The Huon forests south of Hobart host the penultimate round of the 2009 Tasmanian Rally Series on August 22. 18 Crews from Tasmania and Victoria will tackle 110 kilometres of competitive stages that last year saw competitors battle rain, fog and snow.
Burnie's Lynn Rattray is looking to continue his unbeaten 2009 run in his Subaru WRX STi. Victory in the Huon would see him secure his third state title. “We will be attacking hard so that if we have a problem we have some time up our sleeves, however the main thing is to procure some points for the championship” said Rattray.
Wynyard's Mark Butcher, also in a Subaru WRX, currently lies second in the championship and hopes the technical Huon roads expose a chink in Rattray's armour. “The more corners there are the more chance there is to make a mistake, so hopefully that works to our advantage” said Butcher, who flies to New South Wales a week after the event to compete in the World Rally Championship.
Also in contention is the Subaru Spec C of Victoria's Nathan Reeves. Reeves came within 6 seconds of victory in the first round before gearbox failure robbed him of a good result in the second. Despite this setback Reeves' believes he is still in with a chance of the title. “We came down here to win not to make up the numbers” Reeves said.
Behind the outright contenders will be the battle for two wheel drive honours. Hobart's Lee Petersen starts favourite in his Nissan Pulsar Gti after a sensational outright podium placing at the second round, a result he hopes to repeat. “The Huon road's are very predictable so I am looking forward to chasing the four-wheel drives” said Petersen.
First competition car starts from Port Huon at 9am. Spectator information can be obtained from the startline.
(Photo courtesy of Motorsports Club of Tasmania)
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