo X Lancers, and a big presence planned in the service park. A partnership between Indonesia’s pre-eminent supplier of fuel and oils, Pertamina, along with the Japanese based specialty car parts manufacturer Cusco, and joined by tyre supplier Yokohama, the relationship brings together a vast amount of experience and capability.
Team manager Sugimura is equally enthusiastic about the team and its chances. “We know we have the right formula in the car and the expertise provided by our key sponsors. Rifat and Scott have shown their capability and potential this year, and with the additional of Sumi and Kase to support our efforts, we are looking forward to a great weekend!”
The action kicks off with a super special stage on Friday night 30 September in the heart of Obihiro, and is followed by 230km of high speed gravel racing on Saturday and Sunday 1 & 2 October. You can follow the progress of Rifat/scott and the Pertamina Cusco Team on www.fiaaprc.com
Along with Pertamina, Cusco and Yokohama, Rifat and Scott are very grateful for the continued support of their Indonesian sponsors – Tag Heuer, Bullocks Tools, DC Clothing and Otoblitz.
For more information, please contact Scott Beckwith at sbeckwith@thiess.co.id
