Great start for Rhianon in Targa Tasmania

It's been a great start to Targa Tasmania, Australia's ultimate tarmac rally, for Rhianon Smyth and Rick Bates. Bates was impressive behind the wheel of his Mazda3 MPS, setting some quick stage times on the opening day of the event.

“So far the event’s been pretty good,” Bates said. “We’re cruising and looking after the tyres."
 

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Brendo to contest Rally of Lithgow

Brendan and Rhianon will be back in the forests again on Saturday, May 3 when they contest the 2008 Rally of Lithgow in NSW.

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Rhianon to tackle Targa Tasmania

Targa first-timer Rhianon Smyth will partner Mazda Targa stalwart Rick Bates in the upcoming Targa Tasmania. Smyth's rally credentials are impressive but most recently she co-drove her brother Brendan to a stunning second outright in the 2007 Rallye Burnie, their first ever tarmac event. 

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New Cerberus Stages Photos

We've added some great photos to Brendo's of he and Rhianon in action at the Cerberus Stages Rally.  Take a look!

BRENDO'S PHOTO GALLERY

Back to school for Brendo

During March, Brendan and Rhianon took rallying into the classroom at Ballarat Secondary College, Wendouree Campus, (Vic), where Rhianon is a teacher.  Rhianon had organised a day for 130 year eight students who are studying the unit of survival.  The main aim for the classes was to introduce the students to the sport of rallying, but  also to show how crews survive rallying accidents due to the safety features in the cars.

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Brendo's "blast" at Cerberus Stages Rally

Brendan and Rhianon returned to action at the weekend in the Cerberus Stages Rally, held in Victoria.

The event "was a blast", according to Brendan, despite a few challenges that were presented to him along the way.

After breaking the left front drive shaft in the Subaru Impreza RS after stage four, the team were able to fit a replacement at the service break.  This meant that they were allowed to continue in the event and be counted in the results, but were unable to receive Series points.

The afternoon stages resulted in a fierce battle with fellow Victorian Eli Evans, and Brendo found the swept roads terrific to drive on.

To add to the day's excitement, the slave cylinder popped out on the finish line of the final stage, meaning the pair had no clutch for the transport section back to the finish.

"We had a great time and it was good to get to the finish of a rally again, even though we had a few challenges thrown at us," Brendo commented after the event.

Brendo to kick off 2008 at Cerberus Stages rally

Brendan Reeves will kick off his 2008 rally season at the Cerberus Stages rally on March 1st.

Competing in his normally aspirated Subaru Impreza RS, Brendo will have his regular co-driver (and sister) Rhianon Smyth, alongside.  The pair are looking forward to the event after a lay-off of almost four months since the end of the 2007 season.

"It will be great to get behind the wheel again and get some more k's under my belt," Brendo said.  "This year, we are going to try and do as many rallies as possible to really build on our confidence and experience."

The all-daylight Cerberus Stages rally is held in Victoria's Powelltown-Noojee area and covers a total distance of 230km.

NGK Rally of Melbourne Photos

Take a look at Brendo's Gallery for some great photos from NGK Rally of Melbourne.

BRENDO'S PHOTO GALLERY

Disappointment for Reeves in Melbourne

The Rally of Melbourne has ended in disappointment for Brendan Reeves and Rhianon Smythe after they crashed out of the event on the fourth stage.

Fourth after three stages, ahead of the factory Toyota of Neal Bates, the pair were hopeful of moving into a podium place as the day wore on, but the accident ruined their chances.

A shattered Reeves said that the Impreza WRX STI was too badly damaged to restart the event in Heat 2.

The day was won by Simon and Sue Evans, who clinched their second Australian Rally Championship title with a faultless drive.