Brendan shoots for the stars in America

Brendan Reeves and Rhianon Smyth will add to their already impressive international rally resume when they compete in the Oregron Trail Rally, round three of the Rally America Championship, from May 3 to 5. The brother-sister duo will drive for Team O'Neil in one of seven Ford Fiesta R2s being run by the team in the event, which is one of the most popular rallies on the US calendar. The Fiesta is similar to the one Brendan drove for the past two years in the World Rally Championship Academy but the US version is a 4 door model instead of the 2 door WRC model.

Held in and around the city of Portland, the event attracts one of the biggest crowds of all the Rally America events as the Pacific North West is a motorsport- and in general, a car enthusiast-oriented, crowd.

The stages are some of the nicest gravel roads in the Championship and combine both technical and fast sections in the itinerary. Leg 1 is held in the access roads and racetrack of Portland International Speedway giving a different flair to the event.

With over 70 cars entered, Brendan is looking forward to his first outing in the United States and testing himself amongst the best US drivers.

"I'm stoked that this deal has come together," Brendan said.

"I have been talking to Tim (O'Neil) and his team since late last year and was able to meet with them in December. We both have the same objectives to win 2 wheel drive for Ford and gain manufacturer points. I can't wait to test out the Oregon roads for the first time and get back to International competition."