The Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) kicks off in a few days, the first round for 2008 being Rally New Caledonia. And it will also be the first event for Dean with his new team, the Cusco International Rally Team.
Cusco already have a lot of experience in the APRC, having contested the full series during the past two years with Japanese driver Hiroshi Yanagisawa. This year Cusco expands, with Dean piloting a second Subaru WRX STI for the Pacific Cup rallies; New Caledonia, Canberra and Whangarei.
It’s a big challange, but Dean’s ready to make his mark in the series. “When things are new it’s exciting…it’s a very good opportunity for me and very exciting, to join such good team in the Asia-Pacific Championship. We’re heading across there a little bit early to get settled in with the team. Make sure we’ve things like driving positions sorted out and try and get a couple days in the car”.
But not only will the event be Dean’s first for Cusco; it will also be his first with new co-driver Chris Murphy. “I know Chris from the ARC, from him running with Eli Evans. He knows what it’s like to be in a fast car and the intensity required. No doubt he and I will be a little bit nervous until things get underway, but I know he’s keen to do a good job and get involved and make the partnership work”.
Rally New Caledonia starts next Friday (April 11) with two opening super special stages at the Noumea Hippodrome, and then moving out to country roads for Saturday and Sunday. You can keep up with stages times and news at www.rallye-nc.net, www.arpc.tv and www.aprclive.com. Plus there’ll be a full report on the event here at deanherridge.com soon after Sunday’s final stage.
You can listen to the full interview with Dean by clicking the ‘Play’ button here:
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