Troy Dowel has revealed his new-look Skoda Fabia R5 ahead of the season opening Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship round this weekend.
Backed by Pedders for the Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston event, Dowel will steer the impressive WRC-spec machinery for the first time in competition in Tasmania.
Dowel finished fourth outright in the ARC, steering his Activ Motorsport prepared Hyundai i20 G4 to some impressive finishes throughout 2022.
Now in an even faster car alongside experienced co-driver Bernie Webb, Dowel was eager to start the season off strongly in his Pedders backed entry.
“I am really excited to be getting the season started this weekend and couldn’t be more proud to be carrying Pedders colours this weekend,” Dowel said.
“Scott and the whole Pedders team have been terrific to me and I am truly grateful for their support.
“The Skoda Fabia R5 is a really impressive piece of machinery and having already competed in Tasmania in 2022, I am hopeful my driving and results can go up another level at this event and for the rest of 2023 in the ARC.
“There’s still lots of preparation and hard work to come, but I can’t wait for this year’s rallying season to get underway.”
Pedders Supension and Brakes Managing Director Scott Pedder was delighted to be supporting Dowel’s efforts in the season opener.
“Pedders has a long and successful history with rallying in Australia, especially with identifying and assisting talented drivers progress through the sport,” Pedder explained.
“Some of the names of drivers that Pedders have assisted in their careers include Ed Ordynski and Simon Evans – and more recently Harry Bates and his quest in WRC2 in New Zealand last year. Troy Dowell is another of those young and passionate up and coming drivers that we know will fly the Pedders colours with pride at the opening round of the 2023 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship in Launceston.
“This particular relationship and sponsorship is a little bit different and actually more special than normal. I consider Justin Dowell – Troy’s father – a great friend personally and he and his Victorian-based Activ Team share the passion for rallying that I do.
“Since Troy started his rallying career a few years ago I have watched in awe at the strength and support of this family unit in the face of the incredible personal health challenges that Troy has had to endure. Troy may never reach the heights of an Ordynski or Evans ….but to me he is an exceptional young man that deserves the sport’s support – in fact – in my eyes given what he has gone through he is already a champion. On behalf of everyone at Pedders we hope his dreams do come true.”
Dowel’s campaign begins at the Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston on 24-26 March.
