Highlights of 2023

December 20, 2023

Hi Everyone

While it was a year to forget in terms of finishes and results, there were a quite few memorable moments in 2023 and one of the most recent was to re-unite with the Cusco Racing team and drive their Toyota C-HR at the finale of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship in Indonesia.

The roads were a real challenge - rough, slippery, and narrow and unfortunately after ripping off the sump-guard it was a DNF for us. Check out the stages from our OB camera by clicking on this LINK or above.

While the result wasn't great, the event was enjoyable while it lasted and a great opportunity to catch up with a lot of people that we've got to know in the Asia-Pacific Championship - a series Cusco and I have been competing in together since 2012. The 2024 finale is in New Zealand at Rally Whangarei (November 8-10th) and by the sound of it, many of the Indonesian competitors are planning to be there. It's on our 2024 calendar too... see below.

For sure the other stand-out highlight was getting to drive our new AP4 Toyota Yaris at Battery Town Rally Bay of Plenty. While Amy and I only had a few kilometres of testing prior to the event, it only took a few stages before I felt comfortable in the Yaris. As it's 300kg lighter than the C-HR it's very responsive and gives you the confidence to push. It's a pity we went out with a broken axle on Stage 8, as at the time we were having a great battle for 4th and 5th spot with Todd (Bowden) and Phil Campbell.

The Yaris is back at base now having a few mods done to it. The plan is to do a few hill climbs and rally sprints before tackling APRC events Otago (12-14th April) and Whangarei Rally (8-10th Nov), plus Rally BOP (5th Oct).