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Post by Roo on Jan 28, 2009 8:29:24 GMT
Toyota has decided against entering a manufacturer team into the 2009 Australian Rally Championship, and ceasing all financial support for Neal Bates' Motorsport. The decision came just a fortnight before the opening round of the championship in Tasmania, and leaves Toyota drivers Neal Bates and Simon Evans out of a drive. Bates is hoping to enter the championship as a privateer at a later date, but this is dependent on him gaining sponsorship. Toyota's withdrawal means that there are no manufacturer entries in the Australian Rally Championship this year. www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3406&Itemid=2
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Post by Vivski on Jan 28, 2009 9:08:44 GMT
Neal might have to drive Molly's Mirage. It's a shame but it was bound to happen. Spare a thought for Simon Evans. Back as a privateer yet again. Oh well, it was good while it lasted. I guess a privateer will win the championship this year. And I suppose that'll be the end of Channel Ten covering the ARC as well since all the $$ for it came from Toyota.
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Post by FordTeamRS on Jan 29, 2009 3:03:16 GMT
Just when you thought the ARC couldn't be in worse shape, this pops up. Although I suppose the relative up-side is that Toyota won't have supreme dominance over the series and this is a rare opportunity for privateers to just go for it. Hopefully within a few years manufacturers will join up and the privateers that excel now may well be rewarded with a factory drive in the years to come.
I'd like to think of it as a clean start for the ARC to rebuild.
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mikew
Spectator
Posts: 13
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Post by mikew on Jan 29, 2009 22:15:48 GMT
Australian Rallying needed this. It gives the championship a clean slate that it needs and it also hands it back to the average rally person.
I have a lot of respect for Simon and Neal and feel for them but I think we needed this for the good of rallying in Australia.
Hopefully it means less of RallyCorp and ARCOM and more of the clubs getting a say.
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