Activ RallySport to miss Coffs Harbour Rally
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 The Activ RallySport team Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX will be a notable absence from this weekend’s third round of the Australian Rally Championship in Coffs Harbour.
Team driver, Justin Dowel, and co-driver, Matt Lee, announced their reluctant last-minute decision to withdraw from the event following a team meeting to discuss the status of preparations earlier this week.
However, the team will return to the championship in South Australia
with a steely determination to challenge for victories.
After a break-through podium finish at the first round in Tasmania,
Dowel and Lee retired from the following event in Western Australia
after an off-road excursion.
The repairs needed to the team’s Lancer were more extensive than
originally anticipated, and while team chief John Down was confident of
having the car ready in time for the start, the team decided earlier
this week to withdraw their entry and to focus on the continued
development of their car.
“While we felt we could most likely put a competitive car on the road,
we thought that our overall preparations and prospects for a strong
result would still not be to the high standard at which we wish to
operate,” Justin Dowel said today.
“Therefore the decision was taken to withdraw our entry and shift our
focus to a 100 per cent completion of the repairs.”
Following their Coffs Harbour withdrawal, Dowel and Lee are planning a
two-day suspension and tyre test prior to the fourth round of the
championship, the Rally of South Australia in June.
“While it’s disappointing not to be competing at Coffs Harbour this
weekend, a thorough regroup and testing program is the biggest
consideration,” Dowel added.
“But rest assured, we’ll be back with plans for a Heat win and podium
places during the remainder of the season.”
In the meantime, Dowel will return to Cambodia for a further week,
working with the Cambodian Children’s Fund.
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