Peter Dimmock is hoping for a successful run at this month’s Forest Rally as he looks to build on his solid start to the 2024 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) season.
In what is his first full ARC campaign for quite some time, Dimmock will be attending every round this year to contest the Trenching Systems Australia ARC Classic 2WD Cup.
The veteran finished second behind Trevor Stilling at the Techworkz Automotive Rally of Canberra last month after a slow start to the shortened rally before getting into the groove.
Although he didn’t come away with the win, Dimmock was still pleased with his weekend as it was his first major event after a big crash last year rattled his confidence.
“I have been rallying since 1983 and I have only had two big crashes in that time – once in the 1990s, and the other at a state event last year, which caused mega damage and wrote off the car,” Dimmock said.
“Because of that being in the back of my mind, I went into Canberra very tentatively and took it really easy – especially in the morning stages when it was slippery.
“And because of the conditions, I ended up firing off the road about five times, but once it dried out, I had more of a go and started to put some better times in.
“Trevor was quick in the morning, and there was no catching him, but the second half of the event gave me lots of confidence for the rest of the year and I should be able to jump in the car with no problems from WA onwards.”
Following on from his confidence-boosting performance in Canberra, Dimmock now has his sights set on the Classic 2WD title.
And with his main rival from the season opener not attending the second round of the season, Dimmock has the perfect opportunity to seize maximum points.
“I have always done local and state events and wanted to do a full ARC season before I hit 60-years-old, so it was the perfect time,” Dimmock added.
“I want to win the 2WD Classic Cup this year, so we will do every round to give ourselves the best round, starting in WA.
“It’s important to get the win there, I have heard many good things about the event – such as the loose marbles on the surface, while the roads are a lot smoother than Canberra, which I like.
“I am just going to look at what’s in front of me and drive for the win. I don’t want to put any extra pressure on myself. I have been doing this a long time and the car is capable, so I am looking forward to it.”
Entries for the Forest Rally remain open until 11:59pm AWST on Friday 3 May, and can be submitted via the Motorsport Australia Member Portal.
The second round of the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship, the Forest Rally, takes place in Western Australia on 17-19 May.
