Post by Mitch on Sept 15, 2006 0:55:11 GMT
Michael Guest will not compete at Rally of Melbourne this year. Guest lost his road license before the last round in South Australia but was still allowed to drive which annoyed many drivers saying that he was above the law.
Guest will be replaced by Rick Bates. Bates is the twin brother to Toyota team leader Neal Bates and was Toyota's second driver in 2003 when the car was still being developed. He hasn't driven an ARC Round since 2003 Rally of Melbourne.
RallySportNew.com.au
This seems to be a blow for 2006 South Australian winner Steve Glenney who was expected to drive a second car in 2007. Maybe a 3 car attack for Ford in 2007 ;D
Guest will be replaced by Rick Bates. Bates is the twin brother to Toyota team leader Neal Bates and was Toyota's second driver in 2003 when the car was still being developed. He hasn't driven an ARC Round since 2003 Rally of Melbourne.
“You need to keep the car up in the powerband to achieve the best performance, but it’s hard work to drive,” he said.
While many have publicly criticized Guest for his performances this year, Bates says he doesn’t expect to be able to do anything that Guest hasn’t already done this year.
“Michael is a fast driver, and because I’ve had no prior experience in the Focus I am not expecting any big things,” Bates said. “But I’m looking forward to it immensely.”
Bates had been earmarked to drive the Focus in South Australia before CAMS gave the okay for Guest to drive, and was surprised when contacted by Ford last week to drive the car in Melbourne.
“To be honest, I’m not sure why the chose me – I guess it’s because I’ve driven plenty of different rally cars and they want some feedback,” the Canberra rally driving instructor said.
Bates will be co-driven by Guest’s regular partner, Mark Stacey, although he has yet to speak to Stacey since being given the Ford drive.
While many have publicly criticized Guest for his performances this year, Bates says he doesn’t expect to be able to do anything that Guest hasn’t already done this year.
“Michael is a fast driver, and because I’ve had no prior experience in the Focus I am not expecting any big things,” Bates said. “But I’m looking forward to it immensely.”
Bates had been earmarked to drive the Focus in South Australia before CAMS gave the okay for Guest to drive, and was surprised when contacted by Ford last week to drive the car in Melbourne.
“To be honest, I’m not sure why the chose me – I guess it’s because I’ve driven plenty of different rally cars and they want some feedback,” the Canberra rally driving instructor said.
Bates will be co-driven by Guest’s regular partner, Mark Stacey, although he has yet to speak to Stacey since being given the Ford drive.
This seems to be a blow for 2006 South Australian winner Steve Glenney who was expected to drive a second car in 2007. Maybe a 3 car attack for Ford in 2007 ;D