2014 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship winner Scott Pedder is eagerly anticipating his return to Tasmania for the upcoming season opener.
A confirmed starter in this weekend’s Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston, Pedder will be looking to impress in a location where has previously enjoyed plenty of success.
Steering the Renault Clio that took Pedder to victory in the 2014 Championship, the Victorian will return to the ARC with some fond memories from previous rallies on the Apple Isle.
“I have an unhealthy love affair with this car so any opportunity to bring it out of the shed and run it I will,” Pedder, who will co-drive in Launceston with Christopher Randell, said.
“Really, we are bringing a knife to a gun fight with two old blokes in a naturally aspirated front wheel drive against the latest generation R5 and AP4 turbo, four-by-four cars but I suppose in Victoria last year we proved what can be done and certainly the faster Tasmania roads that are hopefully dry will give us the best chance possible for a strong result.”
Pedder who was a strong performer at his most recent ARC event in 2022, the Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally, said he was impressed with the growth of the ARC in 2023 and was eager to be part of the growing Championship.
“It is great to see the ARC going from strength to strength with new cars and strong brands endorsing the championship with their support,” Pedder added.
“A special thanks to Rob Davis and Katie Philps for their enduring support… and my wife Caroline for putting up with my 37th return from retirement.”
Pedder’s last gravel rally in Tasmania was in 2006, winning the second heat of that event in a Ralliart Australia Mitsubishi Evo 9. In 2005 he was runner up to Cody Crocker at the same event. He also previously competed in a tarmac event in 2010, winning the round in a Race Torque prepared Pedders Evo 9.
No stranger to rallying, Pedder has also forged a hugely successful career as the Managing Director of Pedders Suspension and Brakes – a brand that is a strong supporter of Australian motorsport.
The 2023 Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston takes place this weekend, 24-26 March in Tasmania.
Photo: James Forrester
