Dan Day to tackle 2012 Australian Rally Championship

2011 was another great year of Motorsport enjoyment and experience. From this we have further improved and expanded our cars and team structure to move forward into the National Rally Circuit, which I am extremely lucky to be part of at the age of 17.

Steve Glenney, my mentor and Co-driver is committed to this year’s plans more than ever. Steve is constantly working with me, on and off the track to ensure that my learning curve is steep but not to steep.

Dad, my brother Brad plus Shane, Simo (from S&J) and I are constantly working on and testing the car to ensure that all steps are taken during preparations for maximum performance, reliability and consistency. Many updates and areas of maintenance have been carried out on the 2007STI rally car during the short off- season break. This includes developmental steps towards PPG’s latest innovation, Sequential Shifting, this feature will most likely be installed and tested during April this year ready for the first round of the SARC.

Our ARC season will kick off with Rally Calder on the 1st -4th of March. This event will see a new beginning to rallying in Australia with many new classes such as the G2 Championship (2WD), SUV, and SxS (UTV Racing) plus the continuation of the ARC Unrestricted Turbo classes. The entire rally is to be held within the grounds of Calder Park Raceway with easy access for spectating, plus a chance for manufacturers and sponsors to showcase their vehicles and products. The rally comprises of many 3-5km stages that are spread across tarmac and gravel through the racetrack, thunder dome, car parks and goat tracks.

We have entered Rally Calder in the ARC Unrestricted class because this rally will really suit my driving style and experience to date, plus the extra power will be very helpful given the stages are 40% tarmac. The second round is in W.A. and we are planning to enter in the RallySchool Junior Challenge, which means putting the restrictor back in the turbo and competing with the other youngsters from all over Australia. We have 3 opportunities this season to qualify for the RallySchool Junior Challenge Shoot-out, which is then held in Coffs Harbour during the 5th round of the ARC.

We as a team will have a very busy year with 6 national ARC rounds, 4 state SARC rallies plus the 3- day National Tarmac rally here in Adelaide. Also much time will be spent testing at local track and motorkhana events, and of course some time is to be devoted to other young, up and coming Day brother, Brad!