James Dimmock is taking the positives from Rally Launceston, despite his first competitive run in his new Toyota Yaris AP4 car ending early.
The Canberran took a calculated approach to the start of the opening round of the Australian Rally Championship, building confidence in his new car and new co-driver during the morning loop.
Unfortunately, during the afternoon run through North Retreat (SS5), Dimmock’s rally ended after suffering a terminal mechanical failure just 4 kilometres from the end of the stage which ruled him out for the rest of the event.
Despite the early end, the 27-year-old learnt plenty from a productive time in Tasmania.
“We can take a lot of positives from Rally Launceston,” said Dimmock after the rally.
“Testing on Thursday was really good, and we were getting faster with each and every pass.”
“I was getting more comfortable with the car, and Larisa and I continued to build confidence in each other. She did a really good job.”
“Previously, we have been in Tassie in the middle of winter. With the event a little earlier this year, it was actually hot. Which made the roads trickier, more dusty and slippery.”
Competing in the outright field for the first time, the 27-year-old acknowledged how strong the field is this year in the Australian Rally Championship.
“During the morning stages, the car felt very good. We were just easing our way into the rally.” Dimmock continued.
“We were sitting 14th-15th in what is a very competitive ARC field this year.”
“You can see by the margins that it’s going to be very close this year.”
“Unfortunately, our run was cut short with a terminal mechanical failure.”
“Rally Launceston is one of my favourite events; the worst part is we missed out on the good stages on Sunday.”
“But we’ll now work hard behind the scenes and get ready for the next event – The Forest Rally in Western Australia, which will be a new event for me. “
“The championship is already looking very competitive, and I’m looking to the challenge of the upcoming rounds.”
“Thanks to all of our partners who helped in getting us to the event. It’s a big effort for our team to get to an event like Tasmania.
Dimmock would also like to take this opportunity to thank his partners Trailer Camper Australia, Supreme Dry Cleaners, Brindabella Contractors, Simply Music Management and Silk Café.
Attention now turns to the second round of the Australian Rally Championship, Make Smoking History Forest Rally in Western Australia, May 19-21.
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
