Nathan gets new wheels
Coffs Harbour-based rally car driving protégé Nathan Quinn will drive a new vehicle at Rally Queensland next week.
After searching far and wide for an upgraded car, Quinn has secured the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX driven by Spencer Lowndes in the 2007-08 Australian Rally Championship.
Team manager Martin Quinn believes this is the vehicle that will prove the springboard to podium finishes in the months ahead.
“The vehicle arrived last Friday and Nathan couldn’t wait to try it out,” he said.
“On Sunday, it was tested at Sherwood and we’ll give it another run next weekend.
“So far, it’s been fantastic and there’s a feeling a big result will be coming next week in Queensland.”
Originally white, Lowndes re-sprayed the Evo IX red to conform with sponsor demands and that’s the colour it will stay. “It’s being sign written as we speak and should be fully-operational for the next event by Monday,” Martin Quinn said.
Rally Queensland doubles as a round of the Pirelli Search-For-A-Star program and Nathan Quinn will drive seeded-car 12, and again be opposed by two highly-regarded sparring partners.
“Firstly, he’s up against Eli Evens who won the 2008 Daikin-Allied Air Conditioning Coffs Coast Rally and another Subaru Impreza driver, Brendan Reeves,” he revealed.
“At the end of the year, Pirelli will take five drivers aged under 27 years from around the globe to contest the World Rally Championships in 2010, all expenses paid.
“It’s one of the goals Nathan is setting his sights on and another reason why having the right, competitive car is so important.”
After trailing prospective co-drivers in a state round held in Lithgow, Quinn has announced David Green will partner from next week.
“David has vast experience as a WRC driver and most recently the off-sider to Michael Guest,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, preparations continue for the re-scheduled Coffs Coast Rally set down for June.
But Quinn said recent events in the region have provided an unforeseen complication.
“The recent flooding has caused damage to some of the proposed course and we’re currently holding discussions with the Forestry Department with a view to working out a solution,” he said.
“A few issues need to be resolved for the smooth operation of the event.”
Quinn added that on this occasion, the Rally will run from Coffs Harbour Showground after BCU International Stadium provided a base for the weather-interrupted 2008 staging.
“The highlight will be the return of the ‘super special stage’ which was so popular in the 1990s,” he informed.
“One important difference will be the crews will do a longer stage in the confines of the showground – at least three times – where spectators will see the cars from the safety of the inner ring.
“This will also be the service park for the weekend and a real showcase of what the sport offers.
“We believe this year, a local will be the winner and with the new car, our teams has an undeniable chance of filling that role.”
Heading the list of out-of-town challengers will be the formidable pairing of Neal Bates and Coral Taylor, seemingly immune to the loss of their Toyota backing.
Neal Bates Motorsport spokesperson Peter Trevaskis said the defending ARC champions are still the main contenders.
“Although we no longer have factory support, we are still at the top of the game after winning heat two and regaining the championship lead,” he said.
“This season is very open and we consider there are six legitimate title contenders for the outright honours, highlighting the strength in Australia.”
