WORLD RALLY CAR DEBUT FOR REES AND CHARITY
Taking time out from his preparations for the 2005 championship, West Wales rally driver Dorian Rees will contest the Wyedean Forest Rally in a Subaru Impreza World Rally Car to help raise money for the Cobalt Appeal Fund, a divisional office for Cancer Research. Since collecting four awards at the Kwik Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship Dinner back in Mid January, Rees has been working hard to organise fundraising activities for the charity.
As part of the fundraising activities, Rees organised a rally forum in Lampeter on Friday 4th February with guest speakers including Howard Davies, Phil Collins, Melvyn Evans and Julian Reynolds. The evening attracting lots of support raising over £5,000.00 on the night.
Dorian will contest the Chepstow based rally with Paul Willetts co-driving. Paul who has also been instrumental in the fundraising activities, has been a long time friend of Dorian and was eager to help not only the charity but also get Dorian into a World Rally Car.
"I have watched Dorian over the short time he has been competing in rallies and admired his speed and have always wanted to see what he would be like behind the wheel of a World Car. This will now be achieved and will be in aid of a really good cause. While our plan for the rally is just for Dorian to have the experience in the car and see how he adapts, our main objective is to get a finish for the charity. Dorian's major disadvantage will be the anchor in the passenger seat."
The 2004 BRC Production Champion conducted a minor test in the ACE Motorsport run car just to familiarise himself with the set up. While he has no high expectations for the rally, he is well aware of what his goals are."I spent very little time in the car but it has a lot more power than I'm used too, so it will be interesting to see what it will be like on proper stages. While this is a good opportunity for me to drive this car, we have to think of the rewards for the charity and make sure we finish the rally. I have many people to thank for their support and donations so we also need to finish for them."Dorian and Paul would like to thank everyone who have donated or supported the activities especially the panel who attended the forum along with special thanks to Pirelli Tyres, Calico Interiors, Den Golding Construction, Dragon Racewear and ND Signs.
