The Netier National Capital Rally has announced its start list for Asia Pacific Rally Championship which will be kicking off from 1 – 3 June in Canberra.
This year with the approval of FIA and CAMS the event will combine the APRC and ARC fields into one event meaning that for the first time all ARC competitors will be able to fight for overall victory.
It also means all ARC competitors are eligible to score points in the Wurth Cup and will receive a selection Wurth
products as a part of entry.
The international charge will be led by New Zealander Mike Young driving a Toyota Vitz (Yaris). Mike had a good start to Rally Whangarei but an overheating engine halted his push and he will be looking to show his true pace in Canberra.
APRC leader Yuya Sumiyama joins Mike in a two car Cusco team driving a Skoda Fabia R5 and Fabio Frisiero rounds out the internationals in a Peugeot AP4.
Following their win at the Make Smoking History Rally in WA in April, Tankformers, Eli Evans and Ben Searcy will once again be in the Skoda R5 looking to defend their championship lead. They’ll have the challenge of the tough, rocky ACT forests as well as from local driver Harry Bates who will be looking to defend his win at this event last year.
After placing third overall at the Make Smoking History Rally and fifth overall at the The Courier Eureka Rally, Subaru do Motorsport’s Molly Taylor and Malcolm Read will no doubt be on full form as they climb their way up the leader
board.
The event sees the return of Marcus Walkem in a Peugeot AP4 and Adrian Coppin in the new Yes! Optus Skoda Fabia R5.
Although the overall APRC/ARC numbers are lower than expected, Event Manager, Michael Wallace claims, “The quality of the field is exceptional with the three R5 Skodas, the AP4 cars as well as the two Subaru’s. There are legitimately six competitors who could win the rally.”
Source: Event Release
Photos: APRC, Jack Martin and Gemma Lucas
