MOTORSPORT: Subaru first SUV series entry

The SUV Rally Challenge will reflect the big shift in the car market, with a former Australian champion the first confirmed starter

New era of market relevance for rallying almost here
Australia’s world-first sports utility vehicle rally series is less than three months from starting and a Subaru Forester turbodiesel is the first entry.

But it's not Subaru that is behind the entry. Rather it is a privateer project from the Sydney workshops of former Australian Formula Two rally champion Brett Middleton’s MRT Performance.

The SUV Rally Challenge is a new category in the six-round 2012 Australian Rally Championship starting with a stadium event at Melbourne’s Calder Park on the first weekend of March.

Other SUV entries are expected to be confirmed soon, with talk in rallying circles of more Subaru Foresters, a Toyota RAV 4 and even a Porsche Cayenne.

SUVs comprise around a quarter of all new car sales in Australia. ARC organizers say more than 50 models eligible for the new rally category.

“There are some interesting vehicles being considered and this will only bolster interest in the SUV category,” ARC chief executive Scott Pedder said.

While the SUV entries appear likely to be overwhelmingly privateers in the first year, the new G2 rules that will make two-wheel-drive cars the major class in the ARC are set to entice another manufacturer into the sport next year.

Mazda is believed to be close to revealing a two-car effort.

Honda has already announced a two-car Jazz team, with Eli Evans and Glen Weston in one but the other line-up not confirmed. IT's believed the car will be driven by Mark Pedder.

Four-time national champions Simon and Sue Evans are being linked to the Mazda team after driving a Mazda3 MPS in Victoria’s Targa High Country five weeks ago.

Young star Brendan Reeves and his sister Rhiannon Smyth also are being touted for the Mazda campaign if they can combine the ARC with their WRC Academy program.

Next year will be last in which four-wheel-drive turbo [petrol] rally cars will be awarded ARC outright points.

The new SUV class will be open to all vehicles classified in that category by industry statisticians VFACTS/RVCS, either in two or four-wheel-drive form and no more than 10 years old (plus model run-ons).

Pedder has championed the SUV innovation in rallying, saying it gives the sector access to motorsport competition that is “relevant and the perfect showcase”.

“The SUVs can be two-wheel-drive or four, can come from any segment of the SUV market - from small, to medium, large and even luxury - and their engines can be any size and capacity,” Pedder said.

“The only limitation is that we won’t allow turbo-petrol engines - it will be open to only normally-aspirated and turbodiesel powerplants.

“We’ve done this to keep the playing field as level as possible and to encourage as many manufacturers and types of vehicles as possible. The rules have been formulated to keep the cars close to standard, with only minor wheel, tyre, brake, suspension and exhaust modifications allowed along with the mandatory safety equipment.

“The challenge will be a relatively economical way for manufacturers to become involved in rallying and to showcase their product in the heat of competition.”

Middleton is aiming to test his Forester in early January and his co-driver in the series will be equally experienced, Andrew Benefield.

Middleton vowed the diesel would be fast, competitive and spectacular, with a deep engine note.

“On paper the Subaru will be the car to beat in terms of power-to-weight ratio and the pedigree of the chassis,” he said.

“We know there are other teams close to committing to the SUV Challenge and I hope our announcement will act as a catalyst for them.

“At MRT Performance we have been tuning and enhancing an increasing number of SUVs for customers over the past couple of years, so I know first-hand the interest and potential in rallying SUVs.”

2012 Australian Rally Championship calendar
March 2-4 – Rally Calder, Victoria.
March 31-April 1 - Quit Forest Rally, WA.
May 26-27 – Rally of Queensland, Sunshine Coast.
July 28-29 -  Scouts Rally, SA.
October 13-14 – TBA, Coffs Harbour, NSW
November 9-10 – TBA, Gippsland, Victoria.