The Rally Blog » Interviews

Exclusive Interview: Chris Atkinson

mrwatkins83 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:18:28 +0000

Former Subaru World Rally Team driver Chris Atkinson (photo by Dustin Bryant)

Earlier this Fall, rumors began to fly that Subaru Rally Team USA’s Ken Block had signed a deal with Monster Energy Drink to form a team that would contest FIA World Rally Championship rounds on a limited basis starting next year (moving to a full calendar in 2011). Linked with Block in the discussion was former Subaru-factory driver Chris Atkinson.

The Aussie finished his only WRC event of the season (Rally Ireland) fifth, but no deals or agreements came following the solid drive. It’s been difficult for private drivers to run in the WRC full time in recent years. Sponsorship and factory deals have been the way to go for many drivers keen on staying in the sport’s top level, but without them, drivers burn through their own money forming and managing teams.

Atkinson was kind enough to answer a few short questions regarding his future, the difficult 2009 season and what a full-time ride would mean to the him moving forward.

You’ve been out of the World Rally scene for nearly the entire year. A solid finish at Rally Ireland aside, how have you handled a disappointing 2009 season?

It’s been very tough watching from the sidelines, but I have had a few things keeping me preoccupied which has seen the year fly by. Obviously I have been hanging out to get back behind the wheel of a WRC car especially with such an exciting year between Sebastien and Mikko, but that’s life and all we can do is look toward the future.

Have you entertained the possibility of driving in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) or other rally series?

We looked into some options earlier in the year at Monte-Carlo, and while I think it is a great series, the WRC is where I want to be and where I want to achieve my dreams as a professional rally driver.

How has being away from a factory-backed team affected your confidence? How have you kept your skills sharp?

After four years with a factory outfit it’s been a different way of life in 2009. I’ve been keeping my fitness to a premium level all year and staying sharp behind the wheel with a few small private drives/tests here and there, predominantly back home in Oz. The ability to drive a rally car flatout is somewhat a natural gift, and one I definitely won’t be loosing in a hurry! Put me back behind the wheel of a WR car and it won’t be long before the speed is there again.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask about next season. Rumors aside, I know you’re working toward a deal. Reports are that you are a part of a potential deal with Ken Block to form a new Ford team backed by Monster Energy Drink. What would it mean for your future to secure a deal and get back into a World Rally Car?

My clear objective is to get back in the WRC in a competitive car as soon as possible, and we’re doing everything we can to make that happen. We’re having ongoing discussions with a number of different parties for 2010 but, as you’d expect, we can’t comment on any individual stories.

Exclusive Interview: Nathalie Richard

mrwatkins83 — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:29:16 +0000

Nathalie Richard and Antoine L'Estage celebrate their Rally Défi victory (photo courtesy Coyote Rallye media services/Claude Lamoureux)

Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard have reclaimed the Canadian Rally Championship lead after a dominating drive at last weekend’s Rally Défi. With only two rounds remaining in the 2009 calendar, and only 11 points separating Richard and L’Estage from their closest title rival (her brother Patrick), every point from now until the end of the season is crucial. One DNF can derail their title hopes.

Richard recently took the time to discuss her season, what it’s like to compete against family and why winning the remaining two rounds might not be necessary to win the title.

You and Antoine L’Estage have had quite the season in the Canadian Rally Championship. After last weekend’s Rally Défi, you’ve taken the lead and pulled 11 points clear of your brother Patrick in the overall standings. What needs to happen to ensure another championship season?

Richard: It’s been a pretty interesting season so far! We won the first event, which was the car’s maiden rally and then we had mechanical issues at the next two events … one resulting in a DNF on the second last stage and the other resulting in a fourth place finish. Then, with the win at Défi, we’re back in the lead of the championship. Because there is a five point difference between first and second place points, Pat could win the last two events year and we could finish second and still win the title. It’s hard not to go for the win but we’ll have to keep our eye on the big picture.

The opening leg of Défi saw some of the closest competition all year. You had an intense battle with Patrick, and were separated by mere seconds after the first few stages. How did you two survive the attrition that eventually claimed your championship rivals?

Antoine and Pat have actually had some fantastic battles at the last three rallies but each time, one of the two of them has mechanical problems that cuts the battle short. At Rocky and Baie it was Antoine, and at Défi it was Pat. Last Friday night and Saturday morning prior to Pat’s DNF, they were swapping scratch times and only seconds separated them … third place was at least another 45 seconds back. It’s really fun competing again Pat and his co-driver Alan. Antoine and I love having them to compare times with – it’s way more fun than just cruising to a win!

This is the first year that you’ve used the Mitsubishi Evo X. What are your impressions of the car? What are the main differences between the Evo and a WRX?

I haven’t competed in a WRX in years and I’ve never competed in the 2008 Impreza. The Evo X is great. I loved our ex-works Hyundai Tiburon but it was time for us to get a new car. Even though we won its maiden rally in February, we had some teething problems at the beginning. Those seem to be over now and Antoine’s more and more comfortable with the Evo X.

When are we going to see you on the stages again?

Antoine and I will be heading to the Pacific Forest Rally in British Columbia in less than two weeks and then hopefully to LSPR in Michigan two weeks later. We won the PFR rally last year but Antoine’s never competed at LSPR so it should be an interesting month to come!

Canadian Rally Championship standings

Exclusive Interview: Mark Utecht

mrwatkins83 — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:42:31 +0000

Mark Utecht's 2010 Ford Mustang GT (photo by Jerry Winker/Rally America)

Domestic automaker Ford has started to take American stage rallying seriously. After premiering three Ford Fiestas at this year’s X Games, the Blue Oval continued the trend by awarding Mark Utecht the opportunity to drive a brand new 2010 Mustang GT at this year’s Max Attack! finale at Ojibwe Forests Rally. Utecht has been a constant in the national scene for a few years, and thanks to Ford’s Unleashed promotion, the 2WD competitor was able to showcase his talent behind the wheel of one of the year’s most unique rally cars.

I recently caught up with Utecht regarding the GT’s performance at OFR, Ford’s Unleashed promotion and whether or not we’ll see the GT again on the stages in the future.

You had the opportunity to drive a brand new 2010 Ford Mustang GT at Ojibwe Forests Rally. How did that all play out? When did you find out you’d be getting a new ride?

I found out I was chosen in the 2010 Unleashed program about five weeks before Ojibwe. We had a great time and the car was very good considering it was built so fast and this was it’s first event.

Rumor has it that you’ll be given the chance to drive the car in events next season, as well. Is that true? If so, what are the details?

While I did win the Mark vs. Mike challenge on Sunday, the details of the award for winning have not been finalized. I do know it will NOT be use of the car I ran at Ojibwe, and it will most likely be credit towards Ford Racing parts.

Max Attack! was quite exciting at Ojibwe. What are your impressions from the event?

I think Max Attack was a great addition to Ojibwe and vice versa. I think the roads are a good mix of fast and technical, long and short where any advantages are equalized. I think the organizers did a great job giving the competitors an opportunity to show what they could do in the woods. Unfortunately, the rally was two stages too long for us as flats on the last two stages and an off on the last stage cost us our finish in the Max Attack money. We need to recover financially the rest of this year but we will be back next year with a lighter, faster and more drivable Fox body Mustang.

Exclusive Interview: Matthew Johnson

mrwatkins83 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:52:39 +0000

Matthew Johnson's X Games ride (photo courtesy matthewjohnson46.tumblr.com)

Late last month, Matthew Johnson was scrambling to find sponsorship to pay his way to Los Angeles for X Games 15. The North Carolina native scored an invite from Rally America to participate in the weekend’s super special stage, but funding a cross-country trip for his Subaru rally car was not possible without outside help.

Johnson then turned to eBay and shortly after, Case-Mate, Travis Pastrana’s Nitro Circus and NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson all showed interest in putting together a package that would get him to LA. Johnson made the trip and sang the praises of his rally car early in test sessions, but was eventually knocked out during the elimination rounds after massive repairs caused by a collision less than two days earlier.

It’s been a busy few months for Johnson (who also contested the Rally of Nations in Mexico in July), but we’re left wondering what’s next for the up-and-coming rally star. The next Rally America event is this weekend’s Ojibwe Forests Rally, but Johnson won’t be in attendance – as a competitor or spectator. He was happy, however, to fill us in on exactly how he made it to X Games, where he’s looking for funding and when we’ll see him on the stages again.

Exclusive interview after the jump.

TheRallyBlog: You had an interesting strategy to find sponsorship for X Games 15. Would you consider turning to eBay again to find sponsorship or was that a one-time experiment?

Johnson: Thanks, yes we can certainly say our plan turned a few heads. The auction did exactly what it was supposed to do. Number one, we needed to get the message out that I didn’t have agreements for support for the event but badly needed it to get to LA and make things happen to compete at X Games. We managed to get a good bit of attention from the auction. It got some conversations started and those lead to agreements for this and that, and we were able to assemble a program. In the process, the press made it out along a few other channels and got some attention in more distant circles. We ended up having one of the sponsors win the auction but put a few different deals together worth enough to make it happen.

For those who have been around a while they may remember that I used eBay once in the past in 2005 to compete at Pikes Peak. I dreamt up a wacky idea in my sleep and ran with it. I think using eBay to find money for racing has to be done very carefully. You’re trying to find some money, you’re obviously willing to wave the flag that you need help and take a little risk there but you’ve got to understand how you’re opening yourself up. You don’t want to do anything, even when really desperate, that sacrifices who you are and your integrity. Sometimes it’s hard to step back and see the difference but those who have really hung themselves out there know what it feels like. Would I use eBay again? I don’t know, it’s sort of a one time thing. I’m sure eBay will end up on my radar again but it’s pretty far down my list of methods to gain attention and find support.

You’re skipping Ojibwe Forests Rally. Is that decision purely financial?

I’m not going to be at Ojibwe sadly. It will be the first Rally America event since LSPR 2004 that I haven’t at least been physically in attendance. It’s 99% financial but it’s also true that I need a break of a few weeks to get my feet back on the ground. I’ve been running at max pace since STPR with Mexico Rally of Nations and then X Games.

Are you going to run the season’s last two events?

It’s hard to say if I’ll manage to run the last two events. I certainly want to but my car is a long way from competing in it’s current state. It may be best to put every available resource into finding the support to show up in a solid way in 2010.

What are your thoughts on the season so far?

Wow, what a year it’s been. I’ve been really short on work and managed to keep my head just above water and run the events required to accept my X Games invitation. Then the opportunity to run Mexico showed up and I knew it was going to make X Games a tight squeeze right afterward. Speaking of which, did you know there is a town called Tightsqueeze? I know there is but can’t for the life of me remember where in the country I saw it! Back on topic here, looking back at January 1st from here with all I’ve been able to do this season, it’s pretty amazing that somehow I got this far down the road. That’s what we do as ralliest I suppose but, man, I didn’t have any idea how I’d make it this year.

My whole team of folks worked super hard to build a little house of cards one by one so we’d have a program and things actually looked like I might manage to finish out the season right there at X Games. But I’d been running myself, and many around me, way past the limit. For several weeks I hadn’t been getting necessary sleep or any of the daily things that maintain us and make for a clear head. When I hit the wall in practice at X Games, it pretty much knocked down the house of cards. Something had to give and in the end it was a small mistake by me from the drivers’ seat. I’m so embarrassed to make such a mistake; I still just shake my head and look at the ground when I think about it. So, l have a long way to go and a bunch of stuff to do and debrief about. But, like I mentioned already, that’s rally, this is part of the deal, part of the adventure.

Are you working toward sponsorship for next year? What needs to happen to ensure you’ll run a complete schedule in 2010?

Of course, I am! Always. I’m even working on sponsorship for another international rally event THIS year. A lot of things need to happen to see 2010 turn out. I feel like it’s still probably on the early side of the economy recovery for most businesses to be comfortable putting money into a new endeavor like Rally. On the other hand, businesses are looking for strong value for the money they do spend and I think there is a nice little niche that a rally program can exist in there and find some success. I have the desire, experience and access to the right resources but still have to find those major long term partners who are ready to come along for the ride.

Exclusive Interview: Scot Harden

mrwatkins83 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:06:49 +0000

Scot Harden (Courtesy Harden-Offroad)

Scot Harden is more than an accomplished rider – he’s a legend. He’s won the Baja 1000, the Baja 500 and is a former SCORE champion. He’s even completed the world’s most difficult rally, the Dakar, and came out with a solid top-20 finish. Needless to say, he has as impressive resume in the sport as anyone (evidenced by his 2008 induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame).

When Harden announced he would be contesting the Black River Stages Rally (a dual car and bike event) in September riding a Bobby Wooldridge prepared bike, I knew I had to talk to him about RallyMoto(tm) and his expectations for the event.

TRB: You have a very impressive racing resume, including Dakar finishes and a few Baja victories. What made you decide to enter Black River Stages?

Harden: I guess the main reason I’m riding the Black River Stages is that my friend and Husqvarna dealer Bobby Wooldridge kept inviting me to go to one with him. Bobby is very passionate about Rallymoto and has been trying to get me to go to one with him for over a year. The schedule just kind of worked out for this event. I had been following the series and wanted to attend an event for some time.

What is your goal for BRS? Do you anticipate riding flat out for victory or are you racing for the experience?

My goal is to check the series out, meet the people involved and have a little fun. I’m not approaching this in a super serious racing mode. I’m riding a borrowed bike and am just using the opportunity to learn about the type of racing experience Rallymoto offers.

Do you see motorcycles becoming more common at events that have traditionally run only rally cars?

I’m usually pretty skeptical about events that combine cars and bikes but understand the necessity from a logistics standpoint. Let’s face it, without the cars providing the foundation, the opportunity probably wouldn’t exist. From what I have heard and read they seem to do a good job of combining the two, so from that standpoint I think it provides a good example of how the two racing disciplines can work together to expand rally opportunities overall.

Is there room for growth in North America for motorcycle stage rallying? What needs to happen to ensure the sport’s continued development?

It depends on what you consider stage rallying. I come from a background of marathon raid rallyes that cover long distances of off road terrain. I organized the only official raid rallye in the U.S. for several years, the Nevada Rally Experience. It is very different from the Rallymoto format. The Rallymoto format is the only format that can actually occur in the U.S. on a relatively wide scale at this point due to the fact that they are able to run it on public roads, and even that is a dicey proposition. I’m sure if everyone knew the amount of work the organizers put in to get the appropriate permits and approvals in place they would probably be even more appreciative of the efforts of the promoters.

Do you see yourself contesting more Rallymoto events in the future, or do you see yourself involved in team management?

I’m 53 years old and have accomplished everything I ever dreamed of as a racer. I still enjoy riding and racing occasionally but my role now is more in the direction of helping develop products for this type of racing, team management, rider training and event promotion. I did this with America’s only full scale Dakar Team effort, the U.S. Red Bull/KTM Rallye team, the Nevada Rallye, which I mentioned earlier, and the training I have provided through my company Harden Offroad. Working for Husqvarna gives me a huge opportunity to help develop products that are ideally sorted for this type of riding/competition. Still, in the back of my mind I can see myself taking on at least one more big racing Adventure. I took on Dakar at 49 years of age and finished 2nd overall at the Baja 1000 at the age of 50. I rode the Baja 500 with my son at the age of 51 and got 5th overall so I guess I’m not quite ready to hang up the leathers.

What’s next for you? Where will you be riding next?

I’ll be doing a lot of testing and riding in conjunction with the 2010 Husqvarna New Model Press Release activities. I’ll also be attending the Cycle World Trek in October; I’m organizing a five day ride in Baja for a group of friends from work in the fall, pre-running the Baja 1000 in November with my son. I’ll probably slip in a few moto days when I’m back on the west coast as part of our press introduction activities and when I’m working out of the New Jersey office I usually slip in a few riding days over in Hancock, NY or in our secret riding area in West Milford, NJ. I’m never far from a bike.

For a complete list of Harden’s accomplishments, please click here.

Age is just a number

mrwatkins83 — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:03:44 +0000

Co-driver Jamie Beliveau is still in high school, but that hasn’t prevented him from pursuing his dream of being a professional rally competitor. His most recent stint in a rally car was sitting alongside Alan Moody at this year’s New England Forest Rally, though he’s experienced well beyond his years.

The Citizen of Lanconia (out of New Hampshire) recently wrote a great article about Beliveau.

I plan on buying my own rally car after college and running regional events. Right now I see Rally America as a good place for young stars to get a good start and that’s just what I’m doing. So for the future, don’t be surprised to see my name on the entry list of Pro rallies here in the Eastern area!

We look forward to seeing you out on the stages. Keep up the good work!

Full story here.

Exclusive Interview: Tanner Foust

mrwatkins83 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:50:17 +0000

Tanner Foust (left) and his Ford teammates at X Games (photo courtesy TannerFoust.com)

Tanner Foust, fresh from his bronze medal performance at X Games 15, is a busy guy. Despite his hectic schedule, the stunt, drift and rally competitor took the time to respond to a few questions for us about last weekend’s X Games rally. He gives us his thoughts on the Ford Fiesta, X Games Rally rookie Brian Deegan and explains exactly what happened on the hairpin that cost him the heat against Kenny Brack.

The X Games just completed. The mix of manufacturers was as good as it’s ever been there. What are your thoughts on this year’s event?

A huge amount of work went into arranging the Fords for X Games this year in conjunction with our Rockstar program. Logistically, it was a nightmare, and as a driver, I did all the wrong things by getting involved in most of the non-driving facets of the effort. In the end I think we did our job though. Ford is happy and has a great feeling about US rally, Rockstar got amazing coverage through Deegan’s races and mine and we formed some interesting relationships that wouldn’t have been possible without the draw of the X Games. And that’s what it’s all about, working for the fans, the sponsors and the betterment of the sport.

Are you disappointed with your finish? The heat between you and Kenny Brack might have been the best from the weekend until you slid off your line.

Kenny wounded his car on the jump while I was able to save mine to the end, so I thought my chances in the race against the other Ford were reasonable. On the last run down the straightaway I had a small lead but I had to refocus on the hairpin. The turn around the fountain went well but when coming back onto the return straight I drove through the wrong gap. I couldn’t see the entrance onto my straight and drove through what I though was the correct path … I was wrong. It only cost about five seconds but that was enough for Kenny to run with it. I was very bummed that I made that mistake, but I have to be happy to bring Rockstar a 3rd medal in three years.

The Fiestas looked very solid. What do you think it will take to bring these cars to Rally America? Would you consider running them in the future?

The Fiestas are great little cars and they would make amazing stage rally cars. I’d love to run one in the RA series. We just have a few details to work out.

Rally X rookie Brian Deegan plans to contest some events in Rally America next season. Are former (and sometimes current) action stars good for the sport?

Deegan is a great addition to the sport. He clearly has driving talent, he has a great fan base that is not currently represented in the sport and he has history with Travis. I hope things work out and we are able to run as teammates in the upcoming season.

When are we going to see you on the stages again?

I’m trying hard to get back into the woods. It’s a tougher sell to sponsors than drifting or truck racing, but I love to rally race and plan on continuing to mix it up with my friends and competitors in the RA series.

Must-listen podcast

mrwatkins83 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:21:18 +0000

SpeedFreaks.tv has an awesome podcast featuring X Games gold medalist Kenny Brack and Ford teammate Tanner Foust.

“Former Indy 500 winner Kenny Brack surprised many in the motorsports world by winning the X Games Gold Medal in Rally Car Racing, beating X Games icon Travis Pastrana in the process. Kenny tells us how he did it and how his teammate Tanner Foust helped him in the process. Wait’ll you hear why Tanner lost to Brack in the semi finals!! Team orders? Listen…”

Sweet!

Kenny From The Brack Collects Gold Bling