Cusco Racing, the team behind successful Japanese driver Hiroshi Yanagisawa, will expand in 2008 with Aussie Dean Herridge joining the team of the first three rounds of the APRC.

Herridge, an ex-Subaru Australia team-mate of Cody Crocker and Possum Bourne, is certain to provide strong competition in the APRC’s Pacific Cup. Speaking from his Perth home, Herridge was happy to have locked in the drive. “This is a great opportunity to drive for one on the top teams in the APRC. I am very much looking forward to the challenge and my aim will be to try and win the Pacific Cup with Cusco as well as work closely with Yanagisawa san to try and maximize Cusco’s efforts this year.”

With group-N wins at both Rally Canberra and Rally New Zealand, the West Australian spent last year competing in Australia and China. “For me the biggest challenge will come from New Caledonia. I have no experience at this rally and of course it will be the first event with the team. Saying that I hope for a good result, so I can push on roads I have experience on, like Canberra and New Zealand.

“I think there are some real benefits to be had from running two cars and I hope this will help Cusco with their efforts in the Championship.”

The 2008 APRC championship kicks off in the second week of April in New Caledonia.

Photos courtesy of Cusco Racing, rally.com.au and Joel Strickland.