James Dimmock is excited to formally announce that he will step up to the Outright Drivers Championship for the 2023 Australian Rally Championship.
Following a strong campaign in the 2WD competition last year, the Canberran will move into a former factory-run Toyota Yaris AP4 car ahead of the upcoming season.
In addition to the new car, Dimmock has also enlisted the services of ARC Production Cup winning co-driver Larisa Biggar with the pair to make their competition debut at the Buckby Skoda Rally Launceston on 24-26 March.
“This year is going to be a year of learning, with a new car, new class and a new co-driver,” said Dimmock ahead of the opening round.
“It’s huge to step up to the outright competition this year. The plan initially was to continue in the 2WD competition, but when the opportunity presented itself to drive the AP4 car, we would have been mad not to take that up.”
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge, especially starting out with my favourite event of the year in Tasmania. The roads are open and really fun to drive.”
“All the stages are very similar to last year, so I have experience on the roads. That’s an extra boost of confidence while we continue to get familiar with the new car.”
Ahead of the opening round of the season, Dimmock and Biggar completed a successful test just outside of Canberra. Giving the new pairing time to come to grips with their equipment for 2023.
“The car was unbelievable in testing. It was good to get a feel for it ahead of Rally Launceston.” Dimmock continued.
“It’s left-hand drive and it’s got a lot more power. Completely opposite to the front-wheel drive car from last year. So, it was great to get an understanding of it before heading to Tasmania.”
“It was also a great opportunity to build a rapport with Larisa. She has a lot of experience, so it was good to have her alongside and learn from her as well.”
The 27-year-old also took the opportunity during the test to get one of the car’s previous drivers, Harry Bates, onboard to give him some feedback on how to get the most out of the Yaris AP4.
“The Toyota guys are very approachable, and Harry very kindly jumped in the passenger’s seat for a run to give me some feedback on driving the Yaris,” said Dimmock.
While excited to make the step up to the top tier class of rallying in Australia, the former speedway racer is keeping a lid on his expectations.
“Obviously, the goal for Rally Launceston is simply to finish. If we can do that inside the top ten, that would be the icing on the cake,” said Dimmock.
“We’re just taking round by round at this stage. Looking to continually progress, it’s very much a year of learning.”
Dimmock would also like to take this opportunity to welcome new partners Supreme Dry Cleaners, Brindabella Contractors and Simply Music Management who will join long-term major partner Trailer Camper Australia and Silk Café this year.
The Australian Rally Championship commences with the Buckby Skoda Rally Launceston takes place in the forests of Tasmania on 24-26 March.
2023 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship Calendar
Round 1 – Rally Launceston – 24-26 March
Round 2 – Make Smoking History Forest Rally – 19-21 May
Round 3 – Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland – 22-23 July
Round 4 – Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally – 25-27 August
Round 5 – Adelaide Hills Rally – 13-15 October
Round 6 – Netier National Capital Rally – 18-19 November
