Rodda and Ryan on the Pace at Rallye Wattle Range
Rally Power Motorsport’s James Rodda and co-driver Claire Ryan have started the 2012 SA Rally Championship with a strong 2nd outright result at the inaugural Rallye Wattle Range.
The new rally ran on Friday 13th – Saturday 14th and was based out of Millicent, with stages around both Millicent and Beachport townships. Some very fast, challenging stages were used, ones that would reward commitment to pace notes, but also care in rougher sections.
The pairing of Rodda & current ARC Honda Racing co-driver Claire Ryan proved very successful, with times in the top 3 on the Friday night super specials. Once stages got underway on Saturday morning Rodda and Ryan in their 99 Subaru Wrx were trading times with local competitors Gary Brown and Mike Dale in their Mitsubishi VR4.
Adding to the atmosphere of the event, Saturday morning started with a display and breakfast at the Beachport Jetty before two blasts along the coastal scenic drive road.
“It’s great to have Claire on board this year. We are working really well in the car already! Prior to the event we worked hard on improving our pace noting system, and it has made a massive improvement to my confidence! The times speak for themselves too, as now we able to trade times with Gary” stated Rodda.
The pair continued swapping times at the top of the field and by the start of the night section Rodda was leading by 1 second! Unfortunately the Subaru’s gearbox lost drive in 3rd gear. The focus for the team changed to consolidate 2nd place. Even with the missing 3rd gear Rodda & Ryan managed to set times in the top 3 before the gearbox became stuck in 4th gear just a few corners from the finish of the final stage.
“Luckily we managed to drive it in 4th back to the finish at Millicent Showground…not that the clutch enjoyed it too much. By the time we drove into Parc Ferme both the clutch and gearbox were making dreadful noises, so it was a massive relief to just get the car home!”
“This is an awesome start to the season especially with round 2 being the Adelaide Hills Tarmac Rally in May, where we have shown some great results at in the past. Now with better pace notes we should have a good chance at being at the pointy end!”
The Adelaide Hills Tarmac Rally is the teams' next event, running from the 18th – 20th May.
Rally Power Motor Sport is proudly supported by MJP Automotive, Isaacs Auto Electrical, Infinite lending Solutions, Meadows Vet Centre, SA Motorsport Tyres, Autosport, S&J Automotive, S2 Performance, Pfitzner Performance Gearboxes and Signs One.
For more information head to www.rallypower.com.au or www.facebook.com/rallypower
