Bodie Reading has got first look at the car he will campaign at next week’s Subaru Canberra Rally of Canberra.
Having been involved in a nasty accident at last month’s PowerPlay Adelaide Hills Rally and severely damaging his Subaru WRX, Reading was able to source a replacement from Brendan Reeves, with the ‘new’ Subaru WRX ready for the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) season finale.
The one-off deal came about after Adelaide when Reading was approached by Wawan Dalbo, Gandewa Sanders’ uncle and team manager, who offered to assist in the payment of the lease.
On the lookout for a car, Reading turned to Reeves regarding assistance on insurance for leasing a car, which led to the two discussing the option of Reeves’ own car.
The two managed to reach an agreement, allowing Reading to attend the ARC season finale and keep himself in the box seat for the White Wolf Constructions ARC Production Cup title.
“It feels pretty good to finally have the car locked in and ready to go for Canberra,” Reading said.
“Obviously what happened in Adelaide was hugely disappointing and there was a moment where I didn’t think I would be making it to Canberra, meaning I would have to rely on Steve (Maguire) having a tough round to win the Production Cup.
“There were a couple of options on the table, but once I had the chat with Brendo (Reeves) and we got the deal worked out, I felt very comfortable with leasing his car – especially since there is a strong connection between he and Wawan – his sister obviously co-drives with Gandewa and he himself is involved with the team in a small capacity.
“I feel a lot better knowing that I am going because the title is now in my hands. If things aren’t going my way, then I have the ability to do something about it.
“Because Steve is so quick, we have dropped behind him on the road order, which means we can judge a bit earlier about what we need to do. It’s not much, but it gives slightly the upper hand.”
In getting the deal done, Reading was grateful to a large collection of people who contributed to him getting back behind the wheel for Canberra.
“I am really pleased to be able to go to Canberra. Firstly I am thankful to Wawan for the opportunity. We were looking at paying a hell of a lot more and he will be paying half the lease now,” Reading said.
“Pulang and Bridgestone Huonville have also been immense in their support. as well as everyone else who has chipped in.
“Whether it’s via GoFundMe, or the local fundraiser, which raised double to what we needed, I just can’t thank my local community and the rally community for contributing to us getting to the last round.
“Finally, thanks to Brendan for lending his car, Peter Nunn for preparing the car on some short notice and Les Walkden for offering to transport the car to Canberra and back to Tasmania.”
The Subaru Canberra Rally of Canberra takes place in the forests of the nation’s capital on 17-19 November.
