The MRT Performance Subaru took maximum points at Rally Calder for the 2012 ECB Australian SUV Rally Championship last weekend.
Brett Middleton and Andrew Benefield debuted the turbo diesel Subaru Forester in the Bosch Australian Rally Championship, battling with higher specification machinery throughout the rally.
Brett was thrilled with the performance of the team, finishing 17th in Heat 1, 16th in Heat 2 and 13th in Heat three overall – each time winning the SUV class.
“The car is at it is quickest in second and third gear – getting it out of the medium corners and from a standing start the car is quick!” Brett enthused after the event.
“There were certain stages that really suited the car and certain stages that didn’t. The flowing roads are where the car is really good.”
“Overall I was really happy. There is still more in the car. We were testing along the way and there is still more development in the car so it will go quicker and quicker,” he added.
The MRT Subaru Forester tested at Wakefield before the event with Brett and Andrew and was still getting used to the car through the stages.
“The car was so quiet from the inside! You can’t drive if off your ear which is quite a challenge and not something I am used to doing,” Brett said.
“The car was very different to the Group A and Formula 2 cars that I have driven before.”
Brett was also happy with ECB Rally Calder which was a new event to the Australian Rally Championship. The rally incorporated the Australian Rally Championship; historic and tarmac rallies; Australian Side x Side Rally Challenge; a drift demonstration; and a Show and Shine event.
“It was a massive challenge for the organisers for Scott Pedder, Cody and the rest of the team. With Ross Dapper as the Road Director, Peter McNeil and his team – they did a great job,” Brett said.
“The weather certainly didn’t help but overall the event showed the character of the Championship and given the right weather conditions and a big crowd, the event will do quite well.”
The turbo diesel MRT Performance Subaru Forester is already in Perth at Maximum Motorsport for the second round of the Bosch Australian Rally Championship in 3 weeks time. The QUIT Forest Rally will take place on 30 March to 1 April.
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