Crocker takes China and collects more silverware

crocker6 Crocker takes China and collects more silverware

Subaru rally driver Cody Crocker has produced another superb drive to win the Rally of China this weekend, adding the 2009 Asia Cup title to his impressive collection while also helping Subaru to another Asia-Pacific Rally Championship manufacturers’ title.

The three-time Australian champion had already secured a fourth-straight APRC driver’s title after winning Rally Indonesia in October.

It has been a remarkable season for Crocker. Driving the MotorImage Impreza WRX STI, the Victorian finished on top of the APRC points’ table with 94, just two shy of the prefect score of 96. He and co-driver, Ben Atkinson, took the honours in all six events of the Championship – Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and, now, China.

Crocker was in control across the weekend, setting the fastest time on both days, to finish well clear of his team-mate, New Zealander, Emma Gilmore. The Mitsubishis of rivals Katsu Taguchi (Japan) and Gaurav Gill (India), both failed to finish the opening day.

The result left Crocker 43 points clear of Gilmore (53) in the series, with the hapless Taguchi slipping back to third, after failing to add to his total of tally of 47 points in China.

It is the 27th consecutive finish in the APRC for Crocker, a remarkable record of consistency in a sport renowned for its brutality on the dreams of drivers and the proper functioning of their cars.

“It is a fantastic way to end the season,” Crocker said.

“We came here with the APRC already won, but with important business remaining. We really wanted to win the Asia Cup as well, but most importantly, we wanted to make sure that Subaru’s name was engraved on the Manufacturers’ trophy.

“So the year has ended brilliantly. It wasn’t easy this weekend. The course took a lot of prisoners, but our Impreza continued to perform faultlessly.

“It really was the perfect weekend. I’m not sure what will happen next year, but we’ve certainly finished this campaign off on a high.

“I’m very grateful to MotorImage for giving Ben an me the opportunity to drive in the past three APRCs, and I’m glad we have finished the year on a high for them.”