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Vol.8: 11, July 2006
2006 Group N IMPREZA finds success on tarmac
The SUBARU IMPREZA is no stranger to success in rallying; it is, without argument, the most successful rally car of its era. In Group N, the IMPREZA spec C dominates the PCWRC and a range of national championships around the globe.
This issue of Group N Journal takes a look at how well the spec C has been doing on tarmac events in a variety of countries over the first half of the 2006 season. Remarkably strong results have been achieved by a range of competitors from around the world using this latest version of the IMPREZA.
While out of the spotlight of the world stage due to their national-level status, these events are every bit as challenging as WRC rallies; and tarmac's biting grip - or lack thereof, makes them intensely exciting to watch.
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| Copyright © STI |
One of the factors that allow the IMPREZA to run so well on sealed surfaces is its AWD traction system, a SUBARU original. SUBARU is known as a leader in technology, and the drive system is just one of many innovative advances that make the cars so unique.
More than a car's technology, it is the competitors inside the cabin that make the car perform. The new version spec C has a wealth of highly accomplished pilots running the car, and the results are pouring in.
This latest version of the IMPREZA has already proven successful in a variety of championships and signature events. From Poland to Italy, the Turkish rally championship to the Rally Ireland WRC-candidate event, these are just the start of what promises to be a year of accolades for the new offering from SUBARU.
Poland
Back in the winter, when most competitors were still running on snow and ice, the '06 spec C IMPREZA made its intentions known with a debut win on the opening round of the Polish championship. The pilot, Leszek Kuzaj was to make his PCWRC debut just six weeks later on the Rally Corona Mexico (where he finished an impressive fourth). Starting off the year with victory in a new car was just the way to do it. The Pole has since gone on to two more wins on tarmac in his national championship - all at the wheel of the new spec C.
Italy
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| Copyright © SUBARU ITALIA S.p.A. |
The Italian Rally Championship consists of 11 events, the majority of which are run on black top. Reigning champion Piero Longhi and co-driver Maurizio Imerito have consistently had their 06 spec C at the sharp end of the grid throughout the first six events of the season. In the new car, the pair has taken wins on rounds two, four and five - and snatched the overall lead in the driver's championship on the latest round, Rally Salento in the middle of June.
Turkey
The Turkish Rally Championship features some of the oldest rallies run in Eastern Europe. This year, reigning TRC champion Ercan Kazaz ran a spec C for the first time, coming in second on his debut in the car. Meanwhile, his teammate Hakan Dinq, running the N4 car all season, took Group N victory on the first two events, both in the newest version of the IMPREZA spec C.
Rally Ireland
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| Copyright © STI |
A candidate event this year, and hoping to become a regular rally in the WRC from 2007, Ireland has a lengthy history in tarmac rallying. The Circuit of Ireland, the West Cork (later Cork 20) Rally, Kilkenny Stages name just a few of the events that have attracted international competition over the decades. This year in March, SWRT driver Chris Atkinson drove a '06 spec C to Group N honours in the WRC-candidate event, dominating the class with a winning margin of over two and a half minutes!
Such success so early in the season sets a strong message to other competitors in tarmac and mixed surface championships around the world.
The allure of cars tearing it up on the black stuff has something of an intense attraction for many rallying fans. Maybe it's the fact that it's closer to the conditions they face in their own road cars - or maybe it's the primal urge they feel as the tyres squeal while eating up the road.
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