RallySport Magazine June 2016

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IN THE HOT SEAT WHAT A RIDE! Luke Whitten rides shotgun with four-time Australian Rally Champion Simon Evans in Canberra. The anticipation for the National Capital Rally was high for many, but I can guarantee you, no-one’s anticipation was higher than mine. I was set to go for a ride with four-time Australian Champion, Simon Evans, on board ‘The Beast’ – something that had been a dream of mine for a long time, and I simply couldn’t wait to get strapped in. The voices of the likes of Julien Ingrassia and John Kennard are common soundtracks in our lounge room, but despite watching hours and hours of footage, I knew that nothing could prepare me for what the real experience of ‘being in the hot seat’ would be like. But as I stepped out of the car on arrival at shakedown, there wasn’t much ‘hot’ about anything. My hands were shaking uncontrollably… it was freezing! The blustery weather looked like it was here to stay for the weekend. The icicle characteristics of my fingers were soon a distant memory, as within five minutes, I was collecting my helmet, and making my way over towards the Evans Motorsport camp. Mr. Evans was sitting casually behind the wheel, and I was welcomed with open arms by the team. 10 | RALLYSPORT MAGAZINE - JUNE 2016
A hello, a shake of the hand from Simon, a photo, and I was already squeezing my way into the Impreza. Ben Searcy (the man whose seat I was occupying) said a quick hello, and helped me with my belts, as well as giving me instructions on how to operate the on-board cameras. All we needed to do was press the button, and my experience of a lifetime was recorded forever. The joys of modern technology. New for this year’s shakedown, the stage itself was a short two-kilometre blast around an old pine plantation beside the National Arboretum, south of Canberra. Once everything was sorted, we got the car running and rolled on up towards the start line. As we were doing this, I quizzed Simon on a couple of things regarding the car. I wanted to learn as much as I could. He then had a question for me: “Have you ever been in a 4WD before?” “No,” I said. “The only car I’ve gone for a ride in is my Dad’s Escort.” “Okay,” he replied, and looked to have a little chuckle, as I pulled on my belts one last time. We sat on the start line for about 30 seconds or so before Simon Evans prepares to give Luke Whitten the ride of his life. into the first corner, with the ultimate trust I’d need to become accustomed to in this short 90-second blast. The tyres gripped up on the exit of the corner, and the acceleration still astonished me. It’s got so much grunt. I wasn’t surprised, but impressed more than anything by Simon’s commitment in the car. His ability to trust the tyres, suspension, and his own skill set to get through the stage in the fastest possible way was incredible. After a series of flowing, and 90-degree corners, the ride was almost over, and coming down the hill to the last corner, I finally remembered what I wanted to do prior to jumping in with Simon – to watch a professional at work. I gave the countdown from five. As there was no intercom, I found myself almost to the point of yelling over the top of the revving engine as I made it down to the last couple of calls. We were off … and immediately, the whine of the straight cut gearbox, and sound of the mighty GC8 were music to my ears. This was the first time I’d heard the car ‘live’, and I was inside! The forces pushing me back against my seat were greater than I expected. Much more than the 2WD Escort I mentioned before. This thing was a beast! The speed off the line was incredible. The car was thrown The final corner was executed with absolute precision, and in the blink of an eye, it was all over. I don’t think the smile was wiped off my face for the rest of the day. After my ride was finished, Simon gave another lucky VIP a ride, but regretfully had to put ‘The Beast’ away. He said, “They’re not letting me drive it anymore, or else I’ll break it! It’s so cool. I love this thing!” I have to agree with him. What a car, and what a ride! ➜ Luke and RallySport Magazine would like to thank Simon, Ben and all the Evans Motorsport team for this amazing experience, and wish them the best of luck for the remainder of the season. JUNE 2016 - RALLYSPORT MAGAZINE | 11
Page 1 and 2: Dedicated coverage of rallying in A
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS - #2 JUNE 2016 FEATURES EV
Page 5 and 6: Specialising in: ➜ Transport and
Page 7 and 8: P N LOGIC IN ARC changed and that l
Page 9: NEWS@RALLYSPORTMAG.COM.AU NEWS@RALL
Page 13 and 14: RALLY NEW ZEALAND FUTURE RALLY NZ P
Page 15 and 16: from all five marques locally - Hyu
Page 17 and 18: Victorious siblings Brendan Reeves
Page 19 and 20: to none,” he said. Tasmanian Crai
Page 21 and 22: It was a weekend of highs and lows
Page 23 and 24: Broken front and rear control arms,
Page 25 and 26: It was a disappointing home event f
Page 27 and 28: Story and Photos: PETER WHITTEN Sto
Page 29 and 30: When I took a short business trip t
Page 31 and 32: Above: the Editor with Carlos Sainz
Page 33 and 34: saw further drama when Summerfield
Page 35 and 36: Once the frost melted it was a beau
Page 37 and 38: HOBIA B rally cars of the 80s husia
Page 39 and 40: Watch in-car and drone footage of t
Page 41 and 42: ‘The Beast’ ... that was the fi
Page 43 and 44: This was catastrophic for organiser
Page 45 and 46: Jimmy McRae pushes son, Colin, out
Page 47 and 48: The Singh / Connelly Lancer was sec
Page 49 and 50: EKE JUNE 2016 - RALLYSPORT MAGAZINE
Page 51 and 52: ending up overtaking Ogier! Mikkels
Page 53 and 54: PROMOTE YOUR RALLY TEAM 5 STEP PROM
Page 55 and 56: Ordynski’s original Galant VR4 sa
Page 57 and 58: “A manufacturer needs to see cons
Page 59 and 60: BE PREPARED PREPARATION 101 14-year
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WATCH HIGHLIGHTS The 1977 South Pac
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LAKE MOUNTAIN SPRINT Adam Kaplan ma
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NEWS@RALLYSPORTMAG.COM.AU COUNTRIES
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even pulling out an additional 42 s
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HIGGINS SMASHES RECORD Manx rally d
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Meanwhile, leading Hyundai crew, St
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RallySport Magazine June 2016

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